Ben would use an pick axe to help chip out steps in the ice to make it a bit easier for us in some spots. He shared some tips about walking with crampons: 1) keep your feet shoulder-width apart so you don't trip over yourself (or worse); 2) if you feel like the ice is too slippery, take harder steps and really dig in with the crampons; and 3) when going downhill, keep your toes pointed down and don't side step.
For the most part, the ice seemed quite cooperative, as did the weather. While the clouds were still quite ample and low, we had good visibility, no rain (at least not until the end of the hike) and warm(ish) weather.
We made our way over steep ice hills, along the bottoms of towering ice valleys, and even got to climb down into a couple ice holes and tubes.
Even though it looked slippery, the crampons gave really good traction.
A couple of other groups higher up on the glacier
These cracks form as the ice shifts and flows.
We went down into the first ice cave in groups of three. I went first... and it was fairly easy until the rope ran out (I can now officially say I reached the end of my rope!). There was an extremely narrow spot I could jump down to, but then I wasn't sure I'd be able to reach the rope to get myself back out. From there, it looked like the tunnel went horizontal. I switched with the tall guy behind me who did jump down. But it was quite a tight fit and he didn't feel comfortable going any further either. We eventually climbed back out and enjoyed the scenery while the others took their turns.
Uh... you expect me to go down there?! .... Ok.
At the end of the rope, about to head back up
We continued our way up hills, over ridges and along the bottoms of ice valleys. It's hard to get a sense of scale from the photos, but some of the walls were enormous!
A narrow path and a steep drop!
Steps were chipped out of the ice where it was very steep. Ropes also helped.
Looking back down the valley. Note the people waiting for the helicopter.
Following an ice river...
... through holes...
... and over slick ice.
The ice had so many colors, textures and shapes.
This tiny channel of water was so deep, that Jeff lowered his axe completely down into it and still didn't reach the bottom.
The storm slowly began to roll in as we started to make our way back to the landing area.
In spite of the clouds, the sun still caused the ice to glow and sparkle.
Down...
... and up...
... and down again.
We stopped briefly for one more trip into an ice cave. This one went all the way through to another exit so we didn't have to double back. The climb down was also a lot easier, with steps and a fixed rope.
Going down into the cave
Looking back up at Regan
Making our way through the tunnel to the other exit
Just head toward the light at the end of the tunnel!
It eventually began to drizzle a bit... nothing too bad but noticable. The ice continued to radiate its magical blue tones.
The helicopter comes in for a landing to pick up the group ahead of us.
While most trips were uneventful, Jeff said he had seen some broken arms and other nasty (but fortunately not life-threatening) injuries.
Time to get off the ice...
