Fwd: Blog 16. March 20/21. Franz-Joseph
Alcedo
David Batten
Mon 23 Apr 2018 02:39
> The only reason for continuing with March 20 is that we had a delightful evening in a small campsite at the Fox Glacier Lodge, with laundry, hot showers, WiFi and 3 Keas to entertain us. They spent most of the evening trying to dismantle the vehicles, some tyres and anything else they could lay their beaks on.
>
> Lots of things to get your beak into here! Was going to put another Kea photograph in here, but having trouble with the internet.
>
> With no walking up to Fox’s, it was on to Franz-Joseph next morning in the pouring rain.
>
It is raining even harder by the time we get to Franz-Joseph, so we decide the only thing to do is book a guided tour up the Glacier track with oilskins and umbrellas courtesy of the tour operator. Like dog chasing, if you have paid to do it, you do it regardless. So after lunch, we are driven to the start of the walk and join the other weirdos making the best of the rain.
>
> Driver 1 about to employ umbrella on the path up to the Glacier. With out umbrella, there would have been no photographs!
>
> Our very enthusiastic and charming Guide explaining, amongst all the other information on glaciers and vegetation, how the ice sculptured the rocks as flowed down the glacial valley...
>
>
>
In the event, the rain probably added to the sense of grandeur and natural forces which sculptured this landscape, as the glacier is reported to be disappointing when seen clearly. We thoroughly enjoyed our guided walk, courtesy of Glacier Eco Tours, which was good value and we definitely appreciated the umbrellas, not something we have on the boat and the borrowed gear.
Hope this blog goes this time, which will be the 4th time of trying.
Alcedo