RAF Regiment Northern Exposure Expedition: The Final Run Out

Our final night out for the trip also provided us with some of the coldest conditions. We headed out in clear weather with the sun already dipping behind the mountains. We were heading out into the same valley to that of previous nights, and our aim was to be in before sunset, intending to conduct some final checks of kit and equipment and to give Gavin Campbell, our accompanying cameraman-director, another opportunity to capture some of our training and experiences on film; although one could argue we were more of a hindrance than a help in his quest for the ultimate shot!

The ski out went well, helped by the fact that much of the route had now been ‘piste bashed’ for a cross-country route making the going relatively easy. In no time we were back at our familiar camp location with the tent up and stove on. The other essential activity which we had to conduct during this outing was to eat the remaining 8 main meals we had yet to try – an undertaking in itself! But these final taste tests would inform the final meal selection which we would eat on the expedition.

The meals which needed to be eaten (or tasted at least) were, Savoury Minced Lamb, Chicken Korma, Chicken Jalfrezi, and Fish and Potato with Parsley Sauce for dinner and for breakfast, believe or not, Kung Po Chicken with Noodles, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Spaghetti Bolognese, and Savoury Mince and Rice…….of which 3 made the final list….. Spag Bol, Fish and Potato and finally Kung Po Chicken. Time will now decide if we were right in our food selection!

As we did some final checking of kit the temperature started to fall very quickly to around minus 20, which although is warmer than we expected to experience on the trip, still felt cold. However we had Gavin’s presence to keep us occupied, as he attempted to conduct in depth interviews and we behaved as we normally do! Gavin subsequently said that he managed to obtain some excellent footage, but that only about 5% of it is ‘broadcastable.’

The remainder of the time was spent skiing up and down the valley providing some ‘b-roll’ for Gavin (and we don’t know what it is either!) and just ensuring that we were familiar and confident in our kit choices. In all a very successful trip out which re-enforced a number of the lessons from the previous outings.