Big thanks to everyone who watched our West Coast adventure. Next week we are off to Cromwell for a bit of lake side freedom camping and we also have the Christmas giveaway starting in 2 weeks! Stay tuned 🎅
2:50 Yes I walked up to the base of that glacier, when you could, back in my wild impetuous days. It was a drizzly overcast day with intermittent thunder claps that would reverberate around the valley. I was the only person around to do the walk on such a miserable day, ignoring all the signs that said "hazardous unstable environment: proceed with caution". Upon reaching the terminal face of the glacier that towered at least 20-25m above me and admiring the iridescent aqua colours deep within the ice I got the idea get up even closer to quench my thirst with ice that had probably fallen as snow decades prior. How cool would that be, aye? Not seconds after achieving my objective, having turned around to go back down the path, tons of ice where I had just been standing came crashing down in a thunderous roar! A wave of water from the meltwater lake at the base came at me fast!. Needless to say I hightailed it outta there quick-smart! My heart beating as my adrenaline kicked in at the realization of my stupidity having just survived a near-death experience. One of 5 near-death experiences by the way that I'd had since those wild but wonderful days!
That’s amazing Pete!! I bet being that close to the glacier is incredible, there is a company that take you on the glacier and you go through ice tunnels and into caves! Would like to do that one day for sure. Nothing like a near death experience to get the heart racing 😅
Such a shame about those glaciers but the walks to viewing spots are very worthwhile. I'm glad you had DoC camps to stay at and that you didn't need to book ahead which is the scheme over the summer. As you found, internet and mobile reception is scarce along the West Coast so spontaneous travel has been made difficult for those of us in rental motorhomes who go where the weather is best. You found some lovely places but paper maps could be very useful. I'm sure Harvey would love to learn to read them too. Happy travels
Good point on the paper maps! Good backup for sure. Yeh we can kinda of pick and choose where we go when doing this full time. We have found ourselves waiting for better weather before going somewhere and exploring just makes it a bit easier with the kids!
Yes I thought it looked like a Bailey Bridge - there was one for quite a number of years in Auckland, when the Mangere Bridge started collapsing. And before they built the new one. That will probably happen with that bridge...temporary solution. Wonderful to be part of your journey and Harvey is starting to take on "promotion"
It's sort of a bailey bridge It's built so each section can be raised from memory it has 2 slots remaining to lift then they'll have to come up with something else. Whe it was 2ashed out only the abutment on the Franz side and the first span was completely destroyed along with the phone line which was on the bridge.
OMG... reliving so many memories of our trip, except we were going in the other direction! We stayed at Pleasant Flat, and then double backed to the Blue Pools the next day and stopped at all the waterfalls. You can certainly lose a day or two taking in all that scenery along that road.
Yeh for sure, there is so much to do in there! We were tempted to stay in Cameron Flat too as that view looked incredible but there was no cell service. Should have timed to for a weekend 😅
Would love to have spent more time exploring the West Coast on our campervan trip, the car parks weren’t empty then. The Bailey bridge was just finished when we started our trip.
Yeh there is so much to do and see on the West Coast huh! There we’re walks that we saw as we were driving past that we though “We will have to come back and do that” 😅
Haha, I always get the two Glaciers mixed up. That Franz Josef Bridge is a Bailey Bridge, the army assembled it. Being able to park with Rosy at Roaring Creek etc is so good, couldn't have done that pre covid. I'm with you on cost for kids to stay at camp grounds, soon adds up $$. Great shots of our amazing country.
Thanks Shannon. Yeh I didn't think about that with Roaring Creek Falls, you are right it would be full pre covid! Ah so the Army built that bridge! I remember it being built very fast and was wondering how they did it.
Another great update for the West Coast area. Pretty steep those camp fees but one good thing is you can always drive on through to the next spot 👍😃 The real fruit ice cream place across from the Freedom Camp by the river just out of Cromwell is great 👍
Oh good to know thanks 😊 we drove past that place and it looked good. You are right, if we don’t like it just drive to the next one right! We should have just planned a bit better haha
Didn't realize quite how far behind I was in watching your videos, but I don't want to miss any of them :-). Crazy how much the glacier has retreated. So sad really. Must be odd having all these places to yourself. We just did the Great Ocean Road in Victoria where it was also very quiet. NZ is so beautiful. Can't wait to one hire a motorhome and take the time to really explore. That swing bridge sign !!! Besides the long days, your mistakes seem to be working out okay :-).
Yeh they did seem to work out fine, it was actually nice (in hindsight) just going with the flow even if the kids were a little cranky haha. The distance those glaciers have retreated is really sad! First time we wondered if day Harvey’s kids will ever seen it? Will it be around etc… nice to be able to see it while it’s still there!
