Paul Willis
Paul Willis - Bronze, Silver, Gold Achiever
Memorable moments - A lucky Escape ....Summer 1987 Gold Expedition age 18
During my Gold Expedition in the French Alps near Mont Blanc, l had a challenging encounter with a Swiss Bull. One morning whilst high in the mountains en route to the next campsite, my team mate and l stopped to savour our lunch just off a mountain pass. Whilst taking in the idyllic panoramic views l noted a herd of cows grazing higher in the valley. I pointed out one of the cows appeared to be heading down the mountain. As it approached we soon realised it was in fact a bull!
The bull having honed in on us was gaining pace and momentum and heading straight for us. No time to think , we realised drastic action was needed. Leaving our picnic and gear we sped hastily down the steep slope hoping the bull would stop. Little did we know the bull had other plans ........the chase was on.
After stumbling a few times we headed for a huge tree and scrambled climbing for our lives like Spidermen into the tree. The bull soon arrived and decided to remain below and stake us out preventing any escape. To make matters worse it started to rain and fog enveloped us.
Several hours passed and the bull remained on guard. Time for a plan of action. We drew straws, l won and would remain in the tree distracting the bull whilst my team mate made a getaway heading further down the slope, circling around the bull and enticing him away from a safer position. The plan worked, l slid out of the branches and we made our escape. Later returning for our gear, we found it stacked together by a kind passerby.
That evening we regaled our escape story to everyone and l continue to tell the story to this day. A true adventure l shall never forget. A cherished memory.
Photo - Gold Award Pin presentation by Lord D
Memorable moments - A lucky Escape ....Summer 1987 Gold Expedition age 18
During my Gold Expedition in the French Alps near Mont Blanc, l had a challenging encounter with a Swiss Bull. One morning whilst high in the mountains en route to the next campsite, my team mate and l stopped to savour our lunch just off a mountain pass. Whilst taking in the idyllic panoramic views l noted a herd of cows grazing higher in the valley. I pointed out one of the cows appeared to be heading down the mountain. As it approached we soon realised it was in fact a bull!
The bull having honed in on us was gaining pace and momentum and heading straight for us. No time to think , we realised drastic action was needed. Leaving our picnic and gear we sped hastily down the steep slope hoping the bull would stop. Little did we know the bull had other plans ........the chase was on.
After stumbling a few times we headed for a huge tree and scrambled climbing for our lives like Spidermen into the tree. The bull soon arrived and decided to remain below and stake us out preventing any escape. To make matters worse it started to rain and fog enveloped us.
Several hours passed and the bull remained on guard. Time for a plan of action. We drew straws, l won and would remain in the tree distracting the bull whilst my team mate made a getaway heading further down the slope, circling around the bull and enticing him away from a safer position. The plan worked, l slid out of the branches and we made our escape. Later returning for our gear, we found it stacked together by a kind passerby.
That evening we regaled our escape story to everyone and l continue to tell the story to this day. A true adventure l shall never forget. A cherished memory.
Photo - Gold Award Pin presentation by Lord D
