Ex Sweden Dragon Blue
Conducted during Cambridge OTCs jam-packed summer of AT expeditions, Ex Sweden Dragon Blue, organised by alumni Captain Loades-Bannon, along with WO2 Taylor and 7 Officer Cadets, embarked upon the challenge of completing a 245km segment of the infamous Kungsleden or “King’s Trail”. The first hurdle for us all was the 3-day journey to the north of Sweden, with the driving admirably shared between all of those who were able. After entering the Arctic circle, we came to the end of our journey and from this point we would leave the warmth and comfort of our van only to be greeted by torrential rain.
Our trek began from Kvikkjokk where we would follow to Kungsleden with our homes for the expedition firmly strapped to our well-packed rucksacks. The trek took us through some of Swedens most beautiful terrain, peaked snow-capped mountains and large glacial lakes which throughout the trek were frequented by those willing to brave to cold plunge. In trekking style our campsites were pitched along the side of the trail at well frequented locations, regularly along with fellow trekkers from several other countries such as Germany, Netherlands and even Ireland. Fuelled by ration packs and plenty of sweets, we made great progress along the trail however still rewarded ourselves with stops at the refuges located at intervals along the trail for those who required more advanced facilities. These refuges, typically only accessible by foot or helicopter, were oasis of Swedish culture with accommodation and some even a sauna. At these refuges we could once again engage with Swedish culture and experience for a short period of time, a way of life very much off grid, even meeting local Sami tribespeople.
At the halfway point in our trek, due to incoming bad weather, we were unable to progress further with the trail as the trail would again take us further from civilisation, and only be accessible by foot, with potential that a rescue helicopter, if required, would be unable to fly. Still stocked up on plenty of morale, as a group we made the decision to venture to other parts of the country in search of more trekking routes and locations where we could further our off-road capabilities and experience the trekking lifestyle that we had all found to enjoy.
Camp Life
Our home for the night was found along the edges of the trail, usually at previously discovered locations with a water source close by. As a group we distributed our camping equipment from tents to cookers amongst all trekkers as to ensure that everyone was carrying an appropriate weight along the trail. Once our tents had been erected, we soon tucked into our issued ration packs, ranging from sausage and beans to sweet and sour chicken. Once consumed the group would congregate around a fire which had been built by the group and guzzle mugs of tea and enjoy our surroundings.
The Impact of this Trip
Mental and Physical Courage
For the first few days of the trek the Scandinavian weather decided to unleash a wash-pout of rainfall which was consistent for the first few days of our trip. For these days it was easy to put up your waterproof hood, put your head down and plod along from puddle to puddle, however this was not an option for our group. Despite tents sometimes becoming swimming pools and realising that, as said by one Officer Cadet “nothing is ever actually waterproof for long”, the group often found humours from each other sliding down the footpaths usually ending in one sat waist deep in a puddle. Being such a small group, tight relationships were created quickly and those who were veterans of the unit were soon found helping and encouraging those with less experience in these conditions.
Inspiration
JUO Allen, who recently passed her Mountain Leader Training course, and is now at RMAS declared “I have found confidence to plan my own AT expeditions and be able to dynamically problem-solve to ensure that everyone gets the most out of the expeditions.”
We are always incredibly grateful for the help that the Ulysses Trust provided to us as expedition in countries such as Sweden would “simply be too much to afford” for many of our Officer Cadets. Without such aid that the trust provides many of us simply wouldn’t be able to afford the experience the things that we have, and memories that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.
First Hand Reviews
“The Sweden trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity. From finding courage and determination in myself that I didn’t know I had, to pushing myself far outside my comfort zone by swimming in near freezing glacial waters and trying reindeer meat.’ OCdt Gour
“I never thought walking could be so much fun! Discovering these refuges in the middle of nowhere really put life back home into perspective. Such a happy people with only the basics yet so cheerful and so interested in each other. Swimming in the lakes was such a great way to recover from the long days however the water was not funny cold!” OCdt Nevin
