Himalayan Expedition 09 arrive in Kathmandu

The Himalayan Expedition 09 team has arrived tired but enthusiastic in Kathmandu, Nepal over the weekend. A team of Leeds Metropolitan University staff and students are embarking on a three week expedition which is being led by the University’s Outdoor partners My Peak Potential Ltd. Expedition leader and Director of training for My Peak Potential, Dave Bunting MBE, worked closely with Leeds Met on a Military expedition to Everest’s West Ridge which he led in 2006. He and his deputy Richie Painting, arrived in Kathmandu on Weds last week as the advance party. One of the most important roles has been visiting the Charity which the Expedition team is helping; the Self Help Group for Cerebral Palsy. Here they met Bimal who is heading up the project they are helping with. They viewed the area that the team will be helping to clear and chatted about the project ahead.

Once the team arrives in Kathmandu they will settle into their hotel and then start work the following morning at the Self Help Group Centre. Here they will present the Group with a cheque raised by the team through a variety of fundraising projects over the last year. When given the news about the fundraising the team had done, Bimal said “I can't believe it !!! you made me cry .... I see blank but thankful eyes of our special children.. we will use best of this contribution.”

They will also be helping the Group with various building projects at the centre and meeting some of the children and families that use this valuable resource.
It is then onto the next stage, a trek to Everest Base Camp. Where they will experience the rarified air of this high altitude region and stunning scenery where they will be able to see some of the world’s largest mountains and meet the wonderful people that live in this harsh but beautiful place!
Please keep posted for the next installment!

The Original and the best Christmas Markets

Every year in the sleepy mountain village of Bad Hindelang in the Bavarian Allgau, just a short drive from our Alpine Lodge the Carnegie Alpenrose, they hold the most beautiful Christmas Market.

With over 200,000 Christmas lights strung through the narrow streets of the town the event is probably the most Christmassy thing you have ever seen!

The event is opened with a magical Fairytale Christmas parade of Angels, Elves, Snow Queens, and many more - You will be transported into an enchanting, snowy winter wonderland.
Wander the maze of streets lined with delicious food stalls with a warming mug of Glühwein (mulled wine). The aromas of the Christmassy spices from the numerous stalls are hard to resist.

From beautiful handmade decorations to the perfect gift for your loved ones there are stalls throughout the market that will spark your imagination and get you in the mood for the festive season ahead.

There is something for everyone here; from Nativity plays and various workshops for the children to romantic walks and fireside drinks with your loved one.

The Carnegie Alpenrose Lodge is offering a three night break on the 27th Nov – 30th Dec and the 4th Dec to the 7th Dec. Prices start at €150.00per person or *€450 for a family. This includes half board accommodation a continental breakfast buffet, packed lunch, and a four course evening meal. You will also receive complimentary sledge hire and a glass of Glühwein (mulled wine) with traditional German Christmas biscuits on arrival.

Cheap flights from London Stansted to either Friedrichshafen or Memmingen are available with Ryan Air. Cheap car hire through Ryan Air is available at both airports.

Please contact us at info@my-peakpotential or on +49 8321 7884854 for availability and further information

*Based on 2 Adults and 2 Children (under 14) sharing.

Himalayan Training in the Yorkshire Dales

The morning of 12/9/09 was an early one for the Carnegie Himalayan Expedition team. The group gathered in the Yorkshire Dales village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale to attempt the 24 mile mixed terrain route best known as the Yorkshire 3 Peaks.

The trek created an opportunity to raise public awareness regarding the expedition, and in addition provided the team a chance to demonstrate the positive effects of the various physical conditioning programmes in which they have been involved.

With the weather being fully supportive from the outset, many of us were denied the opportunity to field test our various pieces of newly purchased equipment. Although remaining slightly disappointed that the conditions fell short of the desired -20 degree coat-testing-environment, the vast majority of the trekkers on the route were in fabulous spirits, and helped to create a fantastic start to the day.


Pen-y-Ghent was the first obstacle the team hit, but it failed to faze the expedition members and offered the first magnificent views of the day. A long walk followed from the summit, across stone walls, cattle grids and bogs, the latter of which firmly christened any new boots in the party.

The climb towards Wernside was an extended one, but relatively gentle compared to the previous peak. The visibility on the day provided brilliant views throughout, but still didn’t fully prepare us for the sight of the Dales from the top of our second peak. With summit photo number 2 completed, we set out for the final climb up Ingleborough. Although the author’s legs had already been fully tested, the prodigious achievement of completing the 3 Peaks challenge, and the commendable determination of the team helped to keep everyone going forwards, with smiles on their faces

The team aptly, if crudely nicknamed the steps which composed the final climb of the day, but a cracking leg burner and some soggy base layers later, the whole team had made it to their third Yorkshire Peak of the day. The final walk back was eventful, but neither the grints nor the local cows which littered the path could prevent every team member returning unscathed (relatively).

A brilliant day. Congratulations to the team for the work they put in to meet the physical demands the day required. Another significant step closer to reaching our Himalayan goal.

