Recent discussion in U3A has been on what role a Group Convenor should have in case of emergency. It’s a difficult one, I haven’t fully resolved in my mind what responsibility I should have – I think it’s one that’s worth discussing. Should I, can I request that information be lodged with me? Should the group member provide it to a membership record on a database system that the Convenor can access? Or, should – and this is the purpose of this post – the individual take the responsibility upon themselves. This can be done by either carrying a card – this one is used by The Ramblers – there are many providers of this sort of card, eg ICEcard, or should we use the facilities on our Smartphones which allow access without unlocking the phone from the Home screen.
Franz Josef Glacier & Hokitika
The highlight of the day was the flight in the helicopter which took me to the east side of Mount Cook where we landed on a snow field and then flew back. The video below is a record of the return trip.
With thanks to Tom Petty, who’s song just seemed to fit the pictures, and which also just happens to be one of my favourite tracks, here’s my first ever helicopter flight – awesome!
You can see just how good the weather was. Blue, blue skies following the awful day of rain the day before.
NZ – Franz Josef to Hokitika at EveryTrail
The map shows the places where I took photos from the helicopter and on our walk up to the snout of the glacier, as well as the route from Franz Josef Glacier Village to Hokitika.
We really were so fortunate. You may see from the photographs below that we walked up to the snout of the glacier after my flight. The weather had clouded over a little by then but the experience of being at the snout of an advancing glacier was amazing – yes advancing! Also the fastest moving glacier by virtue of it being the steepest glacier in the world as well {or so I was told}.
You can also see the photos here, rather than see them in a slideshow.
The drive up to Hokitika was largely uneventful. More road mending and more largely empty roads. Such a great place to drive! The evening in Hokitika saw us visit the supermarket, just before it was due to close, and for us to get stuff for an evening meal that we prepared in the apartment.