29 to 30 Jan 2011 – Christchurch to Kamloops BC

This morning we woke to the sound of rain on the campervan.  This is our sorting and repacking day since we return the van and stay in one of the campground cabins for tonight. 

We started by getting the key to cabin and unloading everything from the van.  It is strange how much stuff we have packed away in the van.  We have to think about what to pack and how much we have to pack into the suitcases and backpacks.  Such fun!  On top of that we found that the van leaked water into the back storage area and one of our sleeping bags was wet and smelly.  We do not know when this happened since the sleeping bags have not been used in New Zealand.

We drove downtown to the campervan depot and dropped off the van.  Then we walked up to Cathedral Square to do some souvenir shopping and were reminded that the Busters Festivals was still happening so we were able to enjoy a couple of shows. 

Then we headed to the souvenir shop with a list of things to buy for family (yeah we did not buy much before now to avoid having to carry them around in the van.)  What a bit of fun it is to go wandering around the souvenir shops and of course I did find something for our fireplace mantel (you have to visit to find out what it is!)

We finished a bit early and then headed for a tour of the Christchurch Cathedral with the long and slender stained glass, the beautiful columns and really high ceiling.  We noticed some repair working in progress so it did not escape the some minor damage from the earth quake last Sept.   After watching a couple of guys play chess on a checkerboard on the plaza using 2 foot high chess pieces we wandered around a few blocks and just enjoyed the downtown atmosphere.  

When it was time to head back to the campsite we located the correct city bus and rode our way back as far as the bus went.  Then we walked the last 2.7 km to the campsite.  Fortunately the sun had come out and it was a very pleasant walk.

30 Jan 2011 – Flight Home

We started in Christchurch at 5:30 pm on Jan 30, fly to Auckland and after 1 ½ hour wait, left for Vancouver at 8:15 pm. Then we flew for 13 hours non-stop to Vancouver, waited for 2 hours for our flight to Kamloops arriving at 3:38 pm.   All of this flying was done officially on Jan 30 (don’t forget the international dateline).

This morning we woke to an absolute mess around us as we started the joy of packing.  Now we have 2 suitcases and my daypack to fill ready for checking through to Vancouver.  However we both still have to carry daypacks and they are not light.  Mine has all the electronic stuff (2 computers, Blackberry, etc) as well as tickets, jacket etc.  The weight (yep I did weigh it) is 10.4 kg so close to 25 lbs.

We know that we can only put a maximum of 23 kg in each checked bag so we had to think carefully about weight distribution as we packed.  When we got to the airport we learned that one had 25 kg and the other two were less than 22 so we had to re-organize things from the one to the other two.  What a joy since our luggage is definitely packed.  Fortunately the two suitcases have wheels on them.

When we got that sorted we were given a courtesy drive to the airport by the managers of the campground which was a real blessing.  But we arrived here at 10:30 am and our plane to Auckland does not go until 5:30 so we had a very long wait at the airport.  We debated taking the city bus downtown and returning later but decided that the cost and stress just to fill time would not be worthwhile.  Spending the day at the airport may not sound like a joy (and it was not) but we had been sent a riddle for the Mystery Tour put on by our friend Roland through his company (Wells Grey Tours) so we sat and worked on solutions – it was fun actually.  Then we sent our thoughts to our friend who has signed up for the tour.  I think she had the answers already figured out and we really just confirmed them for her but it was a fun exercise and we spent a lot of time working on riddles.

While we waited we met a couple that we had talked to before at several locations on our stay here in New Zealand.  This couple, from France, has shown up at least 3 times at campgrounds we were staying.  They were on a similar timeline as us and doing a similar route of travel.  This will likely be the last time we have for chatting with them.

We finally got called to the plane and it was a big one with 3 seats on each side and 4 seats in the middle.  Wes and I had aisle seats across from each other so we could have room to straighten our legs for sleeping.  Wes did mention that next time he would prefer to be beside the window and sit beside me which is what we will do next time. 

The flight was uneventful in that we did have a dinner and a breakfast served and lots of movies to available to watch.  What is interesting is that we moved the clocks forward (actually backward 21 hours) 3 hours to match Vancouver’s so instantly the time went to 11 pm (Saturday date) and the night arrived quickly.  I was able to get to sleep around 1 am BC time (or 10 pm NZ time) and slept in fits until 9:30 am BC time (6:30 NZ time) so arrived in Vancouver feeling reasonably rested.  Wes did not sleep as well but he is not feeling too tired.  I suspect we will feel it later this evening.

