Kandersteg Day 11

27 Jul 2009

Fründenhütte - Ice Climbing Workshop; International Barbeque

Our day began with breakfast at the hut and we stepped outside to a beautiful Alpine morning -- a spectacular view!  Then, we got ready for our hike up the glacier.  Once on the glacier we made our way to an area that was used to learn about ice climbing.  Our guides, Anneloes and Hannes, taught us a few basics and we spent a couple hours climbing up the ice cliff.  Before heading back down we took a "tour" of the glacier -- very impressive.  After lunch it was time to head back down to Kandersteg, but not before a few of the group took a ride on the rollbahn (sort of like mini-bobsleds).  Took a cable car to the town then back to the camp in time for our second International Barbeque of the trip -- one of the best places to meet and greet Scouts from all over.

 

Breakfast at the hut                                                                                      Gear is ready to go

Ready to head out

Mr. Youmans heads up the glacier

Learning about ice climbing                                                                            Intrepid climbers

It's all in the technique

What goes up must come down . .. .                                                       Trying it without axe and crampons

The view from the glacier -- glacier in the foreground -- that's the Fründenhütte on the right side of the picture

Anneloes and Hannes                                                                                       Sightseeing on the glacier

A crevasse can be pretty darn deep

Looking back up at the glacier                                                                        Starting the trek back down

Time for a dip in the Oeschinensee                          Riding the cable car from the Oeschinensee area to Kandersteg

 

International Barbeque

"theater people"

Promoting international friendship -- 1018 style                                              Teaching the fine art of throwing a football

Normal picture                                                                                                "Now, look crazy!!"

Portuguese Scouts folk dancing