A few days ago we were in glacier land in New Zealand and we decided to take a day-long guided hike on the Franz Josef Glacier. There’s a lot I could say about this hike, but right now, I’d like to focus on my fears.
The morning of the hike, the guide company showed us on a laminated print some features we’d be seeing during the day and how far up the glacier we were going.
Those of you who know me well, know that I have a tendency to be claustrophobic. I don’t like feeling stuck (literally and figuratively). At the time we signed up, I had no idea we would be going through tight crevasses and ice caves. The “cool” features. Eeeck! That immediately triggered an “Oh no! I don’t want to get stuck!” feeling in me.
All morning, we hiked “on” the glacier which was absolutely mind blowing (and we’ll post more photos about that). After lunch, that’s when we started going “in” the glacier.
I was then presented with this extremely cool but slightly intimidating crevasse we were going to walk through.
I kept my smile going into it…
Umm this is getting a little tight…
Whoa those walls are tall…
Ahh, get me outta here!
The axe! I can get out with the axe!
Bah don’t worry, this is just play. I really was nervous, but thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Being in a glacier crevasse is quite mind boggling, therefore totally worth it. In front of the coolness of this natural phenomenon, poof poof my fears went away.
Bravo ! Bravo ! Bravo ! et bien, il y a de quoi avoir peur ! Impressionnant ! Ta claustrophobie a été mise de côté pour vaincre la nature. Les photos sont magnifiques ! Il devait faire froid ! Oh lala vous n’avez peur de rien ! Tu fais des grosses bises à ton chou de justin. Doux baisers ma chérie de ta moumounette !
Hip Hip Hooray!! for you. I am not sure I would have done so well but what an amazing experience you both had–so glad you managed to do it. Three Cheers for Stephanie!!! Love, Kathy
Maman – et oui, c’est vraiment un bon point pour moi! Il faisait froid mais pas terriblement, ils nous ont donne des bonnes vestes, pantalons et gants. Je suis tellement contente qu’on ai fait cette randonnee! Bisoussss!
Kathy – Thank you so much! It was indeed amazing and I was proven once more that the real experience is not as bad as photos or the imagination. We adored this hike. Much love!
This looks amazing, but a bit scary indeed. I too get claustrophobic, but would face my fears for something that looks like a once in a lifetime experience! Love the pics, keep ’em comin’!
Totally, Steph! Sometimes, it is just so worth it to put yourself in a slightly uncomfortable position… not always though ;) But for this, yes! Great to hear from you, hope you’re doing good!
Awesome experience and funny that you were there right around the same time we were! New Zealand rocks – Keep enjoying the amazing travels…you will never regret the time you took to explore the world – Kudos to you two for making it happen!!!
Thanks, Mark! Yep, traveling extensively isn’t fun and dance every day (lots of decision making!!) but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world right now. Happy New Years to you 2 and bump into ya back in SF in a few months…