Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers

This was our day of multi-hikes. First, a small hike to see Franz Josef Glacier from the barrier, some 200+ metres away from the glacier's edge.There are signs everywhere noting the dangers of being close to the glacier, i.e., don't get too close or you'll end up like the numerous tourists each year that get squished to their death. The sign below was quite a scary comic rendition of the consequences of approaching the elusive glaciers. Our second hike of the day was only a kilometre long before we bumped into a fence across the trail with a sign stating that the trail was closed due to rock falls. Hmph. Onto the next hike... and the next glacier. Fox Glacier is only twenty minutes down the road. Up close and personal was the feeling of our third hike. The trail took us right up to the edge of Fox Glacier, and it was quite the sight! In the photo below, you can get an idea of how big the ice is from the small people in the bottom left corner. Beth and I sat behind the barrier and admired the dirt-crusted, massive glacier about 50 metres in front of us. Suddenly, a huge chunk, about 50 feet tall or more, broke off the wall, fell into the river and made a big "Sploooosh" and crashing sound as it busted into smaller pieces. HOLY MOLY! It made our hearts skip a beat! Hike number four was over an hour and a half up the side of a deep valley to a spot overlooking Fox Glacier. We saw wee little black dots about 1/3 of the way up the side of the glacier, which appeared to be a guided glacier tour ($$$). We prefered the easy, free, self-guided, less risky tour. On our way through the forest, I captured one of the baby firns in the typical spiral shape the Kiwi's frequently show in their art and jewelry. Back to the hostel for a 3-hour nap for me, and then back up and awake again at 9:30 PM to go for hike number 5: a night hike to view the glow worms! They were so cool, so magical! It felt like being in a fairytale, honestly. These little larvae light up just like phosphorescence in the sea, but the glowing stars are under fallen tree-trunks and on the bottom of exposed rocks. They were pretty neat. I tried to photograph them, but ended up making an art piece by moving the camera in random fashion during the 30-second exposure. I like it. I should call this one "Spazzy Larvae."