Svalbard Expedition 2018
Mar 24
#4: Von Post glacier
Published at 20:13
After sending out copious reminders not to walk through the polar bear trip wire, I do exactly that. Focussed on filming not only did I trip it but was right next to the Cal 5 banger which rang in my ears for a good 5 minutes. Dammit! We have spare cartridges.
This morning we first skied on coastal terrain with the spectacular calving face of Tunabreen as a backdrop before ducking inland towards Von Postbreen. A section of slippery glass ice, frozen melt from the glacier, took us to rolling moraine with just enough snow cover to ski though to the base of the glacier. Here, in the shadow of looming mountains, we began the steep ascent on firm snow, a good test of the stamina and strength of the team. Despite both DeNise and Jonathan’s age hovering 60 they are remarkably fit and climbed steadily to the first break. Ilse too is a powerhouse, very steady, reliable and helpful. Matt and Ant are taking everything in their stride but using every opportunity to gain knowledge and skill for their upcoming Antarctic treks. Co-guide Sean is a crack skier and lecturer in Outdoor Education and his depth of experience shines through in every word and action. We are all in good hands.
About half way up the glacier we found sunlight and stopped for a quick lunch only to watch the sun slip behind a ridge. Sufficiently fed but cooled down we slogged back into the sun and reached flat ground just below the top.
Our camp overlooks our ascent and frozen Tempelfjorden below but now a stiff wind from the north batters our tents as dusk descends.
Pics
1 and 2. Climbing Von Post glacier
3. Drink break
4. Ant collects snow at camp
This morning we first skied on coastal terrain with the spectacular calving face of Tunabreen as a backdrop before ducking inland towards Von Postbreen. A section of slippery glass ice, frozen melt from the glacier, took us to rolling moraine with just enough snow cover to ski though to the base of the glacier. Here, in the shadow of looming mountains, we began the steep ascent on firm snow, a good test of the stamina and strength of the team. Despite both DeNise and Jonathan’s age hovering 60 they are remarkably fit and climbed steadily to the first break. Ilse too is a powerhouse, very steady, reliable and helpful. Matt and Ant are taking everything in their stride but using every opportunity to gain knowledge and skill for their upcoming Antarctic treks. Co-guide Sean is a crack skier and lecturer in Outdoor Education and his depth of experience shines through in every word and action. We are all in good hands.
About half way up the glacier we found sunlight and stopped for a quick lunch only to watch the sun slip behind a ridge. Sufficiently fed but cooled down we slogged back into the sun and reached flat ground just below the top.
Our camp overlooks our ascent and frozen Tempelfjorden below but now a stiff wind from the north batters our tents as dusk descends.
Pics
1 and 2. Climbing Von Post glacier
3. Drink break
4. Ant collects snow at camp
- Name: Camp 3
- Elevation: 338 m
- Latitude: 78° 25’ 5” North
- Longitude: 17° 44’ 42” East
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