Franz Josef by Megan

On Sunday we left Queenstown, and went to Lake Wanaka (We passed Lake Hawea on the way).

We were very tired, so we didn't do much. We decided to go for a quick walk to the lake. On the way we stopped for a drink, and then headed off to Lake Wanaka. There were loads of ducks, so we bought some bread.

As soon as we started to feed the ducks, loads of sparrows and seagulls gathered round. Emma and I got to hand feed a sparrow; they were really tame. Despite the water being so cold, some people were jumping in! Afther a while, we headed back to the apartment for some DVDs!! The following morning, we drove to Franz Josef, which is a township near the glacier Franz Josef. When we got there, we set off on a valley walk, which took us close to the terminal face of the glacier.

On the way, we passed a massive waterfall which Emma and I went up close to.

We got sprayed by the water. At the end of the walk, there were barriers that told you you couldn't go any further without a guide, as snow may fall if you didn't know where it was stable. The glacier was really impressive from below, but made me look forward to standing on it. The next day, we went on a helicoptor ride to go up onto Franz Josef Glacier. Firstly, we went over to the glacier shop to get kitted out - waterproof trousers, coat, hat, gloves, thick socks, snow boots & crampons. Once we had every thing on, we headed out to the helicopter. When the helicopter landed, a gush of wind hit us which made a load of dust fly in the air. Good job I had my sunglasses on! We got on to the helicopter (Emma and I at the front) and set off up the valley to get to the glacier. The views were amazing. When we reached the glacier, we were greeted by our guide Kat.

We put on our crampons, and started to walk. It was very strange walking on ice, but we soon got the hang of it. Even though it was really wide where we were walking, Kat described it as being like the handle of a frying pan, the ice sliding down the valley being the handle, and more snow and ice even wider at the top. At one point we went through an ice tunnel.

Emma and I put our fingers in some of the pools on the glacier; the water was freezing, and made me look forward to going to the hot pools that evening. There were masssive towers of ice, and the sun made the ice look really blue.

Once we had had two hours on the Glacier, we went back to spot for the helicopter to pick us up.

We set off again down the valley. As far as I could see were mountains and ice.

We could also see the whole of the town. When we landed, we went back to take off our gear. Kat gave us all a bag with some water, a chocolate bar, lip balm and a dvd about the glacier. We had a quick sandwich, and then set off to the glacier hot pools, which is heated glacier water. There were 3 different pools with different temperatures of water. 36 degrees, 38 degrees and 40 degrees. It was lovely and warm, and the water was really clear!!

I loved today, and I saw some sights I will never forget!!