Frisbee ’99

22^nd June – 29^th. July, 1999

Frisbee ’99 team on the summit of the Hispa La, 5151m

What started as a daydream in Weymouth College, developed to an idea in the Hog’s Head finally consolidated into a full-blown expedition.

Initially plans were thwarted with reactions like “Oh f****!!” from leading white water canoeists and mountaineers alike, on hearing of the proposed K2-like ascents and still steeper descents!  Trying to ignore them the plans progressed, but after much well meant advice were eventually scaled down somewhat to: crossing the longest stretch of glaciated terrain outside of the poles; mountaineering in one of the most isolated regions in the Himalayas; and descending only the mid/lower sections of the glacial melt rivers!

An expedition team of six was formed, and training weekends were undertaken in Scotland, with many-a-game of frisbee whilst climbing in the spindrift blasted corries, and nights spent in dripping snow holes.  Paddling-wise Hicksy is the demi-god of all rock splatting, drop boofing freestyle boaters, so hopefully his river magic would wear off on the rest of the team.  Similarly Thacker’s used to pulling many up a rock face, and coaching through those difficult ‘disco leg’ sessions which would be more at home in the Ministry.

Meetings with the Young Explorers’ Trust, Imperial College Exploration Board and the Dorset Expeditionary Society provided further encouragement, with comments like “planning of outstanding quality”, “good to see such inspiring young leaders”.  Now all that was required was for everyone to come back alive!!  Then came sponsorship, with support from companies from all over the country.

Finally, after many months of planning “Frisbee ’99” was born, and six young men were ejected from the comfortable placenta of college life kicking and screaming onto the mountains of Karakoram.  The following are extracts of their jottings and ramblings (alcohol induced and otherwise).

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