We arrived to YVR and cleared customs without any problems other than our luggage is starting to fall apart.  One suitcase actually has a seam separating so out came the duck tape and the patch work was done.  These suitcases were bought from Walmart for their ability to collapse flat when empty for storage in the campervans (storage is a bit of a premium there) and not for durability.  They will be tossed when we get home and we now wait to see if that happens.

We arrived to Kamloops to find Anne and Alicia waiting at the airport for us.  What great friends they are.  Not only that, but we were ferried home and told to drop over for a light dinner (and wine/beer) when we had settled a bit.  Then we had the normal flurry of getting home and starting laundry, putting things away, looking at the stack of mail, turning the heat up etc.  Of course this had to include a quick trip to the store to get some things for the fridge.  Driving was really a challenge.  Four times Wes put on the windshield wipers when he meant to turn on the signal light and we had to constantly think about which side of the road to stay on  (When I drove I almost – but didn’t – turn into the wrong lane on a corner just realizing as I started the turn what I was thinking and corrected it.) Three months of driving on the left side of the road had become habit and now we are retraining ourselves for the right side drive.  Such fun!

We arrived home with all the bags in tact and actually felt a sense of relief.  I am suggesting that we toss out these bags now but Wes is wanting to store them in the basement for awhile (a year or two) but I am positive he will not trust them to use so why?  Yep you know my question and can guess the response…sentimental value is attached to them now.  Sigh life is back to normal!

28 Jan 2011 – Christchurch

Today is our last day as a tourist in Christchurch.  Tomorrow we sort out and take the van back and the next day we fly homeward.  Where have the 3 months gone?  Last night we stood at our campsite talking to a young fellow from Germany until midnight.  As a result we actually slept in and did not wake up until 9. 

We decided that we wanted to go to the International Antarctic Center.   At the introduction video we learned that the founder of this exhibition had been to the Antarctic three times and spend time trying to find a way to bring the experience to those who were not able to go the actual place.  I have to say I was very impressed and that he did a great job.

We arrived at the time they were feeding the Blue Penguins so we hurried over to the location to watch (along with about 100 other people).   Wow is all I can say.  We nearly froze on Oamaru to watch the Blue Penguins come home and we were not able to take any pictures there.  Here we were watching from an observation deck and listening to a commentator share information about the smallest penguins.  From the below observation deck I could get pictures of them swimming and from the above ground observation deck we were able to take pictures of the penguins out of water. 

We then headed over to the 4D Extreme theatre which would take us on a voyage to the Antarctic in just 11 minutes (real trip is about 20 days).  The 4D EXTREME Theatre, features an exciting 3D movie with special 4D effects added.  These include falling snow, water spray, wind, lighting, snow, bubbles complete with seat movement.  The film we watched was Ice Voyage.  Ice Voyage is the first 3D movie filmed in Antarctica.  Ice Voyage took us on a cruise down to Antarctica, with unexpected excitement and adventure.  Complete with 3D movie, moving seats, wind, water spray, bubbles and snow, Ice Voyage offered all the thrills and spills of any Antarctic Cruise. 

Our next adventure was the Snow and Ice Experience.  This safe all-weather indoor polar room is chilled to -5 degrees Celsius.  Activities include a Slide down an icy slope,  an ice cave,  the wind chill machine reducing the temperature to -18 degrees celsius, and an Antarctic Storm that blows every 30 minutes.  Warm jackets and overshoes are provided which was good since I arrived wearing shorts and sandals. 

From this chilly experience we felt it was time to give the Hagglunds a test drive.  We climbed aboard the amazing Hagglund genuine as-used-in-Antarctica all terrain vehicle. As we sat back, held on and experienced travelling across rough terrain in this unique and exciting machine! The aim is to simulate the same travelling conditions as scientists would experience riding in a Hagglund across the ice pack.  It showcased the demanding capabilities of the Hagglund ATV.  The outdoor adventure course is designed to put the Hagglund through its paces in a fun but very safe environment. We were taken out on an exhilarating ride over mounds, a crevasse, speeding across open ground and through a pond of water to display the Hagglund's amphibious capabilities.

We completed our visit by going through the Antarctic Gallery.  The Gallery area is packed full of informative displays showcasing modern day Antarctica, including the Antarctic Treaty partners, the human impact on the continent, the wildlife and plant systems and Antarctica’s effect on the globe.  It encourages ‘touching’ of most of the exhibits to ensure visitors experience Antarctica in a fun and interactive way. 

