So after a few days absence, I (Jill) am back again! Getting lazy and letting Jonny do all the work!
Today was our glacier walk. Last night, we almost froze to death! But this morning, we woke to blue skies, and a lovely view of the snowy mountains (couldn’t see them for all the clouds yesterday!)
We were picked up at 12.30 today and brought into the town to the place we booked the trip with. To start, we were kitted out – given raincoats, gloves, and crampons. Their only rule is ‘no jeans’ so we were there in our shorts!
We also had to sign in, and were questioned as to any medical problems. Everyone else was like “no, no, no”. Between my diabetes and Jonny’s gammy knee, we were probably the only people who had to write anything down! And probably watched more closely than anyone else for the rest of the day, in case we keeled over or died or anything!
Franz Josef Glacier
So then it was another bus trip to the start of our journey. In total, we were walking (including breaks) for about 4 hours! So it was a long enough day! We had to start a good 2-3km from the ice so there was a big walk through trees, little rivers and over a lot of rocks before we even reached the ice. When we arrived at the foot of the glacer, we were taught how to attach the crampons to our boots. Now, those crampons were the business! You stick to everything! No fear of slipping!!
Jill meets a Yeti
The glacier was pretty spectacular. And it wasn’t that cold (except when you touched the ice!). It was great fun climbing it – up steps carved out of the ice, holding on to ropes etc – all very impressive!
Climbing up a crevasse
So this evening, it was back to the camp site to cook some dinner! Now, the kitchens at all the camp sites we have been staying at are great. Great facilities, plenty of space to cook etc. Normally. It’s the weekend now, and the world has descended upon this camp site. It was a mad house tonight! There were 5 2 ring gas hobs in this kitchen. We managed to commandeer one to cook our chilli (which was an event in itself – turns out we misjudged how much we had and ended up with an overflowing pot and nowhere to put it all!) There was a man beside us, cooking up a storm – using 3 of the 5 hobs! It was like masterchef! He didn’t seem to notice the queues of people around him waiting to cook, all standing with their little tin pots and pans. He was in full flow, wearing his apron, glass of wine in hand, while the rest of his party sat waiting to be fed! We walked past the kitchen on our way to the computers, and they’re still there, and now on their 3rd bottle of wine!
So these camp sites are interesting places! We have made some Dutch friends – this is the 3rd campsite in a row we have been at with them!
Tomorrow, it’s on to Wanaka, and then on Sunday, we should arrive with Jonny’s sister.
Until then,
Jill
