Himalaya Selection Camp

CAMP 5 COMPLETE

Dates: 2nd - 12th of May 2010

Our Young Explorers:

Top - Left to right

Ashwini Menon, 19, Malaysia / Alexander Groos, 20, Germany / Kai Pryce-Fitchen, 16, South Africa / Tiziana Gees, 19, Switzerland / Jye Kluske, 19, Australia / Francois Poisbeau, 20, France

Middle - Left to right: Shruti Neelakantan, 19, India  / Leonard Chua Jun Yi, 17, Singapore http://leonardchua.net/ / Daniel Hübner, 20, Germany / Hugo Clément 17, France  / Erica Wineland-Thomson, 20, USA  / Elisa Rodrigues Alves, 17, Brazil 

Bottom - Left to right: Robyn Lighton, 17, South Afirica / Iga Sobańska, 18,  Poland / Basil Tan She Jeeng, 20, Singapore / Lauren Morrell, 15, USA

YEP 5 HIMALAYA Selection Camp Video Gallery

YEP 5 HIMALAYA Camp 10

Day 10: 11 May, by Daniel & Robs

Today consisted of many awesome activities including building a raft and using it. We ended off the raid with a big 5 hour hike. Everyone was exhausted but continued to be motivated until the very end.

The Gees Yaks arrived in first place, and The Tigers in second place. After an incredible two days, everyone chilled and relaxed for the rest of the day tending to blisters and tired friends:)

We ended off the day with a delish Raclette, a tradional Swiss meal of cheese and potato before falling into bed.  

After an amazing two day journey, our friendship grew stronger than ever before making everyone very sad to know that we’d be leaving each other tomorrow.

Despite being a very tough two days, the raid will always be remembered as the day that every single one of us pushed ourselves to beyond our limits.

YEP 5 HIMALAYA Camp 9

Day 9: 10 May, by Daniel & Robs

For those of you who arent aware what the raid is, it is an extreme version of a treasure hunt minus the treasures.. :)

After hearing about it for ages, the day of the legendary raid finally arrived! After being divided into two groups of 8, we were given our equipment and a few wise words from Martin and Mike. Unfortunently one special member, Ashwini, had to leave us to go home for a college interview.

The two groups, the Tigers and The Gees Yaks, consisted of

The Tigers: Daniel, Francois, Lauren, Robs, Basil, Iga, Tizi and Shruti.

The Gees Yaks: Hugo, Leon, Erica, Alex, Jye, Kai and Elisa.

We (Daniel and Robs) were in the same group, the legendary Tigers:) After guzzling down a carbo-loaded lunch, we were all getting extremely excited and eager to get going.

After meeting in the dining room just after 1pm, we were all packed with our matching black backpacks. The tigers were slightly taken aback when the Gees Yaks walked into the room with an awesome display of tribal face paint. Feeling slightly disadvataged in the spirit department, Basil decided it would be a good idea to bring along his whistle..from that moment on Basil would not be seen without it:) 

3-2-1 and the raid started. Each team got their maps and a compass and began looking for the points that needed to be followed in order to complete the course.

Finding our points first, the Tigers set off first on our bikes towards our meeting spot where we met Claude-Alain, our amazing guide. The Gees Yaks were guided by Martin and his muscles.

Our first stage was a bike ride from Hotel de Ville up onto a steep mountain trail. After putting up an awesome fight and giving her absolute best, Shruti from The Tigers, decided to have a break and travel with Mike and the rest of the Team in the car. It was awesome to have a team mate encouraging us on our way! :)

Everyone gave their best and despite being completely exhausted, many managed to smile in their spot interviews with Mike along the way.

After finishing the bicycle trail we started on our hike. After hiking for over three hours, through sun, rain and snow, we finally reached the summit. The next obstacle was to via ferrata, travelling across a rock face attached to your team and cables. It was incredible. Team work was essential here and everyone did a great job. The views were unbelievable!

