The Glacier

Friday 29th February

The forecast was heavy rain today so I was a little apprehensive as to how I was going to cope hiking on the glacier. We were all kitted out in waterproof coats and trousers, hats, gloves, boots and spikes before embarking on the climb. It was a full on day, eight hours of walking in total (six of which were on the glacier).

Sam and I chose a slower group as we didn't want to race to the top, although in the end we proved faster than the middle group (after the guide told one woman she wasn't fit enough to come on the full day hike and suggested she turn around with another group after a couple of hours). She must have been really disappointed as with the half day climb you only get to see the muddier ice.

We had a couple of brief stops for lunch and a mid-afternoon snack but as it was so cold we had to keep moving. It didn't help when we had had to wait for half an hour in a crevasse while the guides cut out steps for us all. Fortunately it didn't rain much and the sun even came out at one point.

I am really glad I did the hike as the scenery was stunning plus you got a real sense of achievement at the end. I was exhausted though and had two huge blisters on my heels plus a couple of bruises from where I slipped in a crevasse (much to Sam's amusement).

The girls and Dave cooked us bangers and mash for tea (as they did the heli hike the day before) which was really appreciated especially as it meant the rest of us could have a quick dip in the hot tub beforehand.

I had a couple of cheeky drinks but then decided to head to bed. The others weren't far behind after deciding that the possum who ran in the guys room last night and started eating their rolls was not about to make a return visit.