Pulled over on route to Franz Joseph Glacier to see a waterfall which was trickling into a small river. But the evidence of the river bed shows how huge and ferocious the river will be in Winter covered in rocks. The most beautiful cairns have been built on this huge tree leaving no space at all for new ones. But we did manage to place a tiny stone on top on one as our contribution. It is amazing to come across these things by chance.

Upstream we continue on a very pleasant road which we feared would be difficult and long but was neither. In fact it was one of the best we have driven on. Our planned stop was about half way, in a town called Haast. It is a bit of a one haast town and has only one radio mhaast, phone coverage is not complete. There is basically a service station to rest and recuperate. It does offer all day breakfhaasts and a small ice cream stall. We were lucky to make an order for coffee and a toasted sandwhaast, seconds before three coaches arrived. People jumped off heading for the cafe and toilets in about equal numbers. We got out fhaast, and had the lhaast laugh. Things change as we go, crossing many rivers on small bridges. Driving through forest areas. Tall, snow covered mountains here and there through gaps.

Nice place to spend two nights just North of FJG. Our main reason for being here is the trip tomorrow to the glacier. Liz did the walk into town to the supermarket. It is a small supermarket. In the chiller two packs of chicken feet, about 50 in each pack. I wonder who they are for? It is all a mish-mash, but Liz finds us some things to take home and eat.

Introduction and Spread of Possums from Australia in the 1800s established a fur trade. But now the possum population had reached an estimated 60-70 million. Despite control measures, they are now widespread across most of New Zealand. Possums have had a considerable impact on New Zealand's environment, and ongoing efforts are crucial to mitigate their effects and protect native species.

So many did we pass, killed on the road, well over a hundred. They were not playing Possum, no, they were posthumous Possums. On her walk into town Liz met this local who had stopped to remove this one from the middle of the road because some people collect the fur even today, this being not in line with everyone's thinking. In any case they spread bovine tuberculosis, which poses a significant threat to the dairy, beef, and deer farming industries.

Having reported it for being North of the river we parted company. I think he has his hands full cleaning the road every day. We strolled to a viewing point for a taste of tomorrow. The glacier just visible between the peaks, dry river bed with strong stream meandering down far side.