South Island Trip Day #2

Wake up when the sun rises?!? Who the eff does that?!? Apparently I would and not just for that day... for every day for the next two weeks.

First.... we were headed to Franz Josef Glacier. The biggest and most epic glacier in NZ, it has been receding at a quick pace and many say that my generation is the last to see it in its current state. The tramp to the face of the glacier was indescribable. The scenery was gorgeous and the first glimpse of the glacier was jaw dropping. we continued our tramp to the face and were continually stopping to take pictures. When we finally reached the front (we were 100 meters away), we realized just how huge this thing was. It was a mountain of ice and snow. You could see faint blue streaks within the chunks of ice and you could also see where the glacier was melting and creating an ice cold "river" that flowed from the base. I really can't explain any more of what it looked like. It's just one of those things where you'll have to check out the pictures I have on facebook to get the feel, and even then, if you've never seen a glacier, you still won't understand the majestic beauty of it.

We found a nearby rock on to sit and each lunch and afterward we explored a bit.... Becca and Sarah further past the warning ropes than I. What can I say... I'm a giant wussy when it comes to natural formations that I have no idea about.... so sue me. After more pictures and the return tramp to the car park we were off to Fox Glacier. Still a pretty glacier but not as epic as Franz Josef. If any of you plan on traveling to NZ someday, seeing the glaciers is a must. I even recommend the half or full day glacier hikes. We didn't do either because the hikes are very expensive, but if you have the money, take the time and do it, I've heard it's simply gorgeous.

Later we were headed to Lake Matheson, one of the lakes you're supposed to see the perfect reflection of Mt. Cook in. Let's just say, the weather didn't want to cooperate that day and no reflection was seen. Zero, Zilch, Nothing. Lame as. The lake was still gorgeous and the 50 minute hike around was worth it until it started raining and we had clothes hanging out to dry on Ferdinand from the day before. Luckily, we got back to the carpark right as it started raining heavily and our clothes were no wetter or dryer than they were before we set them out. SWEET AS.

After Matheson we were in search of another place to sleep the night away and we landed upon Bruce Bay during our scavenger. It was this gorgeous beach with these rock pillars everywhere. At this point we were missing the ocean so it was nice just to be able to hear the ocean and see the waves crashing upon the beach. The night ended effortlessly with a drive down a sketchy road to find our "camping grounds" for the evening. Keep in mind... the night ended when the sun went down, just like the day began when the sun came up. This led to usually about 12 hours of uncomfortable "sleep" in the car, parked on a sketchy road in the boonies of NZ :)