About a decade ago a few local farmers decided it would be a good idea to dig a tunnel underneath for tourists but probably more importantly for scientific research.
It was amazing to experience the carved out tunnels...
Under the Glacier
After bombing around like a couple of loons on the snowmobiles it was time to go under.
To be fair it didn't go exactly to plan until they brought in the glacier experts and engineers with mining grade tunnelling equipment- the proposed loop is more heart shaped apparently, but suitably attired with crampons, down we went.....after Sy attempted his coldest wee ever...and failed.
and anti chambers- one of which is licenced for marriages....
but it was more impressive to see the years of climate trapped it to the ice, including the grey ash stained layers from the recent volcanic eruptions, plus the power of the glacier as it slowly crushes the tunnels- it will reclaim itself within 10 years.
Standing under crevasses or peering into icy pools - both natural phenomenon you can't normally see was truly awesome.
It's really sad and thought provoking to realise the whole glacier will probably disappear within 100 years...despite forming 7000 years ago and being relatively stable. We felt privileged to experience it.
