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21.02.11 Lake Wanaka Through the Haast Pass to Jacobs River
All was bright and breezy this morning as we left the camper park site. As we drove around Lake Wanaka it became clear that once through the valley there would be rain. The wind was funnelling through the neck of the valley turning the still lake into a grey, white horse covered mass quite different from the deep turquoise colours displayed during our first hours drive.
We journeyed deep into the gorge and the rain clouds, stopping to view the obligatory waterfalls which were not at all spectacular. Haast was a grey blob of a few houses beside the grey clouded and misty Tasman Sea. We did stop at a whale watching place next to the sea for lunch but could see nothing except a grey mist. I believe the sea was there!! Had a very pleasant lunch stop there in our van and giggled as people pulled up, put umbrellas up, ran to the whale watching shelter, stayed 3 seconds and ran back to their cars fighting with their brollies as they bottomed first into their cars. Our favourite was the granddad who only had his grand daughters umbrella which blew inside out and soaked the little girl and him…life's full of little challenges isn't it.
We are bowling along listening to the radio and seeing nothing but rain and clouds. Jim is driving, the men are doing an hour at a time due to the pleasant scenery!!!! This is apparently a beautiful coastal road on a fine day, but there are 6 rainy days a week on average. No wonder Greymouth is called Greymouth, we may each there or further tonight.
Called at Fox Glacier on the way past and walked the walk (1 hour return) to the foot of the glacier. It was absolutely tipping it down, we even took an umbrella to shield the cameras. We were there between 4.30pm and 5.30pm so we had missed the rush of tourist buses, there were just small groups all togged up for glacier walking.
Next stop was the Franz Joseph Glacier, but views there were not! It was once again raining/pouring. We did go to the view point and I did take a photo before we ran back to the van for a cup of tea and a muesli bar. Next we drove 15km North in the rain to find our intended DOC site for the night. Pulled in in the teaming rain to McDonalds Camp by a river. Did not get out of the van at all!!! Used all ensuite facilities and went to sleep!
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