Frans Joseph Glacier - New Zealand
Frans Joseph Glacier, New Zealand - Apr 15 2008: The glacier at its maximun advance in 2008. Due to global warming it has rapidly retreated nearly one kilometre up the valley.
There are 20 hikers (in 4 separate groups) visible in this image. They truly give a sence of scale to the glacier.
The glacier guides have hacked a ice staircase up the nearly vertical ice wall at the foot of the glacier. It requires constant maintenance. Here 3 guides can be seen with ice axes maintaining the ice staircase.
Ice Fall "No-man's Land"