The temporary Bailey Bridge was constructed by the NZ Army Engineers and Fulton Hogan contractors pretty quickly. Unsure when they will build a new one. Definitely a vital road link
@@AdventuresWithRosy they have a reasonable stockpile of bailey bride sections around ready to go. It was originally designed in WW2 as a battlefield rapidly deployment bridge system.
It’s amazing how far the glacier has receded.was able to walk from the path to the river a few years ago . Maybe it’s too unstable to do that now. There’s a place in town that makes amazing huge tasty pizza’s.enjoy ..
Lovely video, thanks for taking the time to do these. One point, you mention that DOC camps are $8 pp per night - I hope you are claiming the NZMCA discount or do you have a DOC pass (also with NZMCA discount)?
Oh yeh good point on the cost per night! We did have a DOC pass but it just expired so have to get a new one 👍 it certainly pays itself off once you use it a bit
Another great video! Oh my goodness you have every reason to be annoyed at those expensive camping ground prices. I'm sure they would get many more customers if they lowered their prices.
Gee, $63 a night, if these caravan parks offer a better deal ,they would be better of, 2 caravans at $30 would cover that $63 , nearly, They loose those 2 , That's is losing 2 protential Customers, Plus $60, Better than $0, We have that problem in Australia , Gross income down just trying to get an extra $. Doesn't work. Anyway , enjoyed vid , stunning scenery as always, Regards Bevan 🇦🇺🤠, Hi kids, Growing up fast.
Cheers Bevan, yeh exactly right on the cost, we would only use a bit of power and take a shower 😊 better to have your sites full in my opinion. I think this area would have been a lot busier pre COVID and the prices just haven’t been adjusted…
Big thanks to everyone who watched our West Coast adventure. Next week we are off to Cromwell for a bit of lake side freedom camping and we also have the Christmas giveaway starting in 2 weeks! Stay tuned 🎅
2:50 Yes I walked up to the base of that glacier, when you could, back in my wild impetuous days. It was a drizzly overcast day with intermittent thunder claps that would reverberate around the valley. I was the only person around to do the walk on such a miserable day, ignoring all the signs that said "hazardous unstable environment: proceed with caution". Upon reaching the terminal face of the glacier that towered at least 20-25m above me and admiring the iridescent aqua colours deep within the ice I got the idea get up even closer to quench my thirst with ice that had probably fallen as snow decades prior. How cool would that be, aye? Not seconds after achieving my objective, having turned around to go back down the path, tons of ice where I had just been standing came crashing down in a thunderous roar! A wave of water from the meltwater lake at the base came at me fast!. Needless to say I hightailed it outta there quick-smart! My heart beating as my adrenaline kicked in at the realization of my stupidity having just survived a near-death experience. One of 5 near-death experiences by the way that I'd had since those wild but wonderful days!
I’m giving this comment a thumbs up for using iridescent.
That’s amazing Pete!! I bet being that close to the glacier is incredible, there is a company that take you on the glacier and you go through ice tunnels and into caves! Would like to do that one day for sure. Nothing like a near death experience to get the heart racing 😅
Such a shame about those glaciers but the walks to viewing spots are very worthwhile. I'm glad you had DoC camps to stay at and that you didn't need to book ahead which is the scheme over the summer. As you found, internet and mobile reception is scarce along the West Coast so spontaneous travel has been made difficult for those of us in rental motorhomes who go where the weather is best. You found some lovely places but paper maps could be very useful. I'm sure Harvey would love to learn to read them too. Happy travels
Good point on the paper maps! Good backup for sure. Yeh we can kinda of pick and choose where we go when doing this full time. We have found ourselves waiting for better weather before going somewhere and exploring just makes it a bit easier with the kids!
Yes I thought it looked like a Bailey Bridge - there was one for quite a number of years in Auckland, when the Mangere Bridge started collapsing. And before they built the new one. That will probably happen with that bridge...temporary solution. Wonderful to be part of your journey and Harvey is starting to take on "promotion"
Oh so it’s a temporary bridge! I wondered how the managed to build it so fast after the other one washed away. Interesting! Thanks for that 😊
It's sort of a bailey bridge It's built so each section can be raised from memory it has 2 slots remaining to lift then they'll have to come up with something else. Whe it was 2ashed out only the abutment on the Franz side and the first span was completely destroyed along with the phone line which was on the bridge.
Haha love Harvey’s introduction, future you tuber in the making
Haha yeh he is aye! He is always coming up with things and asking us to film them 😅
OMG... reliving so many memories of our trip, except we were going in the other direction! We stayed at Pleasant Flat, and then double backed to the Blue Pools the next day and stopped at all the waterfalls. You can certainly lose a day or two taking in all that scenery along that road.
