So that's us all wrapped up and finished for another year and the Commandant and I have already set the ball rolling for ski cadet 2018.
We have all had a fantastic week... it was a pleasure to spend the last 9 days with some outstanding, well mannered and enthuastic young men and women, a credit to their families and our cadet forces so I would like to say a big thank you to all the cadets and parents for helping to make this exercise one won't forget.
In closing I would also like to say a massive thank you to the adult instructors and ski instructors, Maj John Wadsworth, SMI Paul Wright, SSI Sarah Burton, AUO Shane Parker, CA Rachel Walker, CA Ryan Young, Capt Tony Willmore, WO2 Billy Kinniburg, Sgt Nige Green and especially Col Chris Young and CA Mrs Lisa Young... without their help and support throughout the planning and delivery of the exercise, this last week would not have been possible.
So that's me signing off until Ski Cadet 2018... Warming Order to be issued shortly, spread the word and book your place!
...Washing on, kit away, shower, fast food & a real bed!
RSMI Kris Cross
Sunday 19 February 2017
ETA 1400h
Just said a quick fairwell to our drivers and ski instructor Nige and now heading back up the m1 to Derby, ETA is approx 1400h... see you all soon
RSM
RSM
Saturday 18 February 2017
At Calais
Travelled through German and into France throughout the night with a few quick driver changes most of which the cadets slept though... arrive in Calais at 0730 local time so made excellent time. The good news is that we made the 8:50 ferry instead of the 12:30 ferry we were booked on!! So looking like we'll hopefully be back a little early, will keep you posted when we cross over back into Blighty!
Day 6
After a misty start and a little dusting of snow the weather cleared and made way for another glorious day.
Although it has been a physically demanding week the cadets and adults set out with the same enthusiasm and drive as they have demonstrated throughout the exercise.
I spent a little time videoing some of the cadets today for assessment then was able to ski with 3 of the 4 groups and have added plenty of action Ski-by photos.
I have been involved with many ski exercises with hundreds of cadets over the years but have to say that this group of cadets have bonded and there has been a great and friendly team ethos between all from Derby ACF and Repton School CCF. The level of availability of a number of the cadets is beyond my skill set and I was happy to ski in their track as similarly with the beginner and intermediate groups.. some fantastic skiing skill, controlled, disciplined and very capable.
We finished the day with a team photo and then it was back to drop off the hired ski equipment, showers, dinner, coach loading and so begins the drive across Europe!!
15 mins and most are catching flies and zonked out so I imagine it will a quiet one for a few hours.
I'm singing off for an hour or two... a bit of admin to be done and eyelid inspection!! I will keep posting updates as we head towards Calais.
We're on our way home!!
Just a quick post to say that we are underway on our return journey hitting the road at precicily 1930h in true military time keeping fashion!
I will keep you posted on our journey as we travel through Germany and France enroute to Calais.
I will update the day 6 blog now.. have plenty of time on my hands!!
RSM KC
I will keep you posted on our journey as we travel through Germany and France enroute to Calais.
I will update the day 6 blog now.. have plenty of time on my hands!!
RSM KC
Friday 17 February 2017
Day 5
Day 5
A slightly different day weather wise today... we woke up to rain at hotel level and we're checking and re-checking the forecast and a short time later the rain turned to sleet and then to snow... at altitude it was snowing heavily so off we set to the Fellhorn.
A fantastic area with great views however it was incredibly cloudy and with wind and snow visibility was poor. Nevertheless we pressed on and it was a great opportunity for the cadets to experience and ski in different weather conditions... short runs and cafe stops were the order of the day and all of the cadets battled the conditions in a very safe and confident manor and has another great day on the snow with lots of fresh powder.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to get too many photos today due to the weather conditions and when I get some more photos from the other instructors i will post them.
Back at the hotel prep was underway for our move out tomorrow followed by a good meal and our presentation evening. All the cadets were awarded their snow sport qualification book and grading, there were additional presentations for the most improved ski cadets and presentations for the instructors.
I have photos of all of the presentations and will upload them when I get back to the uk as there are over 40 pics and my mobile data is just about maxed out today!
So on to the final day, we plan a full day of skiing to round off a full week followed by a swift change and shower, dinner and all to be back on the road tomorrow at around 1900h local time.
I will keep you posted on our progress as I did on the way out and upload the remaining photos during transit.
Best regards
KC
A slightly different day weather wise today... we woke up to rain at hotel level and we're checking and re-checking the forecast and a short time later the rain turned to sleet and then to snow... at altitude it was snowing heavily so off we set to the Fellhorn.
A fantastic area with great views however it was incredibly cloudy and with wind and snow visibility was poor. Nevertheless we pressed on and it was a great opportunity for the cadets to experience and ski in different weather conditions... short runs and cafe stops were the order of the day and all of the cadets battled the conditions in a very safe and confident manor and has another great day on the snow with lots of fresh powder.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to get too many photos today due to the weather conditions and when I get some more photos from the other instructors i will post them.
Back at the hotel prep was underway for our move out tomorrow followed by a good meal and our presentation evening. All the cadets were awarded their snow sport qualification book and grading, there were additional presentations for the most improved ski cadets and presentations for the instructors.
I have photos of all of the presentations and will upload them when I get back to the uk as there are over 40 pics and my mobile data is just about maxed out today!
So on to the final day, we plan a full day of skiing to round off a full week followed by a swift change and shower, dinner and all to be back on the road tomorrow at around 1900h local time.
I will keep you posted on our progress as I did on the way out and upload the remaining photos during transit.
Best regards
KC
Thursday 16 February 2017
Day 4
Day 4
Slight change of plan today and we skied back at Oberjoch and will head to the Fellhorn tomorrow.
I know I keep saying it but it was another fantastic day weatherwise, crisp blue skies, warm sun and great snow conditions. The focus today was fine tuning all the skills we had been developing this week... the ability level of the all the groups has increased significantly and I've seen some fantastic, well controlled, tidy skiing from all groups.
The advanced & intermediate skiers have been leading their group under supervision of their instructors and have been challenged with some interesting terrain, all taken within their ski stride!
The beginner groups are not beginners any more! They have come miles from where they began on the first day and are well and truly ready for everything the Fellhorn has to offer tomorrow.
Another trip to the leisure pool tonight and one or two cadets have come across some interesting head attire! Can you spot who they are?!?
We can't wait for tomorrow and the cadets and instructors are buzzing recalling stories from the day
Some pics from the intermediate groups below...
Slight change of plan today and we skied back at Oberjoch and will head to the Fellhorn tomorrow.
I know I keep saying it but it was another fantastic day weatherwise, crisp blue skies, warm sun and great snow conditions. The focus today was fine tuning all the skills we had been developing this week... the ability level of the all the groups has increased significantly and I've seen some fantastic, well controlled, tidy skiing from all groups.
The advanced & intermediate skiers have been leading their group under supervision of their instructors and have been challenged with some interesting terrain, all taken within their ski stride!
The beginner groups are not beginners any more! They have come miles from where they began on the first day and are well and truly ready for everything the Fellhorn has to offer tomorrow.
Another trip to the leisure pool tonight and one or two cadets have come across some interesting head attire! Can you spot who they are?!?
We can't wait for tomorrow and the cadets and instructors are buzzing recalling stories from the day
Some pics from the intermediate groups below...
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