I am learning a lot of technical skills here at MICA. Along with becoming comfortable with walking in crampons, I am slowly gaining confidence in my ice climbing abilities. In fact, I have become so comfortable that I am learning how to belay my fellow interns and eventually clients. It is important for me to maintain a tight rope and a sharp eye on the climber. In case they should fall, I have a good grip and am able to support them safely with this technique. In good spirits, Amanda puts her life in my hands and allows me to man the rope, allowing her to have a great climb on Solo Wall.
The highlight of our treks on the glacier is the Ice Falls. Glaciers are essentially rivers; they are just frozen. If this glacier was a flowing river, this feature would appear as a waterfall. Instead, it is ice curving in a way that produces large crevasses, sometimes up to 100 feet deep. Since we are bad ass Alaskan Guides, we decided to climb up to the top of this ice fall. I had to overcome some uncertainties with my crampons as I ascended a steep ice wall with no ropes, but it was worth it.
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