Yeh for sure, there is so much to do in there! We were tempted to stay in Cameron Flat too as that view looked incredible but there was no cell service. Should have timed to for a weekend 😅
Would love to have spent more time exploring the West Coast on our campervan trip, the car parks weren’t empty then. The Bailey bridge was just finished when we started our trip.
Yeh there is so much to do and see on the West Coast huh! There we’re walks that we saw as we were driving past that we though “We will have to come back and do that” 😅
WOW the scenery. Love the views. TFS.
Beautiful spot huh! The South Island continues to impress us 😁
Great episode….stunning scenery…Thanks
Cheers Fiona 😊
Haha, I always get the two Glaciers mixed up. That Franz Josef Bridge is a Bailey Bridge, the army assembled it. Being able to park with Rosy at Roaring Creek etc is so good, couldn't have done that pre covid.
I'm with you on cost for kids to stay at camp grounds, soon adds up $$. Great shots of our amazing country.
Thanks Shannon. Yeh I didn't think about that with Roaring Creek Falls, you are right it would be full pre covid! Ah so the Army built that bridge! I remember it being built very fast and was wondering how they did it.
Another great update for the West Coast area. Pretty steep those camp fees but one good thing is you can always drive on through to the next spot 👍😃 The real fruit ice cream place across from the Freedom Camp by the river just out of Cromwell is great 👍
Oh good to know thanks 😊 we drove past that place and it looked good. You are right, if we don’t like it just drive to the next one right! We should have just planned a bit better haha
Didn't realize quite how far behind I was in watching your videos, but I don't want to miss any of them :-). Crazy how much the glacier has retreated. So sad really. Must be odd having all these places to yourself. We just did the Great Ocean Road in Victoria where it was also very quiet. NZ is so beautiful. Can't wait to one hire a motorhome and take the time to really explore. That swing bridge sign !!! Besides the long days, your mistakes seem to be working out okay :-).
Yeh they did seem to work out fine, it was actually nice (in hindsight) just going with the flow even if the kids were a little cranky haha. The distance those glaciers have retreated is really sad! First time we wondered if day Harvey’s kids will ever seen it? Will it be around etc… nice to be able to see it while it’s still there!
The temporary Bailey Bridge was constructed by the NZ Army Engineers and Fulton Hogan contractors pretty quickly. Unsure when they will build a new one.
Definitely a vital road link
Ah I didn’t realise it was temporary but always wondered how they built that thing so fast! Wonder if they have them sitting around ready to go?
@@AdventuresWithRosy they have a reasonable stockpile of bailey bride sections around ready to go. It was originally designed in WW2 as a battlefield rapidly deployment bridge system.
@@garth2876 makes sense! Now I’m off to watch videos about Bailey Bridges 😁
Haha all those places look familiar lol. Wish we had more time down that way.
Yeh bro there is so much to explore aye! Amazing how many walks and things there are in that area!
It’s amazing how far the glacier has receded.was able to walk from the path to the river a few years ago . Maybe it’s too unstable to do that now. There’s a place in town that makes amazing huge tasty pizza’s.enjoy ..
Yeh bit of a shame about the glaciers, was wondering if they would be around when Harvey’s kids are roaming the earth…
Great video i must try the camp at Lake Hawea looks surreal ☑️
It’s really nice! Pretty stunning lake. Had a cool food truck onsite too and a playground for the kids 👍
Your kids are adorable
You are too kind 😊
Lovely video, thanks for taking the time to do these. One point, you mention that DOC camps are $8 pp per night - I hope you are claiming the NZMCA discount or do you have a DOC pass (also with NZMCA discount)?
Oh yeh good point on the cost per night! We did have a DOC pass but it just expired so have to get a new one 👍 it certainly pays itself off once you use it a bit
Another great video! Oh my goodness you have every reason to be annoyed at those expensive camping ground prices. I'm sure they would get many more customers if they lowered their prices.
Yeh I think you are right! Especially at the moment with everything being so quiet, you would think they would welcome the business!? Oh well 😊
Gee, $63 a night, if these caravan parks offer a better deal ,they would be better of, 2 caravans at $30 would cover that $63 , nearly, They loose those 2 , That's is losing 2 protential Customers, Plus $60, Better than $0, We have that problem in Australia , Gross income down just trying to get an extra $. Doesn't work. Anyway , enjoyed vid , stunning scenery as always, Regards Bevan 🇦🇺🤠, Hi kids, Growing up fast.
Cheers Bevan, yeh exactly right on the cost, we would only use a bit of power and take a shower 😊 better to have your sites full in my opinion. I think this area would have been a lot busier pre COVID and the prices just haven’t been adjusted