(Click on an image to see a larger version. Click on the "++" link to see a huge full-size version.)
++ Walking out onto the glacier from the Jungfraujoch station, you see a sign advertising the Monchsjochhutte, with "Hot and cold dishes and beverages", only a 45 minute hike away. Another sign warns "Danger, Concealed cracks in glacier. Do not go beyond enclosure." We decide to risk the hike for some good food. |
++ After walking a while, we can look back at the Jungfraujoch station and observatory, which stands atop the rock spire. The station entrance is at the base of the rock. |
++ Up ahead, the path winds across the glacier and over a ridge. |
++ So we keep hiking through the snow. At 12,000 feet, this is actually a somewhat strenuous activity... |
++ ...so we stop for a photo op. That's Szymon, me, and Jonathan. |
++ And then we continue hiking, up that one last ridge... |
++ And finally make it to the Monchsjochhutte, a lone building against a rock outcropping. |
++ Jonathan the photographer stands tall, surveying the view over the ridge. Despite the temperatures of -8C, he seems comfortable in only a T-shirt. |
++ And here is the view of the Monch, which finally appeared over the ridge. |
++ Inside Monchsjochhutte, hikers and skiers rest and enjoy the food. |
++ Szymon and Jonathan kick back at lunch. Unfortunately, the intense light outside the window drowns out the inside view. |
++ Hiking back across the glacier, we saw this helicopter deliver supplies to the hutte, and carry away the garbage. |