G'day fram Haast!

Day 7, Hokitika to Haast

I know you keep hearing me say this, but NZ is the most beautiful place I've ever been to. Today's journey took us to Haast, a small beach community still on the Tasman. Dave and I originally wanted to make it to Wanaka, but spent quite a lot of time exploring the Franz Josef Glacier, and it was well worth it!

We left Hokitika a bit later than usual, took in some more pasties and coffee in town. Kiwi's take a lot of pride in their coffee, but I'll touch more on that later. Just as I was taking some pics of town, I filled my camera card and went to replace it with a spare. I had recently loaned said spare to a friend who took it on a trip back to the midwest. Unfortunately he filled the 2gb card and LOCKED the pictures so I couldn't erase them! Luckily I found a music/electronics store across the street and was able to get another. The gentleman that owns the store is from the UK and we had a nice visit. He sells guitars, cd's, electronics, AND plays in one of the bands Peter from the hotel was telling me about. Result! I ask him to introduce me to some NZ music, we listen to it for a while, and play a little guitar to it. Naturally, I bought the CD :) He and his band play on it as well. My buddies Mikey, Larry, and cousin Mark would have loved this!

Anyway...onto the Franz Josef Glacier...

It would be simple to just park and take a picture, but where would the fun be in that? Dave and I were going to hike to see it, besides, it would be good to get off the bikes for a bit and have a stretch. There were signs in the car park, warning people of theft again. Argh! The NZ crime wave even reaches the face of it's glaciers, bugger! Dave and I decide to take turns, he wanted to stay by the bikes and eat while I hike the first leg. I went ... I saw...I was in awe...and got some great pics of the glacier and waterfalls. I went back and David did the same...

(I'm writing quicker as people are starting to wait for the computer...:)

We continued our journey past Bruce Bay, where people have stacked all the rocks into shaps and towers, very cool. It's a sort of "rock art"...great pic with the bay in the background.

By this time the sun is starting it's decline while David and I are rolling into Haast. Both of us are feeling a little knackered and hungry. We decide to rest before attempting the next mountain pass, Mount Aspiring Park. We spot a lady in a motorhome converted to a restaurant advertising fish sandwiches...perfect...it's Friday ;) David and I being the good Catholic boys we are, decide to partake.. I had a whitebait sandwich (more on that later), Dave had Fush n' chups. Quite tasty...although I don't think my heart would share my taste bud's enthusiasm.

We decided to stay in this small beach community and call it a day, we'll have pasties in Wanaka later...:)

Hoping life finds all of you well..

cheers,

john