Franz Josef

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How to stay warm on a glacier

We had a long bus journey along winding mountain roads to get to the small town of Franz Josef, but it was well worth it. We saw some nice scenery along the way too.

The reason for us stopping in such a small place was the same as everyone elses - to experience the Franz Josef glacier. There are loads of ways to do this, but we went for the all-day hike.

We had an early start and a 2.5km walk just to get to the terminal face of the glacier where we put on our 'ice-talonz' - special grips to stop us slipping. Combined with the heavy boots, they made for a harder-than-usual days hiking. We soon forgot about it though as we climbed up the steepest guided glacier in the world and got amongst the ice and all its crevasses. The glacier is also special because it runs down into temperate rainforest and its face is only a few kilometers from the sea. This happens because there is so much snow at its 'neve' (where all the snow collects) and the flow rate is so fast (average 2.5m per day!).

The hiking was pretty tough going, with our guide having to cut fresh steps for us to climb up, I (Olly) even got to help. The guides work SO hard clearing safe paths, but still, some of the ice paths were quite treacherous. We only felt cold when we stood around for a while. The views were spectacular all around and we saw some amazing ice formations and deep-blue coloured ice. It was beautiful and well worth all the hard work.

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Photos

Ice Queen
Just joking!

A long way up
6km to the top.

Hi-ho, hi-ho...
...off to work we go!

Blue ice
A fine example.

Breaking the ice
Me having a go at making an ice step. Luckilly the group didn't have to use it, but some chose to, which made me feel a bit better about my feeble attempt. Respect to the guides.

Nice crack
There were heaps of these babies on the route. Lovely.

How-do?
The mittens hide the fact that Charlie was apparantly sticking her fingers up for the camera - charming.

I spy with my little eye....
...something beginning with I.

Looking up
The view back up the glacier. It was stunning when the sun came out.

Franz Josef glacier
Taken 2.3km from the face! It is a naturla optical illusion and appears to be much closer.

Nearly there
Us on the way down (I'm not threatening Charlie with the axe, really).

Perspective
The glacier looked fairly small until people were on it to give some perspective.

Comments

[Kayleigh (Ex Sportspark Recp)]

Still going???
Hey you, i cant believe your still going!! Im so jelous of this one! It looks gorgeous!! Well i left the Sportspark in december and so did Dan on the same day! Loving it where i am now!! You look really well and ur hair is soooo long!! Take care!! xx

[Mum]

Brrrrrrrr!
Wow the formations and colours of the glacier are spectacular but must have been soooo difficult to climb. I would imagine it was more difficult descending than ascending or did you try some of your Luge tactics? I liked Charlotte's little exercise for keeping warm! Sometimes the simple things are the best. Hope you find some work soon, it will seem strange having to work again but no doubt you will soon adapt. Love to you both. Mum xxxxxxx