So after a LONG drive from Nelson (approx. 6.5 hrs), including many "Bridge Lane Ones"*, we arrived at the township near the Fox Glacier. Not exactly a 'kicking' township but I suppose most travelers that pass through only spend enough time there to climb the glacier and what not, before heading off to pastures new.

After checking into our rather basic hostel (with no communal area and poor kitchen facilities - no doubt the worst place we've stayed in all of NZ) we popped see Fox Glacier Guides (FGG) to let them know we'd arrived. Whilst we waited in line we over heard the sales lady tell the couple in front that due to the amount of rain they'd had recently (the same in 10 days as Christchurch had in the whole of last year!) and rock falls brought on by said rain, that ALL trips to the glacier had been cancelled for the last few days(- oh no!) and all she could advise was to pop in the morning to see if the trip was able to run. Obviously she gave us the same advice, so we left with our fingers firmly crossed and headed off to a bar/restaurant for a drink.

At the bar we met a very naughty local inhabitant- a Kea. This is the only species of parrot that lives in an Alpine region and it's naughty because if it takes a fancy to something of yours, be it rubber trim off your car window, your bag, food or anything else, it will brazenly just take it from you. Customers are not allowed to feed it. Full stop.

Fortunately for us the trip ("The Nimble Fox") was on, and boy what a trip. You have to cross rivers, bogs and rock fall areas just to get to the forest path (all up hill, including a ladder and 100 ft drops) that leads to the glacier. This is a much, much safer route as it avoids the Terminal Face of the glacier, which is fall off in chunks as it melts in the summer weather.

FGG provide you with all the equipment that you need to undertake the trip - including hob nail boots! These certainly help tone the leg muscles whilst you hike. Crampons are an experience too.

Being on a glacier is exciting. Our guide Nadine was a true adventurer - picking out the safest path for us, pick-axing ice steps for us (of which there were many - she had no bingo wings at all, arms of steel) and taking us down the glacier to a Moulin (beautiful ice cave) that she'd found a few days previously before taking back up the glacier to get a wonderful view of the glacier and it's valley. The Moulin particulary cool as it could well have not been there anymore as the glacier changes daily as it flows down the mountain and cravasses open up as it retreats.

Back at the township we had a hearty steak and chips to regain our energy at the Plateau (best in town!). The trip, meal and wine meant we slept very well despite the hostel noises.



* Bridge Lane One refers to the NZ habit of writing stuff on the road in the wrong order (like the Americans do) so Bus Lane becomes Lane Bus etc. Bridge Lane One is the funniest though.