This morning there were perfect clouds floating above the glacier, so I took the plunge and went on my glacier hike. It is strictly a thing to be done with a guide, as it can be very dangerous. I was a little apprehensive (well, truthfully? I've had moments of terror at the prospect...imagining falling into a crevasse, etc.), but as it turned out I felt quite safe. Of course, the young woman who booked the hike tried to help by telling me that most crevasses are only 40 meters deep and that the guides can fish you out if you fall in (register 8.0 on the anxiety Richter scale!). The guides have amazing training, including mountaineering and search and rescue. Of course they all look like they are 16... They fit each of us with crampons (think lots of 1-inch spikes on your feet). The ice axe looks serious but is mostly used as a walking stick. Our guide Tryggvi told us that most people who fall do so because they are gawking or trying to take pictures and trip themselves by catching a pantleg on the crampon spikes. So the trick is to walk like a bowlegged cowboy and plant each foot with a stomp.
So we went stomping up and down ridges, peeking into cracks and holes. I'd been looking at glaciers from as close as I could get, but nothing is quite like standing on top of one. It's impossible to convey the scale and the intricacy of blue/white/grey ridges, fissures and holes. Wow! I will never forget this experience, regardless of photos. I took a few hundred photos, with the light doing all kinds of things and finally going to full-on sun. We shall see what they turn into...
And that was just the morning! I decided I couldn't just go back to my guesthouse, so went on another hike, this time over the other side of the plateau and down to the glacial river that runs along the edge of the volcanic desert. The way back was through the desert, and I can't say I really enjoyed that, but it was definitely unique.
Tomorrow I drive back to Reykjavik, leaving the next morning by bus to my residency at NES for the month of June. I am tired of living out of car and suitcase, so looking forward to settled in place for a month.
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Getting fitted for crampons |
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Tryggvi chops steps for us! |
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On top of the world... |
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River valley by the volcanic desert |
You do look as if you're on top of the world! Thanks for the photo and the link to this blog...it is terrific! Love the churches, and the landforms especially!
ReplyDeleteSee you in July!
Best and Love,
Rose