Franz Joseph Glacier
Today was one of my best days in New Zealand so far. We took a trip called a Heli Hike where you take a helicopter ride to the top of the glacier and then hike on top of the ice. It can't say that I saw what I expected to see because I've never actually seen a glacier before this. Apparently there are over 3000 glaciers in New Zealand. Franz Joseph is about 11km long and 900 meteres thick. It's advancing in certain places as much as 5-6 meters A DAY during the heavy snowfall months.
The flight was one of the most incredible experience I've ever had...helicopters are so light and compact, so you're basically at the edge of the window the entire flight. There are even windows on the floor that allow the pilot to see the landing space quite clearly. We fit the pilot, myself and 4 others in the cabin and had such a great time being deafened by the noise and giving each other thumbs up for no particular reason.
The glacier was a fantastic sight—a massive sheet of ice that created so many delicious patterns below us. There were gracefull rolling drops and jagged dirty spikes of ice cut dramatically by tiny meandering streams of blue water. The large, spiky shist mountains in the background posed an enormous contrast against the white ice and snow. I kept on expecting to see a polar bear trotting across the snow because the scene was so unreal and remote. Interestingly this particular glacier is located directly beside tempurate rainforest (a very unique occurrence happening only here and in Argentina).
The hike was great—nice and easy in a 2 hour loop track. Ice axes were essential to carve steps on the path we made along the way. We had the opportunity to see excellent transient formations including ice caves and arches. Our guide led us through tiny ice holes and across small streams. This time, without the risk of contracting Giardia, I drank from the pure blue water and releaved my thirst.
Below you can view pictures from my trip along with captions. Next stop tomorrow is further down the west coast, and then Queenstown, so stay posted for info on my last 10 days in this amazing place!
The flight was one of the most incredible experience I've ever had...helicopters are so light and compact, so you're basically at the edge of the window the entire flight. There are even windows on the floor that allow the pilot to see the landing space quite clearly. We fit the pilot, myself and 4 others in the cabin and had such a great time being deafened by the noise and giving each other thumbs up for no particular reason.
The glacier was a fantastic sight—a massive sheet of ice that created so many delicious patterns below us. There were gracefull rolling drops and jagged dirty spikes of ice cut dramatically by tiny meandering streams of blue water. The large, spiky shist mountains in the background posed an enormous contrast against the white ice and snow. I kept on expecting to see a polar bear trotting across the snow because the scene was so unreal and remote. Interestingly this particular glacier is located directly beside tempurate rainforest (a very unique occurrence happening only here and in Argentina).
The hike was great—nice and easy in a 2 hour loop track. Ice axes were essential to carve steps on the path we made along the way. We had the opportunity to see excellent transient formations including ice caves and arches. Our guide led us through tiny ice holes and across small streams. This time, without the risk of contracting Giardia, I drank from the pure blue water and releaved my thirst.
Below you can view pictures from my trip along with captions. Next stop tomorrow is further down the west coast, and then Queenstown, so stay posted for info on my last 10 days in this amazing place!
The mighty Franz-Joseph right after our landing.
The highest part of this glacier (not within view here) is connected to a 30km basin that collects massive quantities of snow fall every year and contributes to the glacier formation.
The shoes we wore for agood grip
Me!
Me in a blue ice cave
Hikers on the glacier (gives you some perspective)
The helicopter landing on the glacier
My Stray Travel family in the helicopter
View of the valley from the helicopter (note all the glacier runoff)
posted by Alyssa Crouse @ 7:38 PM
1 Comments:
Views from top of the world are excellent!! Missing you today as we gather for Thanksgiving. You are in our thoughts and hearts. Jd
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