Catching up on November: Hokitika and Franz Josef

Well, I was off for most of the month of November or so it seemed... the price is now I am on-call 24/7 until December 23--when I have 48 hours off for the rest of the year.

Two days after our wonderful visit with my sister Kelley ended--Matt and Katie came for 3 weeks.  Matthew surprised Katie with the "one ring to rule them all," and now we have a family wedding to look forward to, although no date has been set.
The proposal was when M &K took some time alone--to explore the North part of the South Island where they saw penguins, sea lions and seals--the latter two mammals have eluded the rest of the family so far.

While the tour was happening the girls had their last week of school at  
Tuatapere Community College.

Top: Some of Mia and Beau's friends. Middle: Meili and her teacher Miss E.  Bottom: Hokey-Pokey to Lady GaGa. (Not kidding)

Hokitika on the Tasman Sea side

We then met up with them to explore the West Coast including Hokitika, Franz Josef Glacier, Wanaka and Queenstown. While in Hokitika we actually found a frozen turkey to cook.  We went to an "eco-center" and saw the elusive Kiwi bird (finally!). It was surprisingly large, wingless and had to be viewed in a darkened area as it is nocturnal. Thus no photos allowed.  The girls also got to feed some eels at the place.  Weird creatures if I may say so. In Hoki we stayed in a very nice 3 bedroom holiday home--which is how we have been doing our travels.  In NZ you pay by the body in the room and hotels are not like American ones.  We have learned that holiday homes are about the same price or even better than even staying in a hostel--where we would have to share cooking facilities.  It has been great (for the most part) and we have saved lots of money by not eating out.

(going down a sand hill) 

Thanksgiving Day soccer match to the sound of the ocean crashing against the shore, just beyond...

After Hokitika, AKA the "Jade Capital" of NZ, we drove down the West Coast to Glacier Country--I really wanted to hike with Mia on her 11th birthday on the Franz Josef Glacier.

See how happy she looks?!

Okay--the day started out pretty wet, but it is located in a rain forest. Mia was on the only child in the group and surprisingly was not all that keen on Mom's great idea on how to spend her birthday...but now she has some different thoughts. Right Mia?

Holding a piece of the glacier 50-70 years old.

Loved my crampons...the only time I have ever worn a pair.

Matt, Katie and Beau did the climb the afternoon before. We had to divide into two groups because Mei was not old enough--and true, she would not have lasted... it was harder work than I expected. Beau was also the only kid in their group, but held her own. I think we all were really pleased we had done the hike. With global warming who knows how long they will be there???

The group ahead of us.