We arrived in Franz Josef on Friday and stayed in a small motel called the Franz Chalet.It was step above a hostel and, actually, it had all that one would want.Franz Josef is the name of the glacier that we were going to climb the next day and EVERYONE in the town was there for that reason.New Zealand seems to be a haven for people younger than me and the more I travel around the more I see that.This was especially true here in Franz Josef.

We checked in the Glacier Guides when we arrived and since we had a booking, all we had to do was give them our name and tell them that we were there.However, they asked about health issues and when they found out that I was on beta blockers for my heart;

they told me that I would not be allowed to go!Of course, I protested and told them that I was in great health and that I have been walking and hiking all around New Zealand.We spoke to the chief guide and after a long talk, he agreed that I could do it.

The next morning we got kitted out with hiking and climbing gear and then set out with about 40 other stalwarts to climb the Franz Josef Glacier.Debbie and I were probably the oldest ones in the group.

We drove off in a big bus to do the half day walk.We had our weather gear and our cramp-ons (those spiky things that tie onto your boots that let you cramp into the ice).

The walk to the base of the glacier is about 45 minutes through a rain forest, past waterfalls and onto the stone plain before the ice starts—it was truly magical.Viewing the glacier from afar was awesome and we sort of wondered what we had gotten ourselves into.When we saw people actually walking on the ice wall, it gave us pause to think.

Our guide, however, did not waver and showed us how to put on the cramp-ons, picked up his ax (to cut steps) and on we went.What transpired, was amazing.We just kept walking up and up, we zigzagged our way following one another, sometimes with a rope to hold onto, sometimes with just our sheer will power to keep us going.All of a sudden we were walking on the most beautiful ice that I had ever seen.Clear, glacial water creating crevices that were the color of baby blue eyes—ice formation that looked like they had been sculpted by an artist.It was an experience that I will never forget and I felt exhilarated by the whole experience.

We were on the half day walk, which we thought would be about 3 hours.We started at 1030 and finished at about 430—quite a bit longer.Our guide, Cliff (an apt name), was superb.He really helped Debbie through some very tricky spots and just kept our group of 13 entertained and moving the whole time.

I know that the words cannot express the feelings that this trek inspired but tomorrow, I will post some photos (when I have a better internet connection) that should convey a little more.

I know that Debbie wants to share her experience about this trip but she is in bed sound asleep, so that will wait until tomorrow, as well.