Wednesday 30 December 2015

Day 25: Hiking to see Franz Josef Glacier- too cloudy to fly

Wednesday 30th December

Hiking to Robert's Point to see the Franz Josef Glacier
Kayaking in the local lake

Distance: Hike, 11km +2km, Minibus & Kayak, 12km(?)

Total Distance: 4020km

Today started with a disappointment. We were due to fly by helicopter up to the Franz Josef Glacier. However, the cloud was low and thick, preventing us going. I tried to switch onto a later flight, but as the cloud refused to move that was cancelled too. A few people went off to the brilliant bakery, having 'saved' $300.

Instead a few of us decided to go get the best view of Franz possible. The advice was that there was a viewing platform which wasn't say to get to, but would be below the level of the clouds whilst allowing us a good view of the exposed glacier.

The hike was tough and very dangerous at times, but not too concerning for 5 young people with some experience of doing these things. It was a fun challenge, and we crossed over a number of worrying swing bridges, as well as traversing various interesting 'paths'.

Finally we reached the top, getting a wonderful view of the glacier and a spot for lunch.

Link to my friends Facebook album of photos:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10153611614986977&id=632806976


We returned quickly and without drama (we may have got a little lost...), before hitting the bakery for RnR. 

Despite our tiredness we were off again, going kayaking in the local lake. The guides were great and I had a lot of chat with the one from Wales who's been here for 5 months. We took a paddle down a little creek at the far end of the lake, then returned making silly faces and poses for the guides who took pictures.

Link to the kayak companies photo album:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10153613094846977&id=632806976

Afterwards we we shattered. 1 pint at the pub, scavenge some food, then early to bed.

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