After leaving the beer tasting, we did some backtracking and headed down to the Franz Josef Glacier which is one of 3 warm climate glaciers in the world (the second was just a bit south and the 3rd is in Argentina). Our group of 30 trekkers was split into 3 groups and Nelly and I joined the fastest, fittest group (ha!). We had to hike about 10 minutes through the rainforest to a clearing that appeared to be at the base of the glacier. It seemed so odd having go hike through a rainforest to reach a glacier.
It is quite an illusion though as we still had to walk 2.3km to reach the base. The ice mass stretches between two large mountains and its jagged surface
makes its way down to a river of melted ice powered by a waterfall in a cave running beneath the glacier.
After making our way there we put our crampons on (spikes for our boots) and began our ascent up the glacier.
Our guide created stairs in the ice for us with an axe he carried to make it easier for us to traverse.
After all of our bungee experience I thought I could rock this ice wall too.
Fortunately the guide stopped me ;)
My favorite photo of the day...I love the reflection in his glasses.
I am impressed - fast group with crampons. Love it.
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