From the other alps

Sorry folk, it's been a while since I was able to post any information, but this doesn't mean that I've been sitting still.

The flights across the world went well. By the time we had finished blazing up the skies, we were in Christchurch (south island, New Zealand). We had travelled for a total of almost 26 hours but actually missed Wednesday altogether. Havingmet our first hosts here in Christchurch, we discovered immediately the great hospitality for which the Garden City of this south isle is so well known.

It wasn't long before Friday morning had arrived. We boarded the Trans Alpine Train and within four hours, we had crossed through the magnificent Southern Alps and found our way to Greymouth - on the Tasmin Sea. Sights not to be missed on the West coast of New Zealand's south island include the famous pancake rocks and of course the Fox Glacier.

On Saturday, we spent the day visiting the famous Fox, one of two glaciers most well known on the South Island. The weather cooperated ... bright sunshine was ours to enjoy even though all around us there was so much snow falling that many of the mountain passes were closed.

Today we met with some pilgrims from the Christchurch diocese who will be attending World Youth Day in Sydney. There are currently a number of delegates from various countries, including Canada, visiting in various places throughout New Zealand and Australia prior to making their way to Sydney next week.

As of this writing, my companion and I have returned to Christchurch, and after a day of touring tomorrow, we will head back to the North Island. More info about this unique 'days in the diocese' experience of touring New Zealand will be published in the near future, including some of the (200) photos that have now been taken.