Disappointment yet again

Blimey, those pesky little flying biting insects had a field day on me. Smothered in bites I was, good job I bought some Anthisan Cream, although at the time of purchase I begrudge paying nearly $16 for a small tube (that's about £8 to you and me) I was even munched on during the night and was woken twice in the wee hours by that annoying sound of a mosquito buzzing around my ears. This morning more bites, especially on the feet. Think I might have to go to bed fully clothed tonight! Unfortunately I also disturbed Ian who gave up trying to sleep when I began waving my arms and hands like a female demented, so we were away very early. Was there still hope for the Franz Josef Glazier helicopter flight? Not sure as the weather had definitely turned for the worse.

On route to Hokitika, it rained and the ranges shrouded in cloud. We stopped at an i site (information centre) mainly to get some idea of the cruises around Milford and Doubtful Sounds. Chatting away as one does we happened to mention the helicopter flights and the news she imparted gave us hope. There may be a window of opportunity late afternoon when the clouds are supposed to lift. We did no more than give her the go-ahead to book a late flight for 4 pm.

A brief glimpse of the sun and one of the Ranges

So much road works on the SH 6. Rain and lots of it late December and early January caused slips and mud slides and the work is still ongoing. in fact, a warning has been issued for travellers along this road from Franz Josef to Fox to take particular care.

Found a place to stay at the Rainforest Holiday Site in Franz Josef. First thing was to empty the waste tank and fill the RP (Red Peril) with fresh water. The smell of diesel is starting to fade although without a thorough chemical wash I doubt the tank will ever be clean. Then a well needed laundry stop and just as I was heading back to the RP two Stoats ran right across the path in front of me. Lovely to watch but an absolute menace and pest here in NZ. To read why click here

 The afternoon turned nice but those Ranges were still shrouded in cloud. All we could do was go to where the reception was for the Helicopter Line bookings and hope they were still taking off. Not good news though, all flights had been grounded because of the low cloud.

Low cloud

Camp site

 So there you have it. This is the second time we have had the booking cancelled, the first being in 2016. 

Happy hour, all drinks half price. This is us slightly hysterical because of yet another disappointment.