On the descent, Basil unfortunently twisted his ankle but continued on like a real trouper ! Both teams did incredible teamwork and kept eachother motivated thoughout the course.

After the descend the teams were instructed to carry their bikes up a steep mountain path. This was very hard but the reward was awesome- an amazing downhill bike ride. We continued running on adrenelin and after completing a very fun team work exercise, and an amazing flight on ‘the flying fox’, we continued cycling late into the night.

After being on the go for 12 hours, with only a 5 minute stop for food and a smile from Caroline, we finially reached our camping destination for the night. After pitching our tents in groups of three, we got our food and started setting up the tents of the next team who arrived a while later. After getting into our cozy sleeping bags we fell asleep very quickly and 4 hours later were woken up by Mike Horn shaking our tents calling “This is not a sleeping raid !“

A very sleepy and excited group of 14 Young Explorers jumped out their tents and got ready for the day ahead.

YEP 5 HIMALAYA Camp 7

Day 7: 8 May, by Iga & Jye

The day started abnormally early due to the five o’clock wake up call of the procession in the streets of Châteaux d’Oex. An early morning run through the village was the start to an exciting day of video editing and photography workshops. Using tips and techniques from Ben and Dimitri we explored the surroundings of the local church in search of landscape photographs. After taking many interesting photos we were then introduced to a computer program which enables the photos taken to be edited to improve the imagines appearance.
 
Following the photography workshop we were split into our video groups where we used the handy cams to produce our short movies promoting the Pangaea Young Explorers Program. Using tips from “Mooses” video and film techniques workshop on Friday night we worked as groups to film a video. After returning to the Hotel Markus provided an interesting insight into editing our film electronically using Premier Pro.
 
After a very busy and creative day Michael Scholl gave an informative talk about his work with Sharks in South Africa. Michael made all the Young Explorers aware of the problems facing sharks particularly fining for soup for the Asian communities.

YEP 5 HIMALAYA Camp 6

Day 6 : 7th May 2010 Written By : Basil & Tiziana

The young explorers woke up at 6.30am today to prepare for our 2nd morning jog. We assumed the run would be similar to the previous one which had a downhill route. However, to our surprise, Martin led us on a uphill terrian. Andy and Bryan from the Mayo Clinic joined us in the morning run too. The temperature was about 4 degrees. The uphill run was really tough as the slopes were really steep.  However, we pushed and encouraged each other to complete the strenous task. We saw goats and cows along the way which made the journey less tiring. Finally, we reached the top and the view was spectacular but we could not stay long to enjoy the amazing scenery as we have to run downhill, back to the hotel to get ready for BREAKFAST !!!

After a hearty breakfast, we split up into our groups. The 1st group continued the fitness test conducted by the Mayo Clinic Team, while the second group had a seminar on First Aid and the dangers of frost bite.

Mayo Clinic Fitness Test :
We did various exercises, which tested us on our strength, flexbility to stamina. The sit-and-reach test tested us on our ability to reach further than our toes when sitting down. The single leg squart, curl ups (sit ups) and push ups tested our strength. We had a fat percantage test being done by squeezing our fats using a caliper ! Another test was to measure the capacity of our lungs. After all these indoor tests, we went out to do a jump and reach test, followed by shuttle run. The finale of the test is the Cooper Test which requires us to run as far as we can in 12 minutes.
Basil : ‘The Cooper Test was the toughest test for me as the atmospheric air is much cooler than what I breathe in Singapore. It was all mental !’

Tiziana : ‘It is very important that we push each other to our limits so that we can achieve more as a team.’

First Aid & Frostbite Seminar :
Martin presented horrendous photos of victims suffering from severe frostbite. There are 4 stages of frostbite.  It starts from mild decolouration and blisters to the final stage of the affected area turning black. We learnt techniques of mitigating frostbite from occuring on us. These techniques include being active, keeping dry and most importantly proper protection. Moving on, the first aid session was crucial in teaching us some innovative methods of making a stretcher using backpacks. After the theory lessons on first aid, we had a mini competition between the 2 groups. The winner has yet to be annouced !

