GSArrrrrr!

From 20090731-GSAR

Last Friday we had an excellent day of GSAR. We spent a little time reviewing snow anchors and roping up for glacier travel, then off to the flag line we went. Normally we are only allowed to hike within the flags when we go up on the glacier, but this day we were prepared for something a bit more adventurous.

From 20090731-GSAR

After exploring the backside of the glacier for a while we started making our way over to shortcut point, our final destination for the day. Along the way we probed for crevasses and in some places we were clearly walking on thin air. The snow bridges are nice and strong though, so we didn't ever punch through.

From 20090731-GSAR

Once we were above our destination, we built a snow bollard anchor and lowered each other down. A snow bollard is a kind of anchor built by carving a round shape out of the snow and wrapping a bit of webbing around it. The angle was fairly mild, but it was a good exercise in snow anchors and rope handling.

From 20090731-GSAR

Once down at sea level we passed a few penguins and petrels on our way out to the point. By now it was getting dark, though it was probably only mid-afternoon.

From 20090731-GSAR

Palmer Station's finest taxi service! A few buddies from OSAR were gracious enough to come pick us up for a free ride back to station. Gotta love OSAR.

From 20090831-BoatingAndSnowshoeing

Our final descent point was only a narrow stretch of sloped snow surrounded by calving ice. If we had been off by a 100 yards in either direction we would have been walking right off a cliff. Our GSAR leader did well with route finding and we nailed our destination on the first shot.

Not knowing what to expect for the day I have to say that it was one of the best days out I've had in a while. July was a quiet month for outdoor activities. Winter laziness has been setting in a bit I think.

Thanks to all my comrades who came out with me. Pleasure getting out on the ice with y'all.