Slow get up today, breakfast at home.
We had a helicopter trip up the glacier booked for 10 am, arrived on time and walked through the bush land to the heli-pad and waited while it was refueled - very comforting to know it was fully fueled.
Wow what to say, how to explain the ride up there, it was magnificant, fantastic and breath-taking - all those big words. We walked on the Franz Josef Glacier and it was very deep snow - up to our knees in spots. Views were unforgettable.
The helicopter landed on the glacier right under Mount Tasman - New Zealands second biggest mountain. The biggest one was right behind - that being Mount Cook. It was one of those "Once in a lifetime...." trips. We took some photos in the snow, we were the first there this morning, no other footsteps in the snow. It was cold and clear up there, and other than the helicopter noise.
Had lunch at home and went out for a few short walks, we saw a native bird it is called a "Tui" see picture below - the colored one with the white bauble under his chin.
Lazy afternoon with a walk up Sentinel Rock which is a huge boulder or small mountain with views up the valley to Franz Josef Glacier, the weather has come in during the afternoon, and the view was not great as the glacier was covered in low cloud.
Great day, full of firsts!! For me anyway,first glacier, first helicopter ride......
Today's highlights :
Bert : helicopter ride
Bob : good night sleep and lazy day
Joyce : a nice quiet day