Tiziana : ‘I was surprised how comfortable the makeshift stretcher is, and how easy it is to make one ! The process is very logical.’

Basil : ‘The photos on frostbite were extremely disturbing ! However, it managed to send a powerful message across to the youth explorers on the importance of keeping warm and dry. In Singapore, frostbite is injury that is not talked about much and I am fortunate to be given a proper education on it.’

Katadyn Presentation :
Trix, CEO of Katadyn, presented different products which can be used to produce clean and portable water at an affordable price. Other than producing clean water, Katadyn supplies stoves and gas canisters for outdoor enthusiasts. One of the highlights of the presentation is the magnesium flint fire starter ! Matches and lighters are not needed anymore as this amazing fire starter is effective even in wet and cold conditions. Katadyn is a strong partner of the Pangaea Expedition. It supports projects of young explorers who are keen to reach out to communities who need clean water.

Young explorers are excited to be involved in such projects to provide a helping hand to the less fortunate communities.
Tiziana : ‘ The young explorer can be glad to have such a strong partner which is willing to support fresh water projects around the world.’

Basil : ‘The accessibility of fresh water is unequitable around the world. It is important that companies such as Katadyn has decided to go the extra mile to provide clean water to the communities  at an affordable price.’

Video and Photography Seminar :
After an amazing dinner,  our videographer, Nic (Moose), gave us a short presensation on filming and video production. We were split up into 3 groups to produce a promotional video for the Pangaea Youth Expedition. Even though it was late, we started to brainstorm together to come out with a structure for our videos.

Tiziana : ‘It was a long day with different interesting activities ! I’m looking forward to another fulfilling day with the Mike Horn Team and the young explorers !’

YEP 5 HIMALAYA Camp 5

Day 5: 7th May 2010 - By Lauren & Leonard

This morning, day 5 of the 5th Pangaea Selection Camp, we woke (if we slept at all) frozen to our sleepingbags. It was difficult to mentally prepare ourselves to put our boots on and peel out of our tents. Once we had breakfast with the team, and noticed, in the improved weather, the beautiful sky and mountains around us, everything was better and we were ready to go !

Roped up to each other and wearing crampons, we were off to explore the crevasses of the Matterhorn glacier. The most exciting part of the hike was abseiling just above a crevasse and sliding down a steep slope. It was the first time for many of us, but whatever anxiety was dispelled once we took the leap of faith and jumped off the ledge ! At the end, we were rewarded by the magnificient view of mountains amidst clouds, a moment that would stay in our memories for the rest of our lives.

YEP 5 HIMALAYA Camp 4

DAY 4: 6th May 2010 - By Alexander Erica

Tuesday night we all prepared our gear for the following day to the Matterhorn Glacier.  We were given mountaineering boots, tents, mats, sleeping bags, cooking gear, harnesses, food, a Werner knife and new Petzl headlamps !  All of this equiptment we packed in our backpacks and took with us the following day to Zermatt and the Matterhorn Glacier.

Wednesday, we ate breakfast around 5 am and we were on our way by 6am. The team from the Mayo Clinic gave half of us arm bands to wear, which took measurements of our energy expended throughout our time at higher elevations. 

The other half wore wrist bands with a finger clip that measured oxygen levels and pulse rate while sleeping at 3,750 m (approx. 12,000 ft).  We left Château-d ‘ Oex in the rain and after 2 ½ hours by car, 20 minute train ride to Zermatt and three cabel cars up the mountain, it was blizzarding.  We set up the tents inside the building and then walked them outside into the storm to set them up.  The wind was very strong and our tents were almost being wipped out of our hands as we tried to secure them to the ground with poles and ice piks. It was thrilling…especially for Jye (from Australia) and Robs (from South Africa), who have never seen snow before !  Basil and Leon, from Singapore, have never seen such high and impressive mountains before so this excursion was very new to them and all of the rest of the young explorers.  

