I’m counting as walking days only the sections we do with the 25 kg pack. Yesterday, Mount Battle, despite a very long day, counted just as a climbing day because of the small pack. The same will be tomorrow when we go up Turner Glacier to reach the bottom of Asgard.

In a now established routine breakfast was at 07:30am; camp was down by 08:15am; and we were walking at 08:30am

The route Glacier Lake to Turner Lake, is approximately 15km. Most of the route is on top of a Glacial Moraine which again seems to go for ever, probably 50km or so. And we are on it for 15km, at least.

But before starting on the moraine we need to cross Rundle River again. This time the water is calmer, and the wading is without difficulty. To appease our spectators Jason and I decided to don our swimming/tracking shorts rather than underwear. So, the experience is much improved across the board for everyone.

The weather is nice and sunny; hot enough for me to decide to continue walking in shorts. And up we go on the moraine.

Luckily there is a path and the walking is easier than yesterday. We still need to climb up and down the different hills of stones, rocks and sediments generated by the glacier.

On the way up Highway and Turner Glaciers are on our right; the profile of Asgard, Frigga and Freya in front of us.

It takes us two hours to get to the top of the pass and to reach Turner Lake. We get the first glimpse of the rocky face of Thor and the pyramid of Loki. Thor’s vertical face is an overhang which makes it very difficult if not impossible to climb. All the mountains in the park of a particular character or shape have been given the name of a Norse god. The more common ones have no name.

Turner Lake is a vast expanse of water and it is surrounded by white sandy beaches.

We find a very spectacular spot to stop for a moment to admire the view. Celine calls it a moment of contemplation. She does not know I do not do much contemplating…!!

Two additional momentous events: we have passed the halfway mark of our journey; and we meet some humans.

It is the group of six people whom we should have met at yesterday’s camp. They had not stopped but continued. The exchange is brief. We are passing them. They are a bit slower than us.