Glaciers

Jan 13 – Franz Josef to Fox Glacier

It was raining again this morning. Apparently the west coast is known for it's rain. The windows in the RV don't have an weather seal left so they drip. We drove from Franz Josef to Fox Glacier which is only about 30km. We stopped at Lake Matheson which is supposed to have beautiful views of the mountain reflected in the lake... when it's not raining. We walked a little ways along the path with hopes we might see something but we mostly just got wet. We went into the little town of Fox and had lunch at a pub. After lunch we checked out the campsites in town, both were grossly overpriced. Feeling a little disgusted Dad wanted to go up to see the Glacier. We drove up to the parking lot and it was a torrential down pour. We couldn't see the glacier. Dad got out to “check a map” and got pretty wet in the process. We then headed back into town and checked in to one of the camp sites. Later that evening Beau and I hoped to get some coffee and dessert but everything was closing at 9pm. I guess that's what happens in little towns. One placed stayed open to serve us coffee and Mom and Dad joined us with ab beer. Dad and Beau did take advantage of the pool table.

Jan 14 – Fox Glacier to Wanaka

The rain had let up this morning so we were able to take the short walk out to the Fox Glacier view point. It was a nice view. There was a short walk that lead across the river on to the chalet walk. Elaine, Shane and Beau started on that hike while the rest of us went to drive the RV around. Unfortunately we couldn't make the drive, there was a road sign and height barrier that only allowed vehicles under 3.2m up the road and our RV was 3.3m. We didn't want to risk it! We headed back and walked to meet back up with the rest of the team. Mom and I decided not to do the chalet walk which turned out for the best since there were several rivers to jump across. The other 4 had to remove their shoes to cross some of the streams and throw them across. Elaine throws like me and missed her mark with her shoe and had to run down the river to retrieve it. They did get some lovely photos. After they returned to the camper we drove to Wanaka. We took a gravely back road and found a really nice motor camp. It had a great view of Wanaka Lake. We borrowed a bbq and had burgers for dinner. It was quite chilly tonight!

Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier

Lake Wanaka