We concluded our Antarctic journey with a 17 minute sound and light show "Beyond the Frozen Sunset".  It follows a seasonal arc from sunset to sunrise, weaving in stunning footage shot by mounting a camera to the underside of a helicopter.  The only sound was that of music as we soared and flowed along with the camera over the landscape.  

We spent hours at the Centre and after we left we still had a bit of time to head off to a shopping centre to try to get our souvenirs.  We found some, but we did not give ourselves enough time so tomorrow we will have to fit a bit more shopping in as we use our last full day in Christchurch to return the van and organize our luggage for the trip homeward.

27 Jan 2011 – Kiakoura to Christchurch

This morning we are taking the last long drive and going to Christchurch.  As we left Kiakoura we were on the number 1 highway which at this point reminded us of the Great Ocean Road in Australia.  We followed the coastline getting views of the ocean that could smell the salty air and enjoy the positive sense of well-being that always accompanies a visit to the seashore.  The sound and rhythm of the waves remind us of eternity and the sense that all is well with the world.

This road was one to be enjoyed as it rotated left to right around the sharp corners allowing the natural shoreline to dictate the ebb and flow of the road.  We had several tunnels to go through along this stretch as well.  All too soon the highway headed inland and continued on over a mountain range to return to the Canterbury Plains and then into Christchurch.

We had 2 more gas coupons to use and both are for BP Petro so we felt the need to find a BP to refuel.  This meant (as it turned out) that we would have to drive a little beyond our comfort distance for the gas tank and this often leads to stress as we hope to not run out of fuel.  Of course I am the calm one and Wes is the one who worried and of course I am positive we can go 450 km on a tank and we would be at the gas station at about 430 km so why stress, just drive.  I am happy to report we did make it just fine and Wes started to breath again.  I should add this saved us a total of $2.25 on the gas fill up of $80.00.

Ok we got settled in Christchurch and decided to do some exploring of the city. So we headed downtown to the Botanical Gardens since this is a place where we could park for free and walk into the downtown core.  The Gardens are huge and so colourful.  We did not much more than walk through the Gardens on our way to downtown but what we saw was so amazing I wished we had all day to just wonder.  For example, I could not believe how beautiful the rose garden was and how large the roses were.   Unfortunately we had forgot to put on sunscreen so we did not want to stay out in the sun too long so did not wander around much.

Quote from the internet. “The Christchurch Botanic Gardens showcase some of the flora of New Zealand and other parts of the world.  Founded in 1863 with the planting of an English Oak tree, the Gardens now feature one of the finest collections of exotic and native plants found in New Zealand.  Towering majestic trees - many over 120 years old - dominate the Gardens, forming a striking backdrop to the extensive themed plant collections and sweeping lawns.  A loop of the gently-flowing Avon River, criss-crossed by bridges, encloses a large part of the Gardens while the adjacent 164 hectare Hagley Park enhances its natural splendour.  The Gardens are an oasis in the city of Christchurch - 21 hectares of horticultural displays, several conservatories, memorials, garden art and walking tracks.”

On our way to Cathedral Square we walked by the Court Theatre to see that there was a live stage production on for Cabaret.  We spontaneously decided to check to see if there were any tickets available for tonight and picked up tickets for the show.  The show time was set for 6 pm and we wanted to go on the Gondola and this meant we put ourselves on a bit of a time schedule.  So we headed back to the van through the Gardens again only to stop and watch a buster couple putting on a performance.  They were doing all types of acrobatic stunts and some juggling (with balls, knives and fire torches).   We were immediately unable to leave until the end of the show when we learned that they were performers from Canada.  Actually later we learned he was Winnipeg and his wife and partner was from Chicago (yep I know this is not part of Canada).

We hurried off to find the Gondola and ride up to the top.  The wind was really blowing and as we crept up the side of the mountain we noticed that the car was swinging back and forth which was a bit unsettling.  However, I drew comfort from the fact they would not be running the gondola if it was unsafe (yeah right!).   From the top we had great views of the Pacific Ocean, Lake Esllemere, Quail Island, Mount Herbert, Lyttelton Harbour and Port, Ripapa Islands and Christchurch.  One thing we learned was that Lyttelton Port of Christchurch is the ocean's gateway to the South Island.  As the major deep-water port in the South Island, it caters for a huge volume of imports and exports, with over 1300 ships arriving each year.  The access to the port from Christchurch is through a tunnel that passes the mountain we were sitting on.  

