Our guides used their axes to chop off large blocks of ice and then tipped them into this stream to form stepping stones. It was kind of unnecessary, because you could easily jump across, but I think they had fun doing it.
Another ice cave, this time at the base of the glacier. In this photo, there’s soil underneath me and ice above. Note how much deeper the blue color is, I suspect the ice near the bottom of the glacier is much more densely compacted by the weight above.
The forest on the hike back seemed exceptionally green and enchanted, perhaps it was just the contrast with the ice.
There seems to be something against my stupid American sensibilities when it comes to going to south to hike a glacier in the set of places not contained in Antarctica.
It would probably be easier for me to go south to the Alps, if I wanted to hike a glacier, than to go north to the icy extremities of Sweden or Norway – even if Sweden is only a half-hour train ride from my house.
Also, Brendan, I notice that you demonstrate the unflattering appearance of the harnesses by showing a picture of them on someone other than yourself. Nice move.
The photos were fantastic. I bet they do not due justice to the power and beauty of such a unique environment.
beautiful
Enchanted forests… not just in Europe anymore.
But seriously, that looks like a pretty amazing time.
~Steve