The Norway Experience

Since the Tunsbergdalsbreen Project in Norway was such a great success this year, we wanted to share with some thoughts and stories.  Simon Peters and Mariana Esteves recount their experience...

Interview with Simon Peters

I had a chat with Simon Peters, 26 year old graduate with a degree in Environmental Hazards, about his experience on the Tunsbergdalsbreen project in Norway, 2010.  He has a great love for the mountains with two winter seasons under his belt plus numerous trips back-country skiing in Norway, and it was this passion that inspired him to join the Norway expedition.  Whilst Simon is no stranger to snow, he had much to learn on the two days of glacier training.   He had an amazing time learning skills from crampon usage to crevasse rescues and described their instructors as “legendary!”.  Although Simon had done some basic survey skills at university, assisting the survey leaders with their work of measuring glacier movement and volume refreshed his mind and has inspired him to look for further courses.  He has a goal to work in the mountains and this geographical experience has taken him one step closer to achieving that.  On the back of the trip, he has organised a return to Norway to do some further mountaineering and would love to participate in the 2011 Tunsbergdalsbreen trip.  When asked if he’d recommend the expedition to others, he said “definitely – everyone got on so well, the camaraderie was great and the whole experience was amazing”.

Interview with Mariana Esteves

BEG: How did you enjoy the expedition?
Mariana: I loved it!  It was a great experience learning how to maneuver on ice, and the glaciology is something that I may like to study in the future.

BEG: Were the project objectives achieved? 
Mariana: Yes, everything we set out do was completed and the survey measurements were successful.  For me, I achieved my own goals which were to learn how to walk on ice, learn rope-work and gain a background of glaciology.

BEG: Did you feel the project was worthwhile and beneficial to the environment?
Mariana: The ice melt could affect the community in the valley, so monitoring it is important to them. Also, the project is a great way to raise awareness of Climate Change.

BEG: What were the highlights of the expedition?
Mariana: For me, definitely improving from being scared and looking like Bambi on ice to feeling really comfortable walking around! Also, it was great to be part of the project.

BEG: Would you recommend the Norway expedition to others?
Mariana: I already have!  I study Geological Oceanography so Glaciology is of great interest to us… It’s also especially good for anyone interested in climate change as it really opens the mind to it.