The second thing we learned with Wes’ excellent observation skills was that part of the mountain across from us called Castle Rock was mostly gone.  He compared the pictures of the area on the wall against what we were seeing.  We learned that most of Castle Rock fell with the earthquake last fall.  Now we are reminded of the potential of earth quakes as we wait for the gondola to take us back down.

We returned to the campsite to make a quick dinner and head back downtown to go to the show.  We felt we had lots of time but as you can imagine we did cut the time a bit short.  In all fairness we had plenty of time as long as we could find parking – which was not easy at all.  It must have looked funny to see the two of us running the 6 blocks to get to the theatre in time.  We were a bit late, but the start of the show was even later so we got to our seats easily.  We sat at the front section 2^nd row in excellent seats.  The show was worth all the effort it took for us to get there and we had a really good time.

After the show we wondered around the downtown core for a bit and then headed back to the campsite to call it a night.  Tomorrow we have our last day of being a tourist and we have to decide what to do, and there are lots of options.  Here are some sunset shots that captured my attention and my camera lens.

26 Jan 2011 – Hanmer Springs to Kiakoura

This morning we headed off to Kiakoura (not to wale watch but have a look at the area).  The drive was very interesting since the road was VERY windy and we traveled up and down the small mountains and the road followed the land closely.  So twisted and turned, did switchbacks and drove up and down for much of the trip.  However, with such beautiful weather it was an enjoyable (and slow) drive.

When we arrived at Kiakoura we headed over to the information center to have a look at what options were available to us.  We had talked about doing a ocean kayak trip at some point and we found that there was one being offered today at 12:30.  This gave us an hour to get lunch and ensure we had a campsite so we hurried off to do so.

Now remember that I have never been on an ocean kayak (Wes has been to the Broken Islands twice) and what kayaking I have done was years ago.  We decided to take a double kayak and Wes would deal with the rudder.  I was the front end drive.

This was a perfect day for a kayak trip.  The sun was out (yes we screened up big time) and there was a breeze but no wind.  The waves were about 1 meter high (we were told) and the ocean was this beautiful aqua color.  We were going to find New Zealand Fur Seals and hopefully swimming Blue Penguins.   I learned that I am not a good front of boat paddler since I kept feeling I should tell Wes which way to turn the rudder etc.  I realized after a couple of comments that really I needed to chill out and not try to front seat drive.  We did have a good time.

The advertisement for this kayak is to go kayaking among the seals.  We did this.  The seals on the shore often get too hot and have to swim to regulate their body temperature.  With the heat of today there were lots of seals in the water and they did not seem to be concerned about our kayaks floating around getting very close at times.

Much to the surprise of the guide we also saw several blue penguins.  Often you can see them as they dive and disappear since they are not happy about people being around, but for some reason today they seemed to be content to continue to sit on the surface while we got relatively close.  Although I had my camera with me in a waterproof bag, I was not able to get it out quickly enough to get any pictures of the blue penguins.

We took a route that went from the beach out into the open ocean so we could go around a reef and point and get to the other side where the seals were enjoying sun bathing.  We spent 2 ½ hours floating around and exploring the shoreline.  This area the rock is primarily limestone so not much grows on it so there really is not much to describe.  Some of the erosion along the shoreline does create very interesting landscapes.

We returned to the campground and again feel we have been blessed with a fun day, sunny skies and a sense of another adventure successfully completed.  Time is running short since we have only 3 more days here before the travel home occurs.

25 Jan 2011 – Methvan to Hanmer Springs

We woke up to sunny skies again and we are so appreciative for this beautiful weather.  Today we are going to drive up to Hanmer Springs which will take us out to Christchurch and then back inland.  The springs are in the mountains close to Lewis Pass which we never got to on this trip.

The drive was very interesting since the scenery reminded us so much of areas of Canada.  Often we drove through flat agriculture land but in the distance we could see the mountain range of Southern Alps.   As we headed back inland from Christchurch we started to find ‘foothills’ as we moved towards the mountains.

We arrived in Hanmer Springs early afternoon and decided that we wanted to sit in the springs but not until evening.  The sun was in full blaze and the pools are all outside so we would be sitting in the hot pools with the sun heating us even more.

After checking out options we decided to see about taking a horse trail ride. We went to the Information Center where they called to see if we could join the afternoon ride.  As it turns out we had about 20 minutes time before the ride was to leave the ranch but they were willing to take us.  We headed off following the directions to the ranch with Karen’s instructions.  We turned off the main road to travel on a gravel road.  When we arrived at the first creek ford on this road we really wondered if we had misunderstood the instructions and if Karen had the right address.  By the time we got to the 2^nd creek ford with the car we really felt we needed to turn back but decided to go a bit farther just in case.  Good thing we did since this really was the way to the ranch.

