We didn't have reception yesterday or today until we hit camp. So I'll write both now.

After camping on the flat just before the moraine field at the base of Dronbreen we started the slog uphill. About an hour in we passed by an ice cave and took the opportunity to explore and see the Glacier from the inside. More of a series of overhangs and ice bridges than a dark cave, which was great as the light was such that we could see into the ice. The cracks gravel layers and different coloured ice from crystal clear to translucent dark greys through to white opaques. We weren't the only one impressed by the beauty of it, the large number of small footed tracks crisscrossing the snow throughout the cave suggested an arctic fox had made it his/her den.

We left the cave and started the real portion of the climb. The mountains flanking the Glacier were stunning and gazing up at them was a pleasant distraction for the hard work the team was putting in.

After lunch we continued on, the weather steadily deteriorated and visibility reduced as it began snowing. With the overcast sky and the snow it was hard to make out features Eventually the final slope up over the pass loomed in front. It was quite steep and we zigzagged our way up it. Hard work that should have been rewarded with a spectacular view, but a white pea soup is all we got.

We had a break and a bite to eat then skied for 40 minutes down past a big steep valley into a smaller flatter one to the north. We set up camp and it was a weary team that got into the tents after a long day.

We drifted off to sleep with the sound of the wind picking up and snow hitting the tent.

H

Photos are Dave and Jenn in part of the ice cave.
The view up Dronbreen.
The team coming up the glacier with the weather setting in.
Our camp up top with Rob preferring to rest in a snow hole.