The phrase "tasting air heavy with huckleberries" is more connotative than denotative. Denotation refers to the literal meaning of a word, while connotation involves the emotional or cultural associations that come with it. In this case, "tasting air heavy with huckleberries" suggests a sensory experience that goes beyond just the literal act of tasting. It evokes the rich, sweet, and potentially nostalgic imagery associated with huckleberries, suggesting a lush and vibrant environment. The phrase conveys a feeling of closeness to nature and an immersive experience, rather than merely describing the smell or flavor of air in a straightforward way.
In my own words, the sentence describes a moment when the speaker is standing on a frozen surface, enjoying the natural surroundings filled with the scent of huckleberries. To capture the vastness of a glacier on their smartphone camera, they need to climb up onto a high boulder, indicating that the glacier is impressive and large enough to require a better vantage point for a complete view.