West Coast

16th June 2006

Lonely Planet were right, the West Coast is a lovely drive so far. The bit between Westport and Greymouth is truely spectacular. I thought it was better than the Gt Ocean Road. The Pancake Rocks and Blowholes were well worth the visit and I took loads of photos. Not sure when I will be able to put them on to here.   Reading this in June 2015 and realise I never got around to putting the photos on so here goes.

Glacier

The Wanaka tree

 I am now at the Franz Josef Glacier and it is pouring with rain. There has been thunder, lightening and hail. I think I should have made my way south today as snow is forecast for tonight. I will keep my fingers crossed and hope the Haast Pass is open and I can get across with chains. Having waited in Greymouth for a couple of days, I was told that I could get chains in Queenstown!!

I took a look at both the glaciers at Franz Josef and Fox but having seen what Alaska has to offer, I was not struck. The lakes are beautiful and I have been lucky to managed a couple of walks between heavy downpours.

I am looking forward to the winter festival in Queenstown, that is if I make it across the Southern Alps. Until the next update......