The alarm woke us at the shockingly early time of 6.45. We had to be up, dressed, breakfasted and out for 7.45, not easy with five of us sharing the bathroom. We didn't hold out much hope for the weather but it turned out to be a beautiful morning. We arrived on time in the small town of Fox and presented at the glacier tours office. They kitted us out with boots, crampons, coats (for most of us), and mittens, and we all jumped on a bus. After a short bus ride and walk we came upon a raft tied to a rope which we used to cross a raging torrent. Another walk, involving crossing three rivers brought us to the glaciers terminal face. Our guide, Sofia, from Argentina, taught us how to put on our crampons then showed us into an amazing ice cave. We were then given a guided walk over the glacier and back down. All in all a really good tour.
We lunched in the hob nail cafe at the glacier tours place, tramping over ice make you hungry. Our next overnight stop was to be Arthurs Pass, in the middle of the southern alps on the way to Christchurch. On the way we stopped at a beautiful lake, and Hokitika canyon, where the river was an amazing blue colour. The rain started while we were there and never let up meaning that the view was obscured. Shame. We arrived at the motel in a downpour, to find that the town had only two restaurants. We chose the Arthurs Lodge, which was surprisingly good.
The photos are amazing. What a wealth of experiences you are having. Did you actually need to use the crampons?
ReplyDeleteYes, the ice was very steep and sloppy. Even with crampons walking was difficult. The water in the canyon was an amazing colour, photos didn't capture it, and the lake was like a mirror.
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