We slept three to a tent and the Mike Horn team, French guides and French reporters slept in a large neon green, bubble-like tent that took all of us to set up. To weather out the storm, we hunkered down in our tents and tried to boil water for soup with only one lighter that didn’t work at first. However, after warming and drying it in our armpits, we were succesful and happily drank our soup. 

At 8 pm the storm passed and we all stepped out of our tents in time to see the sun slowly set behind the majestic Matterhorn.  It was a sight we will all remember vividly !  Some of the young explorers were slightly sick from the altitude, however they were able to see the view.  After the sun set we all ran to our tents because it became dark very fast.  Some of the tent groups were succesful in making noodles for dinner and some ate snacks before we all settled down for a good sleep….or so we thought….The tents were very narrow, wet and cold. 

This day was a great experience and challenge for all of us and we all learned a lot from it ! We can’t wait for our next adventure !

YEP 5 HIMALAYA Camp 3

Day 3: 5th May 2010 - By Elisa Rodrigues Alves

Today, all of us went on morning exercise at 7 AM before eating! It was very cool to run with the others into the forests of Switzerland. We past some muddy and wet bridges which were extremely slippery and it was very funny. We also ran on narrow roads & trails and we had to be carful all the time. Next, we did some agility training, running between poles, we performed some pull-ups and some push-ups in groups. We then ran flat out to “Hôtel de ville”. A few people had difficulties to follow the groups’ rhythm then we had to support them and that gave them strength to finish the trail. From there we just walked around Mike’s Hotel to cool down and stretch from the run, hungry for a much needed breakfast (NutellaJ)

Everyone really enjoyed and it was a true team work too!!!!

Early start for tomorrow, we’re all REALLY excited!!!

Hugo Clément

A team from Mercedes-Benz came to visit us today. We were divided into two groups , one went on test-driving Blue-Efficiency cars and the other one stayed for a seminar about these same cars.  They told us how the car’s shape, tyres and weight can have an influence on it’s efficiency and economy on gasoline. We talked about Mercedes new Blue-Effeciency technology and the hybrid technology, that is a mix of an electronic car with petrol fuel, and why these two new types of vehicles have low CO2 emmissions.  Then in the test drive we could see through a devise  called eco-log that measured the fuel needed during the ride, the time taken, the speed, etc. This way we could really see how economical the car is and the types of situations where it will waste more fuel. So then they tea ched us how to reduce our fuel consumation by breaking less and just letting the car  slowdown by itself (when possible, of course). Then we tested their advices and we proved that it saves gasoline by doing these small ‘’tricks‘’. In the end we were able to test drive a F-Cell car that uses Hydrogen as its fuel and is electric as well. There’s only nine of these in the world, but one of them was here with us ! It looks and it rides like a normal car, really smooth and it is really quiet. And still we had a workshop to construct a small F-Cell car, that produced hydrogen out of water and then have fuel to move.

Today’s experiences were pretty amazing and we learned a lot.

YEP 5 HIMALAYA Camp 2

DAY 2: 4th May 2010 - By Ashwini Menon, Malaysia

After lunch, we were instructed to meet the team from Mayo Clinic for a fitness evaluation. The team, consisting of Dr. Bryan Taylor, Andy Miller, and Jennifer Fitz-Gibbon immediately set us off on a series of tests, including tests for general physical metrics, physiology, fitness and lung function.

The VO2 max test was the most tiring, however many of the young explorers were able to achieve exceptional results. On top of that, we all managed to learn new and interesting bits of information about the mechanical functions of our body. After the testing, we were given a short break to relax before dinner. The young explorers took this time to exchange unique gifts and delicasies from their respective countries with each other.

