Ice Climbing Franz Josef Glacier
Well, I guess it is about time I (Nicole) put up a post. Yesterday afternoon we got to Franz Josef Glacier and did some great hikes near the two glaciers (Fox glacier is only about 25 kilometers away). The glaciers are special in that they extend into a rain forest at very low altitudes- Franz Josef extends down to about 24o meters above sea level. For some reason, the colors here seem to be exagerated just a little bit beyond what you expect in the real world. Last night was no exception, and despite the overcast weather we saw some incredible scenery.
We were also lucky to run into Adam (Andrew's friend from the Stennis), his girlfriend Tamara and his friend Conor. It was pretty cool to see some friends from the states (randomly) and hear about their travels over a few drinks.
This morning we got up early for our ice climbing trip. Franz Josef glacier is supposedly one of the few places in the world you can do this kind of trip because of its accessibility. It was a pretty crappy day, unfortunately, with rain from start to finish. Despite the weather, going out on the glacier was incredible. We got fitted out with crampons (I have no idea how to spell that, but they are basically metal spikes for your boots) which gave us amazing traction on the ice, but not so awesome traction on rock and slush. We travelled over and around some amazing caverns and walls. The whole thing was a little surreal. The glacier looks really out of place next to the rain forest and it is strange to see the curious (tropical looking) birds that wander onto the ice.
We are off to Queenstown tomorrow for a stopover and then on to Milford and Doubtful Sounds. Thanks to everyone who has been posting comments. . . we love hearing from you!
8 comments:
You guys are amazing! I love the pictures. I'm making your blog my homepage so I can vicariously live through your stories while I write my lame-ass term papers :)
Love, Sara
ps. "Tee" is actually tea in German... so really you weren't that far off!
Hi Guys,
so great to see a posting from you, Nic...Awesome pictures as well!!
As you know, I especially love hearing about these adventures as they are completed!!
Love following along...stay safe
Love, mom and Keith
So far your trip looks awesome! I'm so excited for you guys! I'm glad that you were able to meet up with Adam and Co.! It's nice to see that Adam and Andrew are the same, no matter what hemisphere they're in! :-) Safe travels! Much love, Jess
Wow, those are some amazing pics. Please keep them coming. I love reading about the adventures. I have a sneaking suspicion that Andrew is writing most of the blogs... come on Nic, pony up! I can't wait to see you guys in my neck of the woods in 2 weeks!
Love, Chris
Great stuff Team America. F**K YEAH! Mom just passed on this link and I'll be checking back frequently to see your new adventures. Congratulations on seeing a real life 'bog of eternal stench'!
Seriously, keep up the good work and be careful out there.
-Erich
Absolutely amazing!!! Wish we could be there with you. From sea to glacier --- amazing contrasts that you are experiencing. We love reading your blogs and seeing the photos --- great effort on the photography you two!
Lots of love,
Mom and Rob
Sara. Thank you for the support on the 'tee' situation. Unfortunately, my spelling has been consistenly terrible and I've resigned myself to accepting that my speeling is infurior to Jooey Dumbgard Hunsin.
Jess. Yeah, we're pretty much the same anywhere. Except, this one time, after we (Adam and I) finished peeing in the same toilet, the water flushed in the opposite direction. Weird.
Mom. We are being safe. Always most of the time.
Chris. I (Andrew) have written most of the blogs, though Nicole is usually sitting nearby to make sure I don't put anything inappropriate on the blog. She's not here now, though...thus the toilet comment.
Erich. Thank you! I was really hoping someone would remember The BOES. It was almost as much of a stretch as titling the first entry,"We're off to journey onward." It would be difficult, though, to expect anyone to recognize the quote from homevideos of my 10th birthday party. I'm suprised there haven't been any Beer King qoute. Hmmm.
See you later everybody. Hee Hee Hee Hoo Hoo Hoo!
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