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Photo Essay: Great Glaciers

by Andy Hayes

As the season of ice approaches those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, I thought it would be more than appropriate to celebrate one of the most gorgeous features of the season (beyond Christmas lights or snow-capped mountains, of course): ice

Here are some of the world’s most beautiful and glorious glaciers.  I’ve been to many of them, and every time I’ve stepped foot on a glacier I am humbled by their size and power.  They’re like worlds of their own, completely insulated and separate from the space around them.  Grab a hot beverage and enjoy.

Fox Glacier, New Zealand

This photo illustrates the eerie-blue colours you’ll find on a glacier.  The Fox Glacier is my favourite as compared to the Franz Josef Glacier, two popular things to do on South Island in New Zealand.

Glacier Lagoon, Iceland

You didn’t think we’d leave out Iceland from the list, did you?

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

Many of Argentina’s glaciers are retreating, but the Perito Moreno is still alive and well.

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

One of the stunning things to see in Alaska is the endless Mother Nature making her mark on the landscape.  This shot of Hubbard Glacier looks like an icy hand stretching out into the water.

San Raphael Glacier, Chile

Yet another reason to explore Patagonia.  Breathtaking.

Prince William Sound, Alaska

That is so incredible it almost doesn’t look real.

Jungfraujoch, Switzerland

Known as the ‘Top of Europe,’ just getting to the Jungfraujoch is an experience in itself, one of the many things to do in Interlaken.  You’ll arrive via railway, the highest railway in Europe.  The photo shows one of the ice tunnels that was carved out by man, though some routes in the expansive complex are natural.

Greenland

From this angle, it seems like Greenland is all glacier.  And in some respects, you’d be right!

Pasterze Glacier, Austria

Pasterze is the largest glacier in Austria.

Upsala Glacier, Argentina

These blue peaks are a common sight throughout Patagonia.

Matanuska Glacier, Alaska

There is no arguing that Mother Nature is an artist.

Skaftafell Glacier Park, Iceland

Unbelievable.

Aletsch Glacier, Switzerland

So many unique colours, all in one shot.

Furtwängler Glacier, Tanzania

This stunning photo is quite sad as that small bit of ice is all that is left of the Furtwängler Glacier, which you might know better as the Snows of Kilimanjaro from Ernest Hemingway

Biafo and Hispar Glaciers, Pakistan

This shot is of “Snow Lake”, a favourite along the icy trekking routes of northern Pakistan.

Lambert Glacier, Antartica

We close with the continent that is ice, Antarctica.  It looks so peaceful from the air.

Photos by Steve & Jemma Copley, Daniel Orn, doug8888, Dawn, VinceHuang, AlaskanDude, basheertome, joka2000, longhorndave, Dawn Endico, diego cupolo,dibaer, cesargp, dave hancock, RemusShepard

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Recommended Reading for Learning More about Glaciers

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