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Twenty six
members of the Mountaineering Group have recently returned from a
fortnight in the Swiss Alps. The team, which comprised Explorer
Scouts, Network members and leaders, were based in the tiny village
of Arolla which is situated at the head of the Val de Herens in the
heart of the western Valais.
Generally
settled weather throughout the two weeks allowed many of the
surrounding peaks to be ascended; these included the Pigne d’Arolla
(3790 m), the Tete Blanche (3710 m), La Luette (3548 m), Pte de
Vouasson (3490 m), Monts Rouges (3192 m) and Mont Dolin (2974 m); a
party also attempted the 3716 m L’Eveque but were forced to abandon
their attempt 50 m below the summit due to poor snow conditions. In
addition to ascents of the higher mountains, several lower level
walks were completed; other “rest day” activities included rock
climbing on the valley crags and the ascent of several awesome Via
Ferratas.
For many of
the team this was their first experience of alpine mountaineering
and they were able to gain valuable experience in glacier craft
together with other alpine skills such as moving together on
exposed, loose terrain and generally travelling fast and light in
the mountains. Several parties enjoyed overnight stays in the high
mountain huts, including the famous Bertol, Vignettes and Dix huts,
though two parties eagerly experienced the delights of bivouacking
during their ascent of the Pte de Vouasson. Once the party leaders
were happy that the basic alpine skills had been adequately
mastered, the “Over 18’s Rule” was used to good effect, allowing
several parties of Network members to plan their own excursions and
undertake them without the “encumbrance” of an authorised leader;
the responsibilities this placed on those concerned will, without
doubt, help to ensure we have an adequate team of leaders for future
events.
In between
all this strenuous stuff, evenings were spent relaxing on the
campsite, or in the local bar, where Ash’s guitar playing proved to
be hit not only with our team but also with the locals. On the
return journey, those of the party who had opted to travel by public
transport, rather than by minibus, enjoyed an overnight stay in
Geneva, witnessing the annual carnival and exploring the old city.
Future alpine
trips are already being plotted, so if mountaineering is your thing
and you like the sound of joining us, then contact Dave Ridout, Dick
Griffiths, or Geoff Lyons for further information.
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