The joint training hike of the Renmin University Self-Travelers Mountaineering Team & Scientific Exploration Team in Baihe was successfully concluded
5Month24to25, the mountaineering team and scientific exploration team of the Self-Travelers Association at Renmin University of China conducted a two-day outdoor joint training session in the Old Rock Climbing Area of Baihe Canyon. This was the second training session and on-site rock climbing technique workshop following the official selection of the mountaineering and scientific exploration teams. This training allowed everyone to learn and practice various rock climbing skills while also enjoying the beautiful scenery of Baihe.
24On the morning of the6:00day, it was raining lightly outside. The members of both the mountaineering and scientific exploration teams gathered early at the school and set off together. After arriving,6:20they headed towards Baihe. Around eight o'clock, they arrived smoothly at the Old Rock Climbing Area of Baihe. The team leader checked the location, then the members got off the bus, packed their gear, and walked one by one down a small path from the roadside to the banks of the Baihe River. After wading through the river, they found a safe flat area, set up camp, and pitched their tents.
After setting up camp, the mountaineering team members went to a nearby large rock wall to prepare for the training. The scientific exploration team practiced rock climbing techniques near a small rock wall close to the campsite. By this time, the rain had finally stopped. The climbing team leader Shi Leyang and technical instructor Pu Song began setting up the ropes, while other team members repeatedly practiced knot-tying and descending techniques on the ropes tied along the roadside. Around twelve noon, lunch arrived and the ropes were all set. After a quick meal, the mountaineering team members put on their harnesses and climbing shoes, prepared gloves for descending, and began climbing the rock wall for hands-on practice. The post-rain rock surface was particularly slippery, making climbing quite challenging, but everyone managed to climb at least twice before dark, with many making three ascents. Around five-thirty in the afternoon, the climbers returned to camp first, while Pu Song and the two team leaders stayed behind to retrieve the ropes.
By around seven-thirty in the evening, those who had retrieved the ropes also returned to camp. After distributing supplies, everyone split into groups to start fires and cook meals. The team doctor even brewed some Banlangen (Isatis root) for everyone to drink to prevent colds. After dinner, there was a brief group meeting to summarize the day’s training and go over plans for the next day, after which the members dispersed to pack up and get ready for bed. Quiet hours in the campsite began at ten o’clock in the evening.
25On the morning of the
day, everyone woke up at six. Several members of the mountaineering team had already followed team leader Shi Leyang, Yi Meng, and technical instructor Pu Song to the previous day’s climbing spot to set up the ropes. The other members had a simple breakfast, then brought their harnesses, helmets, and other gear to the large rock wall to prepare for climbing. The scientific exploration team conducted other types of exercises at the campsite. Around eight in the morning, members began ascending the rock wall. Thanks to the hard practice from the previous day and the increased friction on the dried rock surface after the rain had cleared, everyone climbed much more smoothly today. By twelve-thirty noon, almost all members had climbed three times and gained valuable experience. After lunch, the scientific exploration team members trained on the large rock wall, while the mountaineering team members went to the small rock wall to learn how to lead climb and retrieve ropes, practicing these skills on-site.
At four in the afternoon, the mountaineering and scientific exploration teams wrapped up their training. After packing up the camp and personal equipment, everyone prepared to break camp and head back to school. After taking a group photo at five, the entire team got on the bus. The team leader and committee members responsible for retrieving the ropes got on the bus at five-fifteen. Two hours later, they arrived back at school safely, marking the successful conclusion of this training session.
This training session served as another test for both the mountaineering and scientific exploration team members and played a significant role in strengthening team cohesion. Everyone strived to improve themselves, and the progress made by the team members is the best testament to the effectiveness of this training./Written by