Hiking Franz Josef

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I think the air in New Zealand must be pretty thin... or maybe cloudy... I'm not sure what it is... (actually they probably have some of the cleanest most oxygen filled air, the sky is bright blue and the air crisp and fresh) New Zealand, specifically the South Island is full of thrill seeking activities. While we didn't get in on the fun of bungy jumping, parasailing, jet boating or taking a luge ride down the mountain in Queenstown in zero degree temperatures, we did get up early on a very brisk morning to spend a full day hiking in, on and up and down ice (a glacier).
The experience was incredible and well worth the effort, despite the temperature!

(by Elizabeth, friend, fellow traveler, and guest writer)

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Photos

Kea.
Mountain Parrot. Native to New Zealand.
Kea Stew. (as told by our guide according to a legendary explorer)
Add to kettle:
1 Kea whole
Several rocks
Boil until rocks are soft. Throw out Kea and eat rocks. (Apparently they aren't very tastey.)

Getting ready for a Glacier Experience
After a walk through the river valley we stopped to put on additional gear.

Tight squeeze.
We walked through several narrow crevices.

Anyone for a swim?
Did I mention, thrill seeking behavior?

Sunset.
You won't get this view many times in your life!