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Published: February 25th 2012
So last we left you in Carters Beach with some rather underwhelming seals. Now we are in Franz Josef Glacier Township in the sunshine, at last!
We have been continuing south on the West Coast Highway. Most of this journey was done in torrential rain and so although we were passing by the Southern Alps we didn't really see them. We made one over night stop inland at Jacksons Retreat, a one horse town if ever there was one. It seamed to consist of a luxury Holiday Park and one tavern. We opted to follow the guidebooks recommendation and go for our evening meal at the local tavern, only to find it in darkness because of a power cut caused by a flood at Kelly's Creek. (It really had nothing to do with me) We were not quite sure how but hot pies, muffins and local beer were produced, so although we had to eat in the dark we didn't starve.
With continuing torrential rain in the morning we saw no point in going on to Arthurs Pass as we would not have seen a thing anyway and with the forecast better in the South decided to continue our
trip towards the glacier region. So we traveled trough some very odd little places like Hokitika and other towns that looked like the set for a Western movie.
As we reached Lake Ianthe the sun came out and we were greeted finally with some stunning scenes along the way to Franz Josef Glacier. Seizing the moment we headed straight to the glacier as it was thankfully visible. Its an amazing sight and we spent three hours trekking up to the ablation zone which, as you will all know, is the terminal base of the glacier. At times, as the cloud lifted higher, we could see right up to the the neve (the top).
We are enjoying this area so much we decided to stay another day, so today we drove round towards the Fox Glacier and went to take a look at Lake Matheson. There is a superbly set out walk around the lake that takes around one to two hours and has some really fantastic vantage points at various stages for viewing the lake with Mt Tasman and Mt Cook in the distance.
We are now back at our resting place writing this in the early
evening sunshine anticipating our evening meal in the local town. Catch you again soon, internet connection permitting.
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jane andrews nice
non-member comment
the gift
dear uncle andrew thanks for the gift i love it i think it was really nice that you posted it because you could have given it to me the next time you saw me but insted you posted it and i love the flower it is wonderful i am wering it today and the weather is very warm and sunny.im glad your having a good time im looking forward to your next update lots of love jane xxxx