I was so happy to receive these gifts, and was even more happy to have been able share a little slice of my culture as well, by offering my new friends a taste of coconut and durian dodol, a local Malaysian sweet. After dinner, as it was Ben's birthday, he was suprised with a delicious carrot cake! It was very meaningful to have been part of this joyous occassion. Soon after that, we headed to the seminar room for two talks held by our Mayo Clinic instructors, Dr. Bryan Taylor and Andy Miller.

The former spoke about the physiological aspects of hiking in areas of high altitude, while the latter spoke about nutrition. In a nutshell, both talks were extremely informative, and I really learnt a lot. After the talks had ended, the young explorers retired to their rooms, eagerly awaiting tomorrow's adventure!

YEP 5 HIMALAYA Camp 1

Day 1: Day 1: 3rd May 2010 - By Kai Pryce-Fitchen, South Africa :

After hour upon hour of flying from Cape Town Robyn (Robs) and I finally touched swiss soil and we were welcomed excitedly. The drive to  our hotel was amazing, managing to speak to the other enthusiastic YEPers.

The team has been so fantastic- they've been helping and guiding us through everything. We're all feeling right at home!

This morning we had a CHILLY and RAINY start to the morning. Having a early morning cycle across green  Meadows. The ride showed every one a beautiful part of the world, snow covered peaks, roaring rivers and  pristine conditions- a new reality!

After a much needed breakfast group 1 (my group) went down with the guyz from Mayo Clinic to push our bodies to the edge. It was sooooo much fun and it was really interesting to see our results and our bodies limits! Jenny and Brian helped us out incredibly.

After The VO2 Test we went out to learn more about map work and we put it into practice were our group went scrabbling up slippery hill to find particular bearings-got seriously dirty:) Martin and Fed were in charge ofthe map work- comical teacherslol. we also discovered that Fed is a serious climber, he has become the elite few to summit Everest with no O2!

Supper was amazing- we had a swiss soup with lots of cheese - obviously:) and we celebrated Benedikt`s B-Day (he says he's turning 21 but no-one is believing him :)

Well that it for today and I'm eager to start tomorrow!!!

By Shruti Neelakantan, India : First day and yet so eventful.

As one sees the view of this beautiful place from the airplane, every soul would know that they have almost reached their dream destination. Coming to Switzerland and being part of the Young Explorers Program was something not many would have imagined.

Meeting my fellow participants at the airport was exciting, of course after a little drama at the airport with the immigration and baggage. Soon all of that was forgotten when I had to meet students from all over the world. Heading for our short drive to Hotel De Villa. All of us were busy talking and quickly exchanging our names and countries. And then there was a little bit of ooh-ing and aa-ing looking at the scenic view Geneva had. WE stopped for a small break where Alexi got me this new drink called SPARKLING WATER, which added to my excitement, it was just water with bubbles.

Reaching the hotel and exploring to see how wonderful our rooms were was next on our agenda, new roommates, beds and everything so perfect. We had Martin give us a brief on what we have ahead of us for the next ten days and how exciting it would be followed by an inspiring talk from MIKE HORN, THE man. He was telling us how much he values what he is doing and how we must learn to do the same, but I am sure everyone in the room felt the same for we are privileged to be explorers. The big day came to an end with distributing T-Shirts and caps and truck loads of excitement.

The morning agenda started with cycling. Which was another huge event in my day. I walk up to see these amazing looking bikes , I was so thrilled. Just to realize I was unable to ride the bike, as they were so different from what it is in India. I tell myself to give it a shot and I try which is when Jye tells me that the bikes have gears and I had no idea how to use them. Trying to ride a distance, I see my fellow explorers have gone a long way and I come back to the hotel to avoid losing my way.

It has been very eventful till the moment, it is good to be in a quiet place like Geneva unlike the ever-bustling India, it is also really different and there is so much to learn. With the day ahead packed with more activities, I look forward to join the other explorers in completing my activities, rather successfully, making every moment more memorable. WE all know we are here for a reason, and we all look forward to do our best and giving to all to the Mike Horn Team.