Having only got back from three weeks in Argentina at 21:30 on the Sunday evening, at 07:30 on Monday morning I presented myself a little bleary-eyed for duty with the RAF at their excellent training facility at Grantown-on-Spey. I was working alongside a great team of instructors assisting a cross-section of RAF personnel improve their mountaineering skills and experience, gain some foundation qualifications, and generally prepare themselves for their forthcoming expedition to the Himalaya in August as part of the centenary celebrations since the forming of the RAF. The expedition is called the Himalayan Venture 18, and more information is available at https://www.facebook.com/raf100hv18/?hc_ref=ARSLOkNsbSnirSBtB1UCP12ZPZE4vBcCX9IDub6MTlkxKUQLtEmqn6rSKFVEyKv0Q4k&fref=nf
Over the week we had to be flexible with our plans as the Scottish weather was predictably changeable, as well as very wintry at times, with storm-force winds and heavy snow. Avalanche awareness was a very important part of the syllabus, along with the basic skills needed to move safely in the winter hills. The mix of personnel ranged from reservists and cadets, through regular ranks to even a full-blown Air Commodore, all of whom threw themselves full-tilt into the experience. We were supported by the staff at the Robson Resilience Centre who offered their expert advice, and also who fed us admirably.
We finished the week with a night out in the hills, after having practised some emergency procedures and snow shelters, and all returned tired but buzzing. A really enjoyable week surrounded by motivated and enthusiastic folk who were keen to learn in spade fulls. Fantatstic.
There is more training going on this week, but I was not available unfortunately, so good luck to everyone involved, and enjoy your experience in Nepal!!!
Over the week we had to be flexible with our plans as the Scottish weather was predictably changeable, as well as very wintry at times, with storm-force winds and heavy snow. Avalanche awareness was a very important part of the syllabus, along with the basic skills needed to move safely in the winter hills. The mix of personnel ranged from reservists and cadets, through regular ranks to even a full-blown Air Commodore, all of whom threw themselves full-tilt into the experience. We were supported by the staff at the Robson Resilience Centre who offered their expert advice, and also who fed us admirably.
We finished the week with a night out in the hills, after having practised some emergency procedures and snow shelters, and all returned tired but buzzing. A really enjoyable week surrounded by motivated and enthusiastic folk who were keen to learn in spade fulls. Fantatstic.
There is more training going on this week, but I was not available unfortunately, so good luck to everyone involved, and enjoy your experience in Nepal!!!