After a few beers last night another early start challenged us this morning. Christy, Jake and I booked ourselves on a guided day hike of Franz Josef Glacier. We first caught a glimpse of the glacier from the bus, however the actual size of the ice river hit us once we'd walked to the base and looked towards the summit. The 12km long glacier sits 17km from the Tasmin Sea, at only 240m above sea level and averages 70cm move each day. Greg, our guide, reassured us that in one day it wasn't possible to reach the summit, he pointed to half way up the hill, which was a huge relief! The ice at the foot of the glacier was dirty with rock and sediment. But only an hour into our climb and fresh blue ice crystals and drifts surrounded us. The glacier looks almost like the sea with canyons imitating waves. With our spikes on our boots, waterproofs and warm clothing we gradually ascended. It was slow progress as the guides carve steps out of the ice using pic-axes. At one point we walked through a tiny canyon which was a brilliant sky blue and slippery smooth as you slid through. It was incredibly tough at times to negotiate the drops, pools and huge steps, not to mention the slippery ice and slush. The views were outstanding, as either side of the glacier are rocks and rainforest vegetation with waterfalls falling towards the glacier river. Beautiful and very picturesque. In total we were about 6 and a half hours hiking, by the end everyone was feeling the cold and legs were sore. Some of the daring guys that were in our group decided to brave a dip in one of the pools sitting near the foot of the glacier. Well they were absolutely crazy because there was no way I was participating!
Tomorrow I'm back on the magic bus heading to Queenstown. If everything goes to plan I'll meet Lara off the bus, where I'll stay for 3 nights to reco-operate. In the evening we're hoping to go out as the magic gang are heading separate ways over the next few days. It'll be a shame, but I hope to keep in touch with most. Right I think a game of cards is planned for tonight!! I'm off!!
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We enjoyed reading your account of your hike to see the Franz Josef Glacier. Two years ago Bert and I admired the views there when we visited New Zealand but we weren't fit enough to do the climb!! You will love Queenstown and there is so much to do there. I look forward to reading the next episodeof your blog -Marie ( Christine's Mum and friend of your nanna )
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