Glacier country

Okarito.
My breakfast (as per normal in NZ only)! : Avocado, alfalfa sprouts, soft boiled egg and pesto dressing. Avacodos are so cheap from friends trees, we're still on a bag of 20 from Oddessa's garden in Takaka.

We set off for a 3 hour coastal loop walk and abandoned it half way along the beach as the tide was coming in fierce fast and we looked in danger of being cut off! A rapid demented 45 minute march along the sand with wet feet got us home ok though. A bit disappointing as we'd checked tide times and were within the recommended low tide times. Better safe than suck up a cliff for 6 hours!

Pm. Franz Joseph Glacier- walked up to within 300m of the glacier through tons of glacial moraine, with melt water rivers roaring down the valley. The path was well worn and we passed the various degrees of traveller that we've come to expect on some walks - some dressed in full mountain gear with walking poles and backpacks to families with pushchairs as if it was a day out at the seaside to Chinese groups in shorts, flip flops/crocs and iphones, ipads, imini pads and Nikons to the max! Very touristy, but made better by stopping for a Latte and free use of the internet to get my podcast fix of last weeks Archers!!! Yes, I know, but I'm worried about Chris Carter in hospital!!!
Camping free tonight at Gillespie's Beach near Fox Glacier. Spag Bol, beer and the beach.