26.12.2013 - Franz Josef Glacier

After a 2,5h drive up the coast with some nice views we arrived at the Franz Josef Glacier. The little town
to it's feet consists only of tourist accommodations but is a nice place to be. We checked in our Motel, the
Rainforest Retreat which was very nice and then drove up towards the glacier and took the hike up there.
We took the short hike of 1,5h which was nice and the weather was perfect for it. Sunshine and 25 degrees.
Walking up to the glacier we were constantly walking past waterfalls, if the mountains would have been
floating one could be mistaken of being on Pandora. Really nice!
Getting closer to the glacier you could feel the temperature drop but still being nice for a walk up there.
When you stand up close to the glacier it's really impressive, knowing that this ice has been here for several
thousand years, resisting the sun. It's different than seeing old mountains, it feels more alive, closer.
Who knows how long it will exist with the climate change.
Looking forward to our Heli-Hike to see the glacier up close.