997 – ‘Dragon Venturer Ecrin’ – France

Every Leader knows that an expedition never entirely unfolds according to the plan and that the inevitable curved ball or two is to be expected. Co-ordinating two expeditions travelling to France on the same day with a multitude of pick up points collecting eighteen canoeists and ten mountaineers on route to Dover not unsurprisingly did cause some headaches. Who could have plotted for a ten mile traffic standstill on the M25 south unless you are a regular traveller on that notorious stretch of Britain’s motorway net work? We missed our planned ferry and were minutes behind the next departure as we saw it lift its ramp and the lights dim as it sailed into the dark waters of the channel. Frustrating, but at times like this it pays to be philosophical and have a cuppa, that famous British elixir that dissolves all your problems.

When we eventually reached the French shores the two expeditions headed in their own direction towards the River Ardeche for 5-days canoeing and kayaking or the Ecrins region for 5-days alpine mountaineering.

DRAGON VENTURER ECRINS

The purpose of this expedition was to introduce 10 selected Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) to the challenges of Alpine mountaineering environment providing them with the opportunity to acquire the necessary experience on the pathway to apply for the Alpine courses advertised within the Joint Service Alpine Mountaineering Scheme. This is only the second occasion that a focussed Alpine mountaineering course has been conducted for the Cadet organisation and is a further step towards building a nucleus of potential Alpine Leaders and Instructors within the ACF/CCF which in turn would encourage them to organise and lead Alpine mountain expeditions within their Cadet units.

The expedition was based in the high mountain village of Ailfroide which is located within the Ecrins Alpine mountain region, France. The community campsite is enclosed by a breathtaking panorama of imposing rock faces and snow capped peaks. The village provides all the required facilities, 2 small supermarkets, 2 climbing shops where you can hire equipment, a couple of cafes and a tourist information where you can obtain a weather forecast.

The training focussed around the practical skills of Alpine glacier travel, crampon and ice axe skills, crevasse rescue, climbing rope work and belay techniques and via ferrata skills. These skills were tested on the glaciers, rock climbing venues, rock ridges and via ferrata routes readily accessible in the local area.

DRAGON VENTURER ARDECHE The purpose of this expedition was to introduce 18 selected Adult Instructors and Senior Cadets (16-18yrs) to the challenges of kayaking or open canoeing on one of France’s extremely popular intermediate white water rivers providing them with the opportunity to acquire essential experience on the pathway towards gaining National coaching level qualifications.

The expedition was based in the Camp D’Midi campsite in the rural village of Vallon Pont D’Arcs. The family run campsite is located within the awe-inspiring limestone gorge formed by the Ardeche river.

The training focussed around the further development of personal kayaking or open canoeing skills, expedition leadership and safety and rescue techniques in a white water environment.

Both expeditions were a complete success. The experience of canoeing on one of France’s magnificent rivers and mountaineering in the heart of snow capped mountains has given the Cadets and Adult instructors alike an opportunity to enrich their experience to a new level. The added skills qualifications achieved were the icing on the cake.

We would like to sincerely thank the Ulysses Trust for their generous support.