West Coast

With sis and bro-in-law around (the Aussies), we decided to take them to the West Coast to see the glacier and the pancakes. Dad, G, BgMn, SmMn, C and J took 2 cars and set off to Hokitika.

Checked into the Jade Factory backpackers (good deal thanks to MF). It was shitting rain when we arrived but happily, it cleared up after we checked in, and we moved on to Franz Josef for the 1 and half hr return trek to the glaciers. It was a long walk indeed especially in the inconsistent weather and the fact that it seems so near yet so far .. all the time... The glaciers itself was erm.. ok...as expected I guess. I was more interested in the colours the moss and the 'oxidised' rocks contrasted against each other. Another 30 mins return to Peter's Pool which was quite serene.

After dinner at the Stumpers bar, we went to the glow-worm den (it is free) and enjoyed a good 15 mins there mesmorised by the glowy things. Off to bed with dad taking a whole room to himself due to his snoring. ;p

The next day saw us heading to Hokitika Gorge. We nearly decided to forego this destination but thank goodness we stuck to it. We had a great time trekking down to the gorge - we walked down this long pinewood bridge-like thing which made me feel as though I am in a bird-house. The swingbridge was so cool and the colour of the water is similar to that of Lake Tekapo's. Turquoise but somewhat chalky framed by white cliff rocks.

Pancake rocks in Punakaiki was next. Dad turned back half way through as the weather turned from fine to blastery piss. Pancakes are just pancakes to me as I have been there before, and somehow this time round, it was not as spectacular as I thought I remembered them to be.. hmm.. weather might be the factor.

We heard the chopper on our way out, as a motorist crashed himself onto a power pole and all the hoo hah...finally the roads were cleared again, and we were off once more. Stopping by at the cafe in Arthur's Pass, wondering at how come The Knobbly Kea cafe across the road (albeit being the more sunnier cafe) attracts less than 1/6 of the patrons of the cafe we were in. Business tactics? Most probably.

Saw some mischievous but slow Keas wobbling around and trying to peck on car aeriels, cell phones etc.. they have beautiful orange underwings and funny feet. No wonder they can only survive in NZ with no other predators apart from perhaps...possums?

All in all, a fantastic trip which covered what we wanted to cover. Home sweet home.