204 FIELD HOSPITAL – EX NORTHERN ALPINE SERPENT FINN

The second part of 204 (NI) Field Hospital’s Annual Continuation Training (ACT) took place in the stunning setting of Morzine in the French Alps. Morzine, during the summer months, offers up a plethora of activities for enthusiastic adults and it was the aim of our ACT to ensure everyone had the opportunity to challenge themselves in an environment such as this. With ten or more different activities on offer, including caving, white water rafting, mountain biking and via ferrata, everyone could push their boundaries that bit further.

Making use of our own instructors for many of the activities enabled us to make the most of what the region offered us. Spectacular views for the hill walkers and vacant ski slopes for the mountain bikers. For some of the more specialised activities, we were able to make use of a local provider, whose expert local knowledge made the caving and canyoning achievable and memorable for all.

Being so close to Geneva and Lake Leman gave us the opportunity to hire two small yachts and practice some sailing skills, which was superb. Despite going in September, which is supposedly the rainy season, we were very fortunate with the weather and were only rained off (huge storm actually) once! 

The final day culminated with an all ranks Sports Day, run on the banks of Lake Leman. Everyone showed great enthusiasm for some of the slightly unconventional activities, including Boules (we were in France), American Football and a Mountain bike obstacle course. Winners were presented with a useful cow bell each. 

Close to Morzine and an area of incredible beauty is lac du Montriond. This was a popular spot for the mountain bikers and hill walkers and was made use of very early one morning as 204 had its camp photograph taken there, much to the amusement of the locals.

Certainly, ACT B in Morzine achieved its aims and more, giving individuals the chance to take part in activities they would never normally have been able to. It also gave our own instructors the opportunity to expand their own knowledge and experience.