Infectious Enthusiasm in Bavaria

There was a jolting 'what have I let myself in for' moment on learning I'd been picked out of the hat for an Alpenrose trip. Some of the staff who run the centre are ex-army and there were stories of alarming physical activities. Arrival at the Alpenrose soon dispelled that. The accommodation and food were first class and the staff friendly and supportive, facilitating not just the activities but the social side as well. Some are volunteers because they believe in what the centre stands for - personal development, new experiences, pushing boundaries. Their enthusiasm was infectious.



The stunning scenery was a perfect backdrop to the activities - Nordic skiing, snowshoe walking and team building - involving ropes and wires across gorges - the most rewarding as it needed cooperation, trust, and teamwork. These qualities, on a much larger scale, were seen in two awe-inspiring evening presentations by Dave Bunting, who led the 2006 expedition up Everest's notorious west face and Dee Caffari, the first woman to sail single-handed round the world in both directions. It is possible to question the purpose of enterprises like these but impossible not to admire the sheer courage, drive, organisation and determination to carry them through.


Kevin Anderson Bibliographic Services Librarian Faculty of Innovation North - Libraries and Learning Services