| A | B |
|---|
| improvising | making something from available materials |
| ice ax | an ax used by moutain climbers to cut steps in ice |
| functioned | filled a particular purpose or role |
| pitons | metal spikes, used in mountain climbing, with eyes or rings at one end through which a rope can be passed |
| carabiners | in mountain climbing, oval rings that attached a rope to a piton |
| overcome | to conquer |
| belay | to secure at the end of rope, in moutain climbing |
| foothold | a place that gives firm support for a foot while climbing |
| fatigue | extreme tiredness |
| coaxed | gently urged or eased |
| contours | outlines, or shapes of something |
| terrain | the type of land in an area |
| desperate | feeling full of despair, hopeless |
| intently | with extreme concentration |
| desolate | having few or no inhabitants; deserted |
| reassure | restore confidence in |
| textures | the appearance and feel of surfaces |
| ridge | long, narrow strip of high land |
| drifts | masses of snow |
| vacant | empty |
| rummaged | searched thoroughly |
