Tuesday 10th November

Another early start, with that well coordinated breakfast saw us on the road by 8am. We headed towards the west coast. Rain and mist shrouded the mountains creating a vastly different image to that of the last couple of days. A scene very reminiscent of Frodo's habitat.

A morning shopping trip at Hokitika, where green stone souvenirs could be purchased from the factory where they were being carved. From here we headed out to Franz Josef Glacier, through the misty rain. We rugged up for the showery walk out along the stony river bed to the face of the glacier. Unfortunately beyond the towering face it was somewhat masked by the mist. Just as we arrived, a large fall of ice and rock was a good reminder of the dangers of climbing near the face of glaciers. People can and do lose their lives on this glacier.

Back to the carpark - about a 2 hour walk for a cuppa and a warm-up. We decided to head towards Warnaka - driving while the weather was not so good. A few dryer stops along the way beside lakes and at a point where it is said approximately 800 fur seal stop to rest. We were also feeling the need for a rest, so a camp spot some distance beyond Haast was just what we needed. Pizza for dinner then the challenge of working out how to shower in the van! Nothing like a confined space shower, but we all felt the better for it.