I got to ride Ted and Wes was assigned Ozzie.  What characters these horses were with Ozzie being anti-social and tried to nip the horse in front and kick at the horse behind.  Ted wanted to be social so walked close behind Ozzie unless I did not keep him back.  At one point we were talking and we got a bit close and Ted got a hoof to the chest but fortunately no damage.  After that Ted was happy to stay back a bit.

As it turns out Wes and I were the ONLY guests on the ride so we actually ended up having a private horse trail ride.  We started the ride by leaving the ranch and following the forestry road around through a small forest.  This road wound up between two mountains working around to the backside.  We eventually left the forestry road and started taking a horse trail through the woods heading upward.  There has been a lot of rain lately so the trail actually was muddy and slippery.  Wes’ horse seemed to prefer to skate and did some fancy steps as we climbed upward.  This was also evident when we came down any slippery slopes of which there were several.  Our guide did not seem to worry so we just relaxed and enjoyed the ride. (and no one fell)

We finally reached the top to enjoy a fantastic view in all directions.  With the sunshine and the nice breeze we really felt special.  The fields around us were covered with ranging sheep and we got to see some wide rabbits and numerous birds. We had chances to trot and I was invited to take Ted for a gallop.  He was a really pleasant ride.  We returned to the ranch completing the riding trail and were really pleased we had done the ride.  We were also  a bit sore!

The plan to head to the hot springs was reinforced by the time we returned to the campsite so after a shower, happy hour (20 minutes actually), and dinner we headed back to the springs for the last two hours (7 – 9).  The springs have been well developed and there are numerous pools of various temperatures spread out in the complex.  The Thermal Pools & Spa has a range of pools - twelve open-air thermal pools, three sulphur pools and six private indoor thermal pools, as well as a sauna/steam room.  And with a bounteous supply of the thermally heated spring water, the pools range in temperature from 28-42° Celsius - perfect for soothing away aches and pains caused by horseback riding. The Hanmer Springs geothermal water is drawn from a bore adjacent to the reserve complex, providing natural water of the highest quality.

We found so many of the people at the pool very sociable so we did have lots of good conversations.  In particular there was one family we talked to where the mom has her hands full with 5 boys and a husband who seemed to act like one of the boys.  They were really good fun to chat with.  At one point while sitting in the pool, the sun dropped enough to highlight the pine trees in behind.  With a dark cloudy sky (steely grey color) the brightness of the green was spectacular.  Since I was in the hot pool, I did not have my camera which bothered me a bit.  It really was very unique and spectacular.)

We returned to the campground feeling like we had a full day and happy to call it a day early.  However, I noticed the sky as we drove in and grabbed my camera to try to capture some of the colors.  Pictures sometimes just do not do justice.

24 Jan 2011 – Mount Cook to Methven

This morning we woke to bright clear blue skies which was amazing.  We immediately checked over towards Mount Cook to see if we could see the top and it was standing tall, bright white and clearly visible.  Before I even had my breakfast I was out there with the camera snapping pictures since I do not trust the weather in this area and did not want to have clouds move in while I was eating.  They didn't fortunately.

We had decided that today we would be hiking the Red Tarns trail which is only a 2 hour return hike but climbs up 500 meters.  The tarns are read because of the plant that grows in the water has a red leaf.  The booklet indicated that these tarns provide for fantastic reflective pools for Mount Cook and other surrounding mountains.  Of course that only occurs BEFORE the growth takes over and covers the top of the water.

To get to the trailhead we had to drive back to the Mount Cook Village which is about 20 kms.  Once we got there it was easy to find the trailhead – almost.  We found the car park easily but there was some confusion about which trail off lead to the Red Tarns hike and which went to the Bush Track.  But with some problem solving skills at full force we were able to get it sorted out.  Now I should mention that the trail only took us 45 minutes to get to the top (all 500 meters) BUT it really was like climbing non-stop stairs.  We had steps for 99% of the trail and the steps were random heights and widths.  This is a guarantee to provide for tired knees and legs.  However the views at the top were worth the effort.

