Northern Chile Cormorant 2023
‘Exercise Northern Chile Cormorant’ saw 13 individuals from 206 Multi Role Medical Regiment deploy to Chile to complete one of the most famous and extreme circuits in the world- The ‘O Circuit’ in Torres Del Paine National Park, Patagonia. This expedition involved personnel trekking 150km in the Patagonia wilderness requiring navigational skills, physical and moral robustness alongside excellent administration as the group were self-sufficient throughout the 8 day trek. The expedition developed three current Mountain Leader Trainers, three summer mountain foundation personnel and enabled 6 unit members to attain their summer mountain foundation qualification (SMF).
After negotiating two flights, the group arrived in Puerto Natales which was their base for the start of the trek. Here the group got to work as a team to organise their weeks food with ‘porridge bagging conveyor belt’ and trail mix bagging station and attempt to fit their rations, tents, sleeping systems, personal and group kit into their rucksacks. ‘ When we all picked up our bags on the first day, mine weighing in at 25kg, I think we were all aware that we were going to be carrying them for 160km over the next 8 days, and that this may well be quite a difficult task.’
The Torres del Paine National Park is located on the Southern tip of South America, surrounded on the west by fjords and on the east by prairie. Torres Del Paine National Park hosts one of the world’s most dramatic mountain ranges including famed rock formations.
EX NCC, 21/11 – Trek day 1.
Laguna Amagda to Camp Seron. 22.5km
An 0615 start from Puerto Natales meant they arrived in Laguna Amagda at the National Park at 0830. A few admin checks, including park permits, and the group were off, starting the expedition with a planned 14km route. Typically, first day bad luck struck, and after only 2km it was revealed that the intended trail was closed. Despite the un-picturesque detour, and an additional 7km, morale was high and the group were happy to be out.
After the dirt trail ended, the route took them through scenic fields and forests, with the weather being an ideal 23 degrees. Arriving at Camp Seron, tents were pitched and jet boils lit before a well needed group stretch and a few card games. No blisters so far, but minus a set of poles…
EX NCC, 22/11 – Trek day 2
Camp Seron to Camp Dickson, 21km
Warm weather meant despite starting in warm layers, the majority of them had stripped down to Tshirts and factor 50 sun cream within the first half an hour, the cooling winds giving a false sense of security. An undulating route and a total elevation gain of over 2000ft presented some incredible views of the bright blue lakes below and the snowy mountains above.
Lots of snacks, painful covers of 90’s classics and history lessons (the cold war didn’t gain its name due to low temperatures), and the team arrived in Camp Dickson. Tired and hungry, but definitely bonded, the evening was spent eating biscuits, drinking hot chocolate, and talking through the aims of AT and the Summer mountain foundation qualification. Blister count at 2.
EX NCC, 23/11 – Trek day 3
Camp Dickson to Camp Perros, 15km
A shorter day was welcomed by many within the group, and the first experience of how quickly the weather can change, and as such the associated dangers, were discussed. High winds, evidence of rock and tree fall, and varying temperatures lead perfectly into the evening lessons. On approach to the campsite, they had the first glimpse of glacier grey. A Huge glacier covering the side of the mountain and stretching into the lake below. The winds on approach were the highest they were to experience, and many had to launch into the mountain to keep from blowing away. Luckily, the only victims to the wind were Sgt O’Sullivans beloved hat and Capt Kelly’s quiff. Camp Dickson was basic but provided good shelter for cooking. Blister tally remains at 2.
EX NCC, 24/11 – Trek day 4
Camp Perros to Camp Grey, 21km
0700 start due to a long day head! An initial steep climb led to a long day of steeper climbs, and saw us go over the pass in some unexpected deep snow. Within the group, experienced ski instructors were able to educate on the varying techniques to ascend and descend snow safely, and it soon became everyone’s favourite day with both the challenge and the views contributing. Excellent teamwork and trust made this day enjoyable for all, and despite tight timings and 2030 camp arrival, morale was high. Blister count at 5, and 1 broken (and now taped) boot is in play.
