Christchurch to Franz Josef

Fairly long drive today across the Canterbury Plains, the the Southern Alps and down the west coast to Franz Josef. Scenery was stunning. The Alps deserve then name. Huge forests of deciduous Beech and other trees I just don't recognise. The rivers, don't get me started. My fly casting arm was twitching. The water is clear and fast over miles of gravel beds. Sigh.
Weather was nice east of the Alps but drizzly and rainy on the west coast. Hopefully clearing tomorrow. Stopped in Hokitika to have a look around. You can get Elephant Fish and chips! No for real. Went into a shop that was closing down and got two pairs of merino, possum and silk gloves for the price of one. Bargain!Read more