We could have continued to climb up further to a ridge line behind the tarns, but honestly we were not all that interested.  With the views of Mount Cook standing out against the blue skies, the many different glaciers facing us on the mountains around we had enough to enjoy and appreciate.  I was concerned for Wes’ knee which had bothered him on a couple of hikes, but he had no problems today.  My one ankle that has been giving me problems did swell a bit and was sore, but not to the pont of stopping us from hiking.

We headed back down the road pass Lake Pukaki stopping on numerous occasions to take more pictures of Mount Cook.  It was hard to cut down the pictures to the few that I am able to include on this blog but I wanted to share the beautiful sights we enjoyed.

We headed on our way with at stop at Mount John.  This mount is described as a pimple in the middle of the dry planes between mountains.  At the top (which is about 300 meters high) is an observatory and a fantastic 360 degree view of Lake Tekapo.  We stopped and again I went crazy with my camera but promised only to include a few pictures.  From our vantage point we could see the mountain range, the top of Mount Cook, two lakes and various rivers.  There was a hike around and down from Mount John but we opted to continue to travel rather than take 3 hours for a hike at this point.  And we had already done a substantial hike today.

We drove through country that reminded us a lot of the Fraser Valley – flat agricultural land with mountains in the distance on many sides.  Once again we are amazed at the similarities between BC and the southern island of New Zealand.

We finally arrived at Methven which had not distinction other than it was a certain distance between Mount Cook and Christchurch for a day that started with a hike.  However, we have learned that this is a ski community and somewhere around us is a ski hill (wrong season remember) and we may explore tomorrow. 

We met a couple here who have been exploring the Mount Sommers area where a lot of Lord of The Rings was filmed and they are speaking highly of the area.  Unfortunately it involves driving on about 40 km of gravel road (one way) and neither of are too keen on that.  We will see what we feel like in the morning.  So far we have only a few more days left.

A couple of notes, we were informed of a speeding ticket today which we have paid online.  It was for an area in Kumara but we are really surprised since we have been really careful about speeds and staying within.  I suspect it was one of those small towns what really does not look like a town as you drive through and we missed a speed limit sign.  Well, such is life.

Another thing was the cell service here is really strange.  I am working in the middle of a lawn area because anywhere else the signal gets lost.  Not sure why, but it is chilly at night when the sun goes down and the evening dew starts to decent.  So I am signing off now.

23 Jan 2011 – Mount Cook

This morning we woke to a clear sky above us but clouds still clinging to the mountain tops around.  We plan to hike up Hooker Valley today and hope that the clouds will move off so we can see the top of Mount Cook.  It is a 20 km drive from the campsite to the trailhead so we left after breakfast.

We got to the trailhead still looking at clouds shrouding the mountain tops but decided that we would do the 3-4 hour hike to Hooker Lake with a few stops on the way.  In the parking lot we talked to a young couple from Germany who are on their honeymoon and heading off in the same direction we were going.   As it turned out we spend the entire hike together enjoying chatting and walking along.

The first stop was the Alpine Memorial in memory of hikers who were caught in an avalanche on Upper Linda Glacier in 1914.  However the memorial is also in memory of anyone who has died in this area.

Our second stop was at an viewpoint overlooking Mueller Lake.   From this same viewpoint we were able to see the first suspension bridge on the Hooker Valley trail below us.  This long bridge really was fun to walk over but if you have a fear of heights you would have wanted to walk carefully.

We continued along this trail until we got to Stocking Stream where there was a second bridge to cross.  This was not a large bridge but the name for the creek and the glacier above is based on the fact that this stream had to be crossed, before the bridge, with bear feet.  Thus stockings and boots had to be taken off.

We continued up the trail along a narrow ledge along the cliff edge to the final suspension bridge.  The hand railing was comforting along the cliff since it was not very wide and we were constantly stepping up or down on the rocks.  Below was the raging river from the Hooker Lake.

We arrived at Hooker Lake to enjoy a view of the Glacier and the Lake itself with icebergs floating around.  We were not able to see the top of Mount Cook which should have been right in front of us due to the clouds but we did enjoy the trail. 

We returned to the carpark as a group and actually added another German hiker to our group in the process.  We went in different directions once back and Wes and I considered going on another hike but it was a bit much for today so we headed over to check out the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center.  He was a native of New Zealand and did his first major climbs in this park.  We enjoyed looking at his statue and walking through the museum in his honour. 

We are back at the campgrounds earlier but needing to take a bit of a break.  Tomorrow we plan another hike in the morning and then we will head towards Christchurch and see what we can find there.  However, this evening Mount Cook finally made an appearance from behind the clouds.