This is our group at the start of our 2 km walk to the base of the glacier
Today we spent 8 hours cautiously climbing up and down Franz Josef glacier. From it's origins high in the Southern Alps, the glacier descends deep into the lush rainforest of Westland National Park, offering what has been quoted as "the most spectacular glacial environment available to the general public anywhere in the world". Having not seen many glaciers in my lifetime (well, none at all actually) I don't know how accurate that statement is but I do know that it was an experience I'll never forget! We crawled through ice tunnels and squeezed through parts that even Ali had difficulty exploring. It was so incredible and unlike anything I've ever done before.
Me in an ice cave
View as we walked up the glacier
It's hard to imagine that such a thing actually moves but it does. About half a meter a day apparently. As we climbed higher I tried to ignore the fact that my fingers had almost froze by doing some basic math. I worked out that every 30 minutes the glacier moves 1 centimeter further down the valley. I stopped for a second to consider this. I suppose, taking into consideration the amount of ice there is, it shouldn't be that surprising but for some reason I was fascinated. I also learnt a few things I didn't know about glaciers. Like why they actually form for example. A glacier is made from snow that summer has been unable to melt from cooler heights. Over time and increased pressure from it's own weight, the snow transforms into glacial ice.
Ali squeezes herself through a gap in the ice
I suspend myself above a 30ft drop
As I'm sure you can imagine, such an expedition up icy terrain requires seriously dedicated equipment. Rest assured we were provided with hats, gloves, socks, boots and something called Ice Talonz. Ice Talonz are sort of like metal teeth that get attached to your boots and offer superior grip on the ice. If it wasn't for them I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be here now to recall the events. It certainly made walking on ice much easier. Once we reached a certain height our guide handed out walking sticks with ice pics on the end. This provided endless fun for everyone as we entertained ourselves by chipping pointless holes in the ice whenever we were stationary. Our guide had a much bigger tool that he used to cut steps in the ice which enabled us to safely climb the unique ice formations. A very admirable job considering no one tour is ever the same. All the steps he cut for us today won't exist tomorrow. Even if they didn't ice-over, he probably wouldn't be able to find them because every day he takes his group along a different route.
No. It's not Prada
Ali. Proud of her achievement
I fell quite severely behind just to take this one
As soon as we returned back to our tent we booked ourselves in for 30 minutes of spa therapy. A well earned soak in bubbly hot water was just what we needed. Not in the tent of course. The holiday park where we are camping offers such services. I good idea I reckon.
