Yesterday’s five hour drive from Queenstown to Franz Joseph Glacier yielded the usual quota of dramatic scenery.
We stopped at the Hard Antler bar and grill for a slap-up lunch. I was tempted to ask for a pint pulled via antler horns but resisted.
Franz Joseph Glacier is the hometown of Chris Monson, son Peter’s Exeter roommate, who received us in great good spirits. We spent time with him when here with Steve and Leslie two years ago. He lined up a free half day kayak expedition today and came along. Lester again opted for a nice nearby hike,
At dinner last night, Chris told us about his year off from the New Zealand Department of Conservation which he spent in Japan. Chris took Japanese at Exeter and kept going, ultimately spending 7 years there. I advised that his old roommate was poised to visit there and Chris promised to follow up and with some travel tips for Peter and Jackie.
This morning, waiting around at the kayak place, we struck up a conversation with Heinz and Ursula from Zurich Switzerland. “Gee,” I remarked, “we had a lad stay with us for a year at our home in Maine.” Figuring I had nothing to loose I said his name was Nico Henzi. Heinz’s eyes went wide: “He is my godson!”
Turns out he is Bea’s brother, Bea being Nico’s ma. Well we had a good laugh over this amazing coincidence and Heinz sent a picture of us to Bea and Nico.
They both wrote back that they recognized me and sent along their best wishes. Nice to know that I look enough like I did 30 years ago today to be recognized. Heinz and Ursula had canoed the Alagash 6 years ago, so lots to talk about.
I settled into the kayak and found zero back support, and then the sciatica really kicked in so I turned around and went back early. I thought it was going to take the Jaws of Life to get me out of that thing, but with Chris’ help I eventually wriggled free.
Leonard took over Chris’ kayak thinking it would be easier, but things don’t always go as one hopes: Leonard overbalanced and went into the drink, but not before nailing some great bird photos which he has very graciously allowed me to post. (His Nikon survived the dunking, thank God.) This means blog followers will at last get to see what a real photographer can do with the material New Zealand serves up.
Alison’s sister Jill will recognize rhe white heron in the picture.
Meanwhile, I wondered over to the nearby beach which was lovely.
The last 2 photos commemorate visits by Captain Cook and Abel Tasman to the area, with Mr. T showing up a good bit earlier.
Our rental house a short drive from downtown is quite nice.
We dined again with Chris and he and Lester were able to exchange park ranger stories.
He renewed his promise to offer Peter some Japan tips and gave us a nice jar of his special honey. Maybe Steve Champagne remembers it from last time – I’ll let him take a few dollops when I get back.
Kenway Goes South 
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