Day 3: Photos of the glacier walk

The retreat of the glacier this summer has meant that to even get to the glacier, there is a 35 minute walk before even putting crampons on.  We were lucky enough to have the same guides that we have had the previous two times and the rate of glacial retreat is something that both intrigues and disturbs them.

For today though, the pupils had a totally new experience of walking up, down and around the glacier.  Having glorious sunshine and no wind makes a huge difference to the enjoyment of this activity and I think you will agree from the photos; a lot of fun was had by all!

 Learning how to put crampons on safely and how to use an ice axe.....safely!!!!

 "Did I hear our guide correctly? We have to walk in our crampons like angry penguins who have been sitting on a horse for five weeks??!!!"

 The first opportunity to use their ice axes on the ice

 Looking down a moulin

 Nobody fell over, they were just drinking the water!

 Group shot on a glacier, a special moment

 An ice cave carved out by melt water.  It is unusual to be able to go safely through one of these and it could have disappeared as soon as this Sunday.  An incredible feature.  

 Happy Geography teachers!

 The other end of the ice tunnel/cave

 By the end of the walk, pupils were confidently walking in their crampons both up and down the glacier.

Part of the 35 minute walk back from the side of the glacier...