Qualities of a good leader

One of the key aspects of the recent Graduate Trainee visit to Bavaria was identifying the qualities of a good leader. We were asked to identify the top five leadership qualities that we had observed in others, giving specific examples of when they had seen these in practice. The range of qualities identified was both comprehensive and enlightening, ranging from the ability to remain calm under pressure, to providing vision and direction to a team.









The tasks we were presented with provided ample opportunity to put these 'ideal' leadership skills to work. The protective environment of the Carnegie Alpenrose, alongside the fantastic support of the My Peak Potential team, provided the perfect backdrop for this. A key aim was to allow individuals the opportunity to reflect on how they might take what they had learned and observed back to their working environment. A highlight for me was the personal support shown across the group throughout each task or activity. As our students graduate this week they experience a different but equally poignant sense of community spirit. It was a privilege to be a part of this residential and I hope our graduating students will embrace many opportunities following receipt of their awards.

Paul TyrerHuman Resources

Leadership and Management Programme

In May I visited the beautiful Alpenrose facility in Bavaria. The trip was part of the Leadership and Management programme and proved to be an excellent finale to the group experience of the programme. The surroundings of Bavaria proved uplifting, with the striking Alpine scenes inspirational and each day presenting another aspect of natural beauty to wonder at. We were welcomed warmly by the staff of My Peak Potential, the University partner operating the Alpenrose facility and throughout the whole experience their friendly and gentle support proved invaluable in coaching us through fairly challenging tasks.

Though based in different areas of the University we soon formed a strong and supportive team, reducing the potential anxiety of the challenges of the experience greatly and it is this that must be the most important learning point of the trip for me. We all have tough jobs to do but with the considerate support of colleagues the burden is shared, the outcomes improved and the experience positive. The tasks we undertook all had a physical aspect and this made the excellent cooking of the chef Herbert Muller even more inviting, with his traditional dishes proving supremely wholesome and universally loved by the group!

Lawrence Bellamy - Faculty of Business and Law

Escape the heat wave

With a Met Office heat wave warning out for the UK, what better time than right now to plan a get away from all the stickiness to the fresh, crisp air and open spaces of the mountains!

If you can’t open enough windows in the office and you are fed up of breathing in the recycled air from the air conditioning unit in the corner, then what you need is some of Europe’s cleanest air combined with the superb Alpine climate of the Bavarian mountains.
Our Alpine lodge is nestled into the foothills at a fresh 934m’s above sea level. From here you can access the mountains directly from the front door. Just 45 minutes of uphill from here is your nearest summit where you will be greeted with stunning views, peace and quiet (except for the tinkle of distant cowbells) and as many breaths of clear crispy fresh air as you can take!

This part of the Alps has an amazing amount of sunshine throughout the year. A gentle breeze carries the scent of the Alpine forests with it and the many local festivals and traditional Bavarian ceremonies (Lederhosen und alles) will keep you fully entertained.

Our Adventurous Training Centre offers you the chance to experience the mountains via Klettersteigs and Rock climbing where you may even venture into the lingering snow on the higher summits. Alternatively you can chill out on the beautiful river Iller that winds its way through the valley floor, in the shadow of the mountains. Stop on the riverbank for a Bavarian picnic and take a dip to reward yourself for being clever enough to get out of the heat wave!

We also offer a huge variety of other Adventure activities that can be booked in advance or you can simply enjoy the chance to rest, relax and enjoy the mountains around you at your own pace.
Please visit our website for more details on the area, activities and accommodation.

This summer we are offering rooms from €30 a night for B&B. Please contact us on jo@my-peakpotential.com or call us on +49(0)8321 788 48 54 for availability.

See you in the mountains

Jo

Everest Fundraising Ball

My Peak Potential are currently involved in leading a team of students and staff on the journey of a lifetime to Everest Base camp.

Last weekend, the team hosted a fantastic fundraising ball at Leeds Elland Road stadium which was hailed a huge success rasing £15,000. The evening went without a hitch, save for the confusion of the compere's heads or tails game which saw a few bemused party goers standing around with their hands planted on their heads or holding their backsides wondering if they were still in the game.

Around 350 guests, including Leeds United goalkeeper Casper Ankergren, British mountaineer Alan Hinkes, GB Kayak canoe champion Claire O'Hara and Leeds Carnegie's Steve Nance and Andy Key turned up to support the expedition. They were greeted by a champagne reception before sitting down to a delicious four course meal.

Expedition leader Dave Bunting introduced the evening followed by a short film about the community project they are supporting, Self Help Group for Cerebral Palsy (SGCP ). Dave said "As well as improving levels of fitness for their trek to Everest Base Camp in October 2009, the team has to meet an immense challenge on the fundraising front to make this Expedition a success and to support the SGCP. The success of Saturday night brings us another step closer to achieving the team's objectives and we are looking forward to the next events to maintain this momentum."

Following the meal, the compere for the evening, Frank Hanson, came into his own and was auctioneer supreme, getting people to reach deep into their pockets for some great prizes such as a holiday for 6 in a Norwegian Log Cabin, a weekend sailing trip and a day with the GB bobsleigh team culminating in a run down the St Moritz course! However, the prize everyone had their eyes on though was a place on the team to Basecamp. This was snapped up quickly and for a handsome figure. The team is now one person stronger.