This morning was another early start, which I seam to be writing more and more frequently. We all got dressed, filled up on carbs and headed out. Today we were going for a heli-hike. We got kitted up in boots and waterproofs and crossed the road to the helipads.There were loads of them, all empty, so we waited for our lift!
The chopper flew in at such a sharp angle, it was really amazing to see how agile they are, and made the impending trip much more exciting. We got on and the helicopter rose. It was such a brilliant way to see the mountains and the glacier but was also just fun to be in a chopper! We landed perfectly on the ice of the glacier which was an experience in itself. Once we were all out, we put our crampons on and started trekking the glacier! It's such an amazing place, and changes all the time as it moves 2 meters a day. Our guide was great but hadn't been on the ice for more than a week so it took him a while to find us a path.
We clambered around the ice mostly up steps which previous guides had cut into it. The views were incredible and going into an ice cave topped it off! It was only small but meant it was loads of fun to try and squeeze through! We headed back down and enjoyed our flight back! The sky still clear as ever!
We got changed and took advantage of 2 for 1 coffee in a cafe across the street and once that was down I walked straight over to the kayak shop where I signed in for another trip. We headed out to a beautiful lake which, like the water on Fraser Island, was stained black by tannins leaked from the treas. Me and Xenia teamed up for the kayaking and our guide led the group all the way over to the other side of this huge lake! Such a long way, but worth it. On the other side was a beautiful rainforest that has been untouched by humans. We were some of the lucky few who actually get to see it at all, only because we were on the water. So we paddled the coast of the lake for a while before cutting in to a narrow creak and going deeper into the forest. The water was so still, and paired with the blackness meant it was a perfect mirror! It was so incredible! We got to a part where it messed with my mind because it looked like we were floating in the mountains! My brain was very confused but so overwhelmed! We paddled back down the creak and made our way back to the other side of the lake as the sun set! We spent the entire time on the lake all alone, I doubt anyone else could even see us! I really did love it, so calm and quiet but equally beautiful.
I didn't get back to the hostel until 5 so was knackered. I had another tea on the sofa before having pizza at the bar with the gang.