NZ Part 3: Long Time Coming

Hello cyber viewers. This post has been a long time coming. I know you're only in this for the pictures so I won't bore you with a bunch of writing. No matter how clever or mind altering it might be. You could very well be missing out on a level of literature that is so masterfully written that you no longer need reality.

Alas, the pictures is what you have come to see. But that's OK. I understand. I won't take any more of your time except only to set the scene for the visual voyage you are about to embark upon.

It was a bright, cool morning. Darryl was nearly done wrestling with the last of the luggage. "How could one family have so much stuff " he thought. Having lost round one to the suite cases, Darryl decided a change of tactic was in order. He repeatedly slammed down the hatchback door over and over again. With each impact the luggage compressed slightly until the door latch finally engaged with a small 'click'. He was pretty sure the kids were in there too. Comfortably wedged between a Dora the Explorer suit case and a mound of half eaten take out.

" There's nothing like the open road" thought Darryl...

Oh wait... that's right ... I said "very little writing". Sorry! Stacey you're free to roll your eyes and comment on how much of a dork your husband is :)

The kids enjoying a brisk morning stroll in Arrowtown.

It is a cute little spot. It has that "lost in time" sort of feel.

We decided to take a less direct route to Wanaka and we were very thankful we did. The mountain road that wound its way to Wanaka was peppered with beautiful views.

For some reason when we were exploring Wanaka we failed to take many pictures. But for all you brain teaser fans... we managed to get a picture of Puzzle World. We took the kids here and they had a blast in the giant labyrinth.

Gravity is for suckers! This is how we role! DIAGONAL!

I don't know if you've noticed in the previous NZ posts but Shamus really went on a growing spurt on this trip.

Run Forrest. Run!

Lake Wanaka... I think.

Along the way we stopped to see some water falls. At this particular one there were hundreds of little stone towers. Later in the trip we saw more. I don't know what the significance of them is. Maybe it is similar to an Inukshuk but ... when in Rome...

I just thought this was cute.

On to the Franz Josef glacier. This was a deceiving hike. The valley leading up to the glacier was long. It was hard to judge the distance from the tree line to the glacier but as always our little explorers did fantastic.

No trouble keeping your drinks cold hear... lot's of ice. Badump bump

It was massive and very cool to see.

GEEK WARNING: This reminded me of Mordor from the Lord of the Rings.

Someone was kind enough to take snap of the family.

I had to take this pic as we were leaving the town of Franz Josef. What beautiful backdrop.

Ciao for now.