An eventful day
Trip Start
Nov 15, 2007
1
12
27
Trip End
Dec 13, 2007
Drove out towards the Mount Aspiring national park to do a walk. Thought it was time to stretch the limbs a little before a long drive to Fox glacier tomorrow. An hours drive along a dirt road and crossing 10 fords we found the car park at the start of the walk The aim of the walk was to see the Rob Roy glacier; it started with a gentle walk along the Maitukituki river (same one as the jet boating) and was quite easy going at this point. Low clouds over the mountains which meant not great for photos, but still stunning. Like a larger version of a lake district type scene. Walk over a swing bridge which was a little hairy... looked a little creaky if you ask me and the wind didn't help!
Then the walking changed to a much steeper climb up through a beech forest. The end of the climb brought us out opposite the mountain and looking right up to the glacier and a huge wall of ice, goodness knows how many metres thick. There were about 4 rumbles like thunder as small avalanches occured high up . We found a nice rock to sit on and eat lunch while we admired the scene. We were then joined by one of New Zealands most inquistive and sneaky birds... a Kea. So cool to see one up close. He hopped around for some time trying to get food, apparently they are known to open backpacks and steal cameras if you turn away for too long!
While I was sitting on the rock there was a tap on my shoulder and I thought Michael was being daft and pretending to be a Kea or something, he was however down on one knee and proposed to me, the Kea as his witness!! I said yes and spent the rest of the day smiling :)
Then the walking changed to a much steeper climb up through a beech forest. The end of the climb brought us out opposite the mountain and looking right up to the glacier and a huge wall of ice, goodness knows how many metres thick. There were about 4 rumbles like thunder as small avalanches occured high up . We found a nice rock to sit on and eat lunch while we admired the scene. We were then joined by one of New Zealands most inquistive and sneaky birds... a Kea. So cool to see one up close. He hopped around for some time trying to get food, apparently they are known to open backpacks and steal cameras if you turn away for too long!
While I was sitting on the rock there was a tap on my shoulder and I thought Michael was being daft and pretending to be a Kea or something, he was however down on one knee and proposed to me, the Kea as his witness!! I said yes and spent the rest of the day smiling :)


Comments
Wootton calling
Hi you two, great to hear your news, congratulations. I suppose it is more romantic to propose in NZ in front of a Kea rather than in Botley in front of a canary! It sounds as though you are having a great time. I don't know, another wedding looming, still, I know someone who can loan you twin page boys.
See you on your return
John
Wow!
Congratulations!!!! How exciting! Can this holiday get any better?! So pleased to see you're both having such a great time. (Happy birthday Michael :o) can think of a few worse places to spend a birthday!) xx
Felicitations!
As they say in Belgium!
Very pleased for you both. Ye know, it was either Caroline or Kerry that said they thought that Michael would pop the big question whilst you were in NZ...and they were right!