New Zealand - Part XI

Half way up the West Coast now, at Fox Glacier. The glaciers are really quite incredible, stretching almost to sea level, although it's a bit of a shame as you drive in & see how much they've shrunk in the last 200 years.

I can't say enough how much I loved the blue in all the little pools and lakes.

The layers in the ice are really interesting. Year after year, layer upon layer.

   

Then Franz Josef Glacier, much more of a trek to get to the face, but I think it's the more impressive of the two.

I really wanted to do a guided tour into the ice caves, but The Boy wasn't interested...but my own interest diminished very rapidly as it creaked and moaned like you see in Antarctica documentaries. There were a few boulders easily 2 cubic metres that broke off and fell right in front of us. I felt much safer behind the barrier...with my zoom.

   

This guy was about 100m in front of the ropes and on a death mission. That big boulder to his right is what just fell while we were watching. As much as I get into awkward positions to get a good shot...it's never worth risking your life...