Mini-trek on the Perito Moreno Glacier

I haven't meant to neglect my blog for this long. I'm still sorting through pictures from Argentina (daunting task!), as well as catching up with family and friends. I think I will be able to slow myself down this week, and get back to some posts! So for now, here are several shots from a mini-trek on the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Copyright (C) 2010 Mary Weiland

The weather conditions were not ideal for picture taking, but I was lucky the rain stopped long enough to snap the pictures that I did. [I can't imagine what the glacier would look like under a sunny, blue sky.] After strapping on crampons, we were off to explore this magnificent place...with the only outfitting group in all of El Calafate who did trekking tours on the glacier.

Copyright (C) 2010 Mary Weiland

Copyright (C) 2010 Mary Weiland

In addition to the weather, the other thing that proved difficult was being part of a tour group. I was bound to their timing and rushing along so as to not hold up the others. Trying to be cognizant of the members in my group, I positioned myself last in the line while on the glacier - I figured it would give me a few extra seconds to snap some pics without getting in the way of others. I could take a little more time and then hurry to catch up with the group. I got yelled at once, but by the end of the trek, everyone was okay with me taking pictures and no one seemed too bothered...not even our outfitters. I think they realized I was going to shoot. Period. Plus, I had both cameras on me, so they new this was my passion. Maybe that was selfish of me, but at the same token, I may not ever get back here again.

Copyright (C) 2010 Mary Weiland

Copyright (C) 2010 Mary Weiland

The hour and a half we had on the glacier flew by in a heartbeat. We could have spent hours wandering around and just being in awe of the glacier itself and the magnificent colors of blue it produced - from the deepest royal blue to the most crystal clear blue.

Copyright (C) 2010 Mary Weiland

It's very difficult to love photography but not have free reign or time over the subject matter you like to shoot. I didn't have any other choice on the glacier, and need to learn how to shoot more creative/exciting shots while under someone else's clock. This is not how I work, so I know I need to improve on this. Suggestions welcome!

At the end of our trek, we were treated to a shot of whiskey on the rocks...rocks chipped right off the glacier. It was fantastic!

Copyright (C) 2010 Mary Weiland

Copyright (C) 2010 Mary Weiland