EX NCC, 25/11 – Trek day 5
Camp Grey to Paine Grande, 12km
A well-deserved later start (slightly) and a shorter route day was a nice treat. This allowed the group to fully appreciate the scenery and ‘miradors’ as they walked around the edge of the mountain, following the glacier for miles. Arriving in Paine Grande early afternoon, meant they could fully make use of the larger camps facilities. Hot chocolate (not made in a jet boil!) and a meal from the restaurant (also not made with a jet boil!) was very exciting, and expected of 13 British soldiers, the buffet was absolutely rinsed. Blister tally remains at 5, no further losses, broken boot was retaped.
EX NCC, 26/11 – Trek day 6
Paine Grande to Camp Frances, via Mirador Britanique, 23km
The group split down for this trek, with half starting at 0500 to ensure they could fit the extra 12km trip up to Mirador Britanique. This extra leg saw group 1 drop their bergens and travel up the mountain with only day sacks. The climb was a fun and steep trail, with a scramble for the final 800m, this day was worth it as the views throughout and at the top were incredible. Having timed it perfectly for the views, the weather quickly turned prompting the decent during which they witnessed 2 large avalanches. Collecting the bergens and travelling on, they were relieved to find a note from group 2 that they had reserved 3 (vertical) pitches and continued to the next camp. Add 1 broken pole to the list…
EX NCC, 27/11 – Trek day 7
Camp Frances to Camp Central, via Cuernos, 17km
Group 1 travelled from Frances to Cuernos to reunite everyone, arriving slightly behind schedule after finding a beach and getting overly competitive when skimming stones (Capt Kelly holds the record at 8). Happy to be together as one, stories and pictures were shared from the previous day. The trek to camp central was not a challenging one, traversing lakes and meadows and at lunch, some very squashed birthday cake was presented to Capt Camp which they got very excited about! They arrived at camp central in good spirits, despite the very overpriced shop (equivalent £5 for a snickers) and downpour rain.
EX NCC, 28/11 – Trek day 8
Camp Central to Mirador del Torres, 24km
An 0100 start with day sacks and wet weather gear saw them split into two groups, turn on the head torches, and head up. What would be a tricky enough route in the light, due to the undulating terrain, incline and weather, ensured they slowed down and took their time. Arriving at the top after a near 4000ft elevation gain, they sat in all our warm weather gear, huddling like penguins, and watched the sun rise up between the mountains. It cast a beautiful orange and pink hue against the famous three doors and was one of those once in a lifetime ‘wow’ moments, even if they couldn’t feel any fingers or toes! The clouds quickly came in as they started their descent, all feeling very grateful but glum that the expedition had come to an end. In total, 6 blisters, 2 lost poles, 1 broken pole, 1 lost hat and a taped up boot isn’t too bad! The aims of AT were well and truly achieved in the most beautiful landscape. A once in a lifetime trip.
Overall Ex Northern Chile Cormorant was an expedition that exceeded expectations in many ways. The views and scenery were outstanding with the group having a great appreciation of the diverse nature of the world. ‘ The Patagonia Exped was a once in a life time experience trekking through incredible landscapes. The trek was harder than I had expected in terms of distances and carrying weight but I did it with the support of everyone else on the team and so grateful to have been able to go’ Cpl Garratt.
Every value and standard was displayed and developed by all and after a turbulent few years with the merging of their reservist units and NHS work for this medical regime it has done a great deal for morale and unit retention and recruitment with all participants being extremely grateful to Ulysses for their significant support which enabled all members to participate.
To be frank, it was amazing. When you join the Reserve, one of the things that draws you in is the possibility of going on adventurous training expeditions to far flung places, like Patagonia. However, you’re never quite sure when or if these kinds of expeditions actually take place, and how to access them. Therefore to have this exped organised and led by Capt Swan from our own unit was an amazing opportunity for all of us. I have already been waxing lyrical about my time in Chile at work and with friends and family, making sure they all know how amazing our experience was. A once in a lifetime experience. Whilst there were arduous elements to the exped, and lessons to take away, it was certainly an absolutely fantastic experience, and I will have memories from Ex NORTHERN CHILE CORMORANT for the rest of my life.’ Capt Kelly
