We saw icebergs!

After a rather good nights sleep we got ready for our first hike that we've done in a while. The campsite has the start of the Hooker Valley track, an estimated 3 hour round trip with the destination of a lake at the base of Hooker glacier. We're so use to being cold at night that when we wake up and get ready for the day we automatically layer up in clothes and thermals. This was a big mistake for today because it ended up being so hot. Near the start of the track is a memorial for all the people who have been lost or died in this area of the mountains. The plaques of names were extensive and it really brought it home how even the most experienced climbers can't always win over the conditions of the mountains. Although the route was beautiful and with wonderful scenery it was a little sad how many people were walking it. At times you felt like you were in a queue either walking one way or the other and it was lucky if for a brief moment you couldn't see another person. Mt. Sefton was on the left of us the whole way and as the sun rose even higher the mountain became even more beautiful. We had to cross 3 swing bridges on our route that could hold 20 people at one time. Although they were bouncy they looked newly updated so felt incredibly safe. Each bridge passed over the river below indicating we were one step closer to our destination. Our legs felt a little tired from yesterday's glacier walk and I also had the bruise on my shin giving me a bit of grief so we took it at our own pace and enjoyed every part of the surroundings. Eventually we made it up the last climb and over the peak to see the glacier lake below with icebergs floating in it and Mt. Cook in the background. There were about a hundred people around but luckily the area you can explore here is large so it wasn't too overcrowded. It was surreal seeing actual icebergs up close and on a day that was so hot. They weren't small either, some were at least the height of us. There was a group of young children throwing rocks at them trying to sink them which we felt a little sad about especially when the dad was encouraging it. It would be a shame if they succeeded and there wasn't as many for other people to enjoy. After some food and taking in the scenery we headed back the way we came and made it back to the van in half the time of the way there, mainly because I stopped a lot less to take photos on the way back. Having a flask of tea waiting for us in the van was amazing and after a quick pit stop we drove to the base of the Tasman glacier, the one we hiked on. You park by the huge rubble deposit and climb up many steps to get a good view of the glacier lake below. They have an interesting image that shows you how much the ice has melted over time. We followed a path to visit the blue pools nearby which are small mini lakes left behind when the ice melted. The path goes over rocks so we actually went to 3 different pools but felt that no one continues after the first one because of the rocks. It was quite nice to be doing a part that not everyone does especially after such a busy track this morning. We headed back on the road and waved goodbye to Mt. Cook and the surrounding beautiful mountains. We couldn't of had better weather to explore this wonderful place and we definitely felt sad to be leaving. After a quick food shop we've bunked down tonight in a freedom camping spot just outside Omarama. Tomorrow we plan to head back towards the east coast to continue our journey down south.Read more