We are having such a wonderful time in Fox Glacier and even in our "work"
we get to see these views!
On Wednesday afternoon our host asked if we would go with him to gather drift wood on the beach to use in their wood-burning stove. We drove to Bruce Bay (about 30 miles from Fox Glacier) and loaded up a trailer of drift wood.
Job completed!
When our kids were little, they used to ask if we could go on a "venture". So, early Thursday morning we went on a "venture" within our adventure! We packed our backpacks with sleeping bags borrowed from our host, food for 2 days and a "knife"...just in case! We hiked "Copland Valley Track"; an 18 km track one way to a shelter hut with wonderful views!
Active landslides especially after heavy rainfall. We've only had 13 inches of rain in 3 days.
We should be ok, right?
It was 37 degrees at 8 a.m. when we started off after arriving at the trail head.
It took us 40 minutes trying to figure out a way to cross this creek without getting our feet wet. We kept thinking there had to be a spot in the creek where we could cross it stepping over rocks. After walking up and down the side of the creek, we finally gave up....
Shoes came off and pants rolled up at 37 degrees crossing glacier water.
Oh my!!! Time to wake up!
Oh my!!! Time to wake up!
We didn't get a picture, but right after Linda took this, David slipped and "almost" fell in. He caught himself with his left hand in the water and soaked his glove.
Good thing his gloves are quick drying!
Good thing his gloves are quick drying!
40 minutes later, feet dried and shoes back on, we are ready to go!
Really glad we didn't have to cross this river!
Snow capped mountains over the ridge!
Just a few obstacles in our way!
One of the many streams we had to cross.
2 hours in, we found a sunny spot near the river and had a snack.
One person, suspended bridge to cross.
One of the many "active" landslide areas.
Very long chainlink fence suspended bridge. One person at a time!
No Stopping...so what do we do? Take a picture!
Very thankful for the well marked trail!
Met up with another hiker at another one person suspended bridge.
David half way across.
Quick video of Linda crossing the suspended bridge until she had to
put the phone away to hang on!
We made it!!
6 hours and 10 minutes!
Copland Track Welcome Hut!
What better way to relax after a 10 mile hike than to sit in a hot pool and look at this view!
Awe!!!!
Other hikers came...clothes back on!
Video of where the hot springs come out of the ground.
Who's cold now? So refreshing!
Back at the hut! This hut has 31 bunks in 4 rooms with a kitchen area and a common eating area. We booked the only "private room"!
This was the Sierra Room that sleeps 4 people. We had our own kitchen and shower. Toilets were still outside. This is David getting the pot-belly stove going.
View from our window.
Starting to get dark.
Dinner for 2! We brought dehydrated "Venison Risotto for 2". Yum!
Back at the hot pools for a late night dip!
Watched the moon rise over the mountain.
Hot pools in the a.m.
This is a "Weka" (also known as a "woodhen) making all kinds of noises outside our room!
Heading back after a great night!
View point of 2 rivers coming together. A nice place to stop and have lunch.
PB & J!
Back to the bare feet creek crossing!
20 miles in 2 days. Not a hike for sissy's!
On Saturday after working, we checked out another hike to the glacier that had been closed earlier in the week due to the rain but opened back up on Friday. The trail crossed several creeks and most were runny pretty high.
Through the trees you can see a large muddy creek. This was caused from a recent landslide.
One of the bridges was out so the trail had been diverted.
We came to this muddy creek crossing that was flowing pretty hard. There were a few rocks we could step across on, but they were all a good jump apart. Kind of scary and it took Linda a good 10 minutes each way to get up the nerve to cross.
Made it to the lookout point!
We decided to leave Fox Glacier one day earlier than planned to allow time to see more of the South Island before leaving New Zealand. This was our view on our last night in Fox Glacier.
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