Climbing at Fox Glacier

So, it was Queens Birthday weekend and time for an adventure (though I admit I was sadly tempted to be lazy and work on snowpool…. that site is taking over my life ;)

Anyway… off to Fox Glacier on the West Coast to climb with my old flatmate Mark Tynan, Steve, Michelle, Amy, Rachel and friends.. Rachel and I drove down after work on the Friday.. quite a long drive – and then straight into packing for climbing the next day..

I must admit, I found it pretty chilly on the glacier. I’d basically decided to just be lazy (read my book, write my diary etc.).. but was happy (in retrospect!) to have my arm twisted into having a potter about on the glacier. Fortunately I have the same foot-size as Steve (give or take) so I got to borrow his gear as he was off hunting. Rachel and I just did some top roping and then went for a wander about on the ice.

Next day – Sunday – I took it easy and finished my book (Treasure Islands – well worth a read – all about tax havens… sounds boring but is utterly fascinating).

Then on the Monday – back out to the ice, only this time I was prepared. I wore 3 layers of merino, a down jacket, and an over jacket. I was warm enough.

These pictures are all from Mark Tynan (thanks Mark!)… the last one is *slightly* photoshopped ;)

Actually quite fun – could almost do it again (with better gloves perhaps!)