About Me

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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
I am married to my loving husband for more than 40 years now. I am a mother to 3 beautiful children, until years ago when I lost my youngest son. Since then my life is forever altered but yet unbroken....

My Travel Journal

"There isn't much I haven't shared with you along the road and through it all there'd always be tomorrow's episode" - Elton John

I started traveling around the world since early 80s when I had the opportunity to combine business trips with vacations. Then later when my rezeki is in abundance, there were numerous other trips along the way for vacations, most of the time with hubby and the kids when the timing is right. I have also started to compile the journal and photo-pages covering almost more than 45 years of world wide travel. Some destinations I visited just once, others many times. Many of those places are the obvious famous places people would like to visit but some, the casual traveler doesn't even think to try. I have placed links to my travel at the side bar of my personal page, My Life Reflections, and will be updating them from time to time.

My wish is to continue my travel and complete circumnavigate the globe, insyaAllah…

Wednesday 12 November 2014

2014 NZ Caravan Trip: 06 Haast – Fox Glacier – Westport

 "Travel and change of place impart new vigour to the mind..." - Seneca

(The Fox Glacier lookout point)

Day 6: Wednesday, 12 November 2014
Route: Haast – Fox Glacier – Westport

We checked-out of the campsite at 09:00 and drove towards Fox Glacier along coastlines, deep lakes, mountainous unbroken forests and tussock grassland, a landscape of exceptional beauty. We passed disciplined motorists, energetic cyclists and hitch-hikers along the highway and stopped at Knights Point lookout after an hour’s drive.

(Tranquil lagoons and beaches)

(Horse riding at Haast Beach)
(Sharing the road with cyclists)
(Formation of jagged rocks along the coast)
(Knight's Point lookout point)

It was raining heavily when we reached Fox Glacier. Fox Glacier is in Glacier Country on the West Coast tucked discreetly into the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps. It offers breath-taking views of New Zealand’s two highest peaks, Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman.

(The way to the start of the hiking trail)
(First part of the steep climb)

It was drizzling slightly when we started hiking leisurely along the Fox River valley floor. Although we did not walk on the glacier, we have the opportunity of viewing the resting place of the mighty glaciers, the longest moving river of ice, after it has travelled 12 km from the base of the Southern Alps. It took us more than one and half hours to reach the lookout point and back.

(Icy water flowing on the barren river bed)
(A long tiring climb to the end of the glacier)
(Carefully treading of stones to cross streams)
(Look out for loose falling rocks)
(Feeling energetic and strong)
(A long way to go, take five for ciggie break)
(Taking it slow and steady)
(More rest than walk)
(Fast flowing stream, icy cold water)
(The lookout point, end of the road)
(Wonderful feeling of achievement)
(A clear view of the glacier)
(Bluish tint of ice blocks)
(Cool breeze freezing our bones)
(Educational diagram for the tourists)

After the walk, we stopped to buy souvenir in town and drove towards Franz Josef Glacier, another spectacular ice retreat but not as popular as Fox Glacier. We stopped by a riverside for a light lunch and performed our prayers.

(Driving along the panoramic coastal road)
(More rocks formations on the coastal line)
(Scenic view of the Southern Alps)
(Crossing rivers and streams with chunks of ice)

We refuelled at Hokitika and bought some provisions. We drove passed Greymouth, the western terminus of the TranzAlpine rail line. It was still early so we continued on and reached Westport around 21:00. Westport is a cute little town with a seal colony at Carter’s Beach.

(A light shower and a beautiful rainbow)
(Driving into the sunset)
(Taking the right turn to our destination)

After looking for the Top 10 Campsite in town we detoured to a new address by the seaside with the help of the GPS

Tonight’s dinner was vegetable soup, fried ikan bilis and rice.

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