glaciers Archives - Splinter's Paradise

Day 130: A rainy day at the Franz Josef Glacier

May 5, 2014

At around 9 am, I roused from my slumber to the relentless drumming of rain, a less-than-ideal wake-up call. Today I would make my way to Franz Josef. An unappealing prospect of getting soaked awaited me 50 meters away at the toilet block. So, naturally, I opted for the dry luxury of my car, maneuvering it skillfully to shield myself from the storm – priorities, right? The temperature had been agreeable the night before, ensuring a cozy sleep, albeit a tad delayed. After this strategic car relocation, I chose a new spot, snugly parked near the kitchen building. While a few…

by Maarten

Day 129: Reaching Fox Glacier

May 4, 2014

Today’s escapade would guide me to Fox Glacier. Rising with the sun at the Boundary Creek Campsite, a cozy spot nestled 30 kilometers north of the serene Lake Wanaka, I relished in a night of rejuvenating sleep. The campsite, a hidden gem, was blissfully free of the usual morning hustle. Venturing towards the toilet block, I was pleasantly surprised to find it not only clean but boasting the luxury of flushing toilets – a camper’s dream. Now, I’ve endured seven months working on a neurology ward, facing odors that could make a skunk blush. Yet, the open-air toilets I’ve encountered take…

by Maarten

Day 121: A scenic flight from Lake Tekapo

April 26, 2014

I woke up 10 minutes before my alarm, welcomed by the crisp morning air at Lake Opuha Picnic Area. An eager anticipation fueled my excitement for today’s exploration of Lake Tekapo. Swiftly leaving my current spot, I activated my car’s heater to ward off the chill. The morning held a delightful surprise in the form of a breathtaking landscape. Although familiar with the lake from the previous day, the majestic mountains in the background were an unexpected marvel. Enthralled by the scene, I snapped pictures, ensuring to capture the remarkably clean toilet block—a refreshing departure from the often unsightly…

by Maarten