Returning on a rocky outcrop after getting a unique view of glacier.
As we travel through New Zealand, we are struck both by its unique features and to be contradictory,
similarities to a few other countries. Perhaps if we had to choose a partner, it would be Iceland. Both countries
are big islands, close to the poles, not Poland mind you, although Iceland is a winner in that race. The people
are hardy and friendly although New Zealanders win that round easily regarding openness. The countries are beautiful.
Filled with glaciers, mountains, extensive forests, volcanoes, lakes galore and cascading, mighty waterfalls
and of course, surrounded by oceans. The Icelanders speak very good English for a language not being native
to the land, whereas the ‘down-unders’ speak a reasonable English notwithstanding it's native. The language
of the Icelanders and Maoris have something in common—they are both difficult to pronounce and comprehend.
Sun, not often on display, catches the top corner of glacier. Who's complaining? We hiked on it
five years ago. It has receded much since then.
Oxidation on the rocks contrasted with lichen (which causes it) makes for a colorful effect.
A cavern below or under the ice. We saw a similar one nearly two years ago on Mount Hood in Oregon.
The following week, a youngster decided to explore it. The roof collapsed on him.
During our recent stay in Wanaka, we met the owner of the lodge and became friendly. Bruce, a former
rugby player, who had visited South Africa, spoke of his experiences in the Republic. We discussed golf,
rugby and hiking—what else? After all, this is New Zealand. It’s also a lot better than debating and wondering
where the world is heading. Bruce’s father was a coach of the famous All Blacks Rugby team, quite a position
to have held. We also received background to the country and about life in the small towns. It’s quite a place,
is New Zealand. We often wonder why the British let it go so easily but held onto the Falklands tightly.
We booked into a back-packers hideaway in the glacier town, Franz Josef. We got top of the range accommodation
which included a bathroom tucked somewhere within the confines of the room. We eventually found it but not before
we listened for a dripping faucet (tap). The atmosphere within the establishment was terrific. The communal kitchen
was buzzing with people of many nationalities. The front desk, as with so much of the staffing in South Island,
comprises foreigners. Either there is a shortage of locals or they are playing rugby or riding bikes over cliff edges.
The blue tinges are effective; the glaciers are generally covered in debris, more pronounced
from close up, obviously. Pre-sunshine shot.
The waterfalls are over 2,000 feet high, making it impossible to capture in one photo.
The sun put on a great show for us, most fortunate.
We are moving north-west to be followed by an east swing as we make our way to Auckland to take a
plane ride to see Mom in Johannesburg as well as Hil and Ernie. Should the mood take us, we might even try
a hike or two or maybe, twenty. We were fairly rooted for three weeks but that period has come and gone.
Accommodation in some towns is hard to come by towards the end of summer. In Franz Josef and Arthurs Pass,
it seems that summer passed a while ago. Nevertheless, for New Zealand conditions, the weather is superb.
In addition, it seems that should one not like a particular season, sometime during the day it will change.
We have seen this occur frequently and are always amazed—it does not seem possible but the phenomenon
is a reality.
Before the appearance of the sun, a much duller glacier.
A lower waterfall on the other side.
We checked into another back-packers at Arthurs Pass; this time without a bathroom. Okay, so we’ll
close down our bladders and other organs for a couple of days—what’s the big deal? Seriously, we were impressed.
The atmosphere was charged at times, there was a clean, large kitchen, a lounge and library, giving us the
opportunity to eat and work outside the confines of a room. It's always nice to converse with fellow hikers
and exchange ideas and views. Being confined to a room provides privacy which is wonderful but is limiting socially.
Perhaps the best part of all was that we find we are so much more adaptable than in our earlier years. We think
that’s important as it allows one to prioritize that which is important in life. Comes the revolution, perhaps
our survival odds are a little better than before. Having written all that, we can’t wait to get back to San Diego
so we can sleep in our tent again—some luxuries are difficult to forego.
Sun catches the other side of the top of glacier or the part we could see.
More color and smiles with glacier lurking behind.
Franz Josef Glacier, what a backdrop.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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