Our Second Honeymoon 7

Back on the road again and headed for Fox Glacier.

 Our first glimpse of the Fox Glacier ... I think it's time to put the telephoto lens on.

 Ahhh ... that's better, now we can see it really is a Glacier, even if we did have to wait for an hour for the sun to poke itself through the cloud.

 Next stop was Franz Josef Glacier, but still no luck with weather.  All in all it was a bit wet and miserable, but even in this weather, the place is amazing.

 Well, today is not the day for a stroll so this is as close as we're getting to the Franz Josef Glacier today.  We still haven't had any luck getting a scenic flight to view the Glacier's and Mount Cook from the air yet.

More rain, as we drive north up the West Coast towards Hokitika.

 The drive toward Punakaiki is totally different again, with hints of the Pancake Rocks showing themselves as you drive the winding coast road.

 The Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk is well worth the effort at the Paparoa National Park in Punakaiki if you get the chance.

 Kathy on the cool rock staircase.

 You might have to take something to help with your imagination here, but if you visit my album linked below, you'll see what other's believe you should be able to see when looking at this scene.

Make sure you fill up at Greymouth because Punakaiki does NOT have a Gas Station as we found out.

A poor attempt at getting a photo of the Glowworms at Hokitika, in the pitch black open cavern, in the rain.

 Breakfast at the Clock Tower Cafe was wonderful in Hokitika.

 More rain, mist and gloomy weather as we head out for Arthur's Pass on the way to Hanmer Springs.

 They're even kind enough to redirect a waterfall over the Otira Gorge Road on State Highway73.

The amazing Otira Viaduct drive heading towards Arthur's Pass.

 At least I had a hat on to keep my head warm and waterproof shoes for walking in the snow ... unlike another visitor who was only wearing a short dress and her "Jandles" ... check her out in my album.

The ice and grit covered roads of Arthur's Pass with a hint of blue skies in the distance.

As you round each corner, the vision changes constantly.

Lake Pearson Wildlife Refuge ... yet another beautiful spot on the way to Hanmer Springs.

 Lake Pearson Wildlife Refuge is truly beautiful.

OK then ... remember, you can only fish between 5am and midnight in winter ... if you can find a hole in the ice that is.

 The sky put on a magnificent light show as we drove toward Hanmer Springs at sunset.

The sunset drive into Hanmer Springs was such a beautiful way to end the day.

For those of you interested in seeing what we're up to, we'll be attempting to post updates and photos on our BLOG, PICASA WEB ALBUMS and FACEBOOK PAGE when time and Internet connections permit.

Warmest Regards ...
Darren & Kathy Gardiner