9th-12th-Lancers - Year 2001 - Page 0048
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| Regiment | 9th/12th Lancers |
|---|---|
| Year | 2001 |
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48 REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE 9TH/12TH ROYAL LANCERS (PRINCE OF WALES’S) Exercise BAVARIAN FITTER DIAMOND LAD Adventurous Training - June 2001 At 0600 on the 18th June, we gathered outside the LAD to await the transport that would whisk us away for ten glorious days at Alpe Eible in Bavaria. Spirits were high as, for many of us, this was our first chance to take part in adventure training in quite a while and, to be honest, we were all looking forward to just getting away and unwinding after a very busy six months. On arrival at Alpe Eible, we were disappointed to find that the weather had just changed for the worse. However, this did not dampen our spirits and, after introducing ourselves to the lodge staff and 4 Regiment Royal Artillery (who were sharing the lodge), we arranged ourselves into our groups for the first part ofthe adven- ture training package. The activities were to be broken down so that we would get a chance to experience rock climbing, hill walk- ing and canoeing before we had to decide which one we wanted to gain a proficiency qualification in by the end of the course. Following a good night’s sleep, we were all eager to get started and, after a hearty breakfast, we all went on our separate ways. Unfortunately, the weather had not changed so the hill walkers and climbers set off expecting a wet start. The weather, did not affect the canoeists, as they were soon all on the lake practising capsize drills and paddle skills. Our instructor was SSM Henderson (described as being a ‘cutie’ by one of the other female instructors at the lakeside). After a few rather comical attempts, everyone seemed to be getting the hang of it, apart from LCpl ‘Dunx’ Atkinson who, after capsizing his canoe, continued to swim in the wrong direction, hit the bottom of the lake and then proceeded to come to the surface feet first! Quite an achievement considering that he was wearing his life jacket at the time! The rest of the day was spent getting used to the canoes and gaining a bit of confidence on the water. After lunch, two ‘hardened’ canoeists: LCpls Atkinson and Stott, along with SSM Henderson, decided to circumnavigate the ‘gargantuan’ Alpsee Lake. LCpl Stott actually covering twice the distance as his paddle seemed to be ‘defec- tive’ and would not allow him to travel in a straight line. The other two groups had an equally enjoyable start to the adven- ture training, despite the rock climbers having to do all their climbs indoors, which was not ideal in the heat. However, this seemed to suit Sgt ‘Bigfoot’ Woodall. If he had actually been out in the wet, he would have been unable to stay on the rock face as the lodge could not provide climbing boots for someone whose shoes are made to order from Harland and Wolff dock yard! All of the climbers had a chance to reacquaint themselves with various knots and techniques, which may have gone a bit rusty over the years. Unfortunately, due to the weather, the first group was unable to experience the abseil from Tiefenbach. Only one group completed this, under the super- SSM Henderson Kayak/ng on the A/psee LCp/ Anderson , a /ot of hang/ng around on the EX vision of our instructor, Dave. They all thoroughly enjoyed it apart from the members of 4 Regt RA who decided to politely decline. The hill walkers also braved the elements, along with the canoeists, and had a chance to brush up on their map reading skills as well as view some breathtaking scenery. After two days it was time to choose the activity in which one wished to receive a proficiency qualification. However, first came a well earned break in Austria with white water rafting and mountain biking. On returning to the lodge, we collected the equipment required for the next five days activity and prepared for an early start. After five days, everyone was exhausted but had managed to catch a bit of the sun, as the weather had eventually improved; in fact, it had become extremely hot. Everyone agreed that they had all learned a great deal and, in the case of the hill walkers and rock climbers, they had also seen some spectacular scenery. Overall, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and would like to say a big thank you to Sgt Harris for organising the exercise, and also to all of the instructors from both the Regiment and the lodge for all the hard work they put in to producing a very memorable 10 days. Hi Sgt Meeke, Sgt Herr/s {/C EX), LCp/ McGarn/ and LCp/ Anderson |
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