Getting a reasonable early start we snowshoed up to the Zinal Glacier to explore the ice caves up there.
The stream that issues from the glacier has cut caves into it and, being careful, it's possible to go inside and look at the glacier from inside and underneath.
On of the most notable things is how dry it is, the ice is frozen sold and not melting at all and on the floor you've got the dust that the glacier has ground from the rocks it's passed over. Some of the seams in the roof contain just dry dust which seems odd, you'd expect at least some moisture to be there. In other places the ice is so clear and pure it's just remarkable, looks perfect for the ice for a G & T really :D
It's a bit hairy being up there, snow-pack stability is awful after midday so we head out but there's ice-falls, rock-falls and small avalanches coming down near the the lateral moraine of the glacier, picking a careful line we make one of the refuges and have a drink before heading back to the village.
ever wondered what a glacier looks like from the inside?
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So right Ise, very unusual trip. Although I dont like the idea of being in a cave, those I find fascinating.
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Started by Ise in Switzerland 11-Apr-2009 - 4 Replies
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Ise posted Apr-2009
Tony_H
reply to 'ever wondered what a glacier looks like from the inside?' posted Apr-2009
Stunning pictures Ise
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New and improved me
Ian Wickham
reply to 'ever wondered what a glacier looks like from the inside?' posted Apr-2009
Great pics again ise.... :shock:
Ise
reply to 'ever wondered what a glacier looks like from the inside?' posted Apr-2009
It's a great trip and unusual to be able to climb inside a glacier like that, particularly enjoyable for Mrs Ise who doesn't always get to join my trips.
RoseR
reply to 'ever wondered what a glacier looks like from the inside?' posted Apr-2009
ise wrote:It's a great trip and unusual to be able to climb inside a glacier like that, particularly enjoyable for Mrs Ise who doesn't always get to join my trips.
So right Ise, very unusual trip. Although I dont like the idea of being in a cave, those I find fascinating.
I'm a laydee
Topic last updated on 12-April-2009 at 10:19