End-Ex

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

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

Docking in Dover

Good to see the white cliffs after a smooth trip across the channel

At sea...

Just crossing the channel... a slightly nicer view of Calais:

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.

Kris

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