Fox glacier, Sunday

Another big travelling day today. First off after leaving our hotel we board the Trans Alpine train. Such great scenery all the way as we go through the Canterbury Plains and then mountains. Photos don't do any of it justice but I'll try and upload some later.

Thankfully we weren't going all the way through toGreymouth as there had been a big rock slide ( or Slip in Kiwi) and the track wasn't cleared so those passengers were going to have to get off at the next train stop and then be bussed to their destination. Lunch in a cute little town, but once again no time to do anything but have lunch. We are right in the heartland for NZ jade and some of our group have up having lunch so they could shop. I remember buying myself a pretty silver and jade ring the first time I came to NZ about 35 years ago. I still have it, and typically never think to wear it?

Unfortunately as we travel further over the mountains the weather has deteriorated and now it is rain and greyskies. We had planned to do the helicopter flightto both Franz Josef and Fox glaciers but the crappy weather has put paid to that. so instead we stop at the lookout (a 20 minute round trip in the rain) and some of us walk to the actual lookout over Franz Josef which was most underwhelming!

I wore my bright blue and lime green rain poncho that has reflective strips on it that I bought at Waitomo caves. I looked like a huge glow worm, or should that be glow maggot? I think I might have been visible from a satellite station. Anyway it kept most of me dry which is more than can be said for lots of the others who ventured out of the coach. Back on the coach and off to our hotel which is very, very basic and has already caused much comment from a group of us as we drive into it. I thought the place had been abandoned, but no, it is our home for the night. I've dubbed it Bates motel. It doesnt't help that when I come into my room snd have to use an actual key to open the door, to see a large note saying that due to maintenance issues the air conditioner/heater doesn't work but to make up for it they have given me a fan! Looks like I will be using the hair dryer to dry my shoes, socks and pants!

Thank goodness they have advertised happy hour which starts in 10 minutes so You know where I will soon be..... Am now back from happy hour ($5 sav blancs) and dinner. Must say that dinner was the best meal I've had on this tour so far soall is not lost at the Bates motel... Am determined to get an early night as I'm super tired from our 400km trip today. Weather not looking too good fortomorroe, vut we will continue to make the best of it.