Hopeful

We were standing on a massive moving river of ice and snow yet we were low on water. The difficulties of melting snow over the past couple of days had caught up with us and I was feeling dehydrated but it was all down hill to the hut...well mostly! I took small sips from the water that I had left in order to preserve it for the trip ahead.

 

Despite the water shortage it was so nice to be walking and stretching the legs after being confined all that time. I initially set off without the crampons but soon found myself sliding downhill on patches of ice. The crampons were reattached and we were away. I felt great and made good time heading back down. Maybe it was the thought of getting to a toilet that was spurring me on!

 

Conor and Ion were a bit slower on this section, struggling with feet issues and heavy packs due to all the water on the tent and sleeping bags, and as a result they dropped behind some distance. Bruce was also struggling with general fatigue and blisters and we also slowed the pace down. But the view was good and all were hopeful of better times ahead.

 

The sound of a helicopter could be heard in the distance and it wasn't long before we saw small figures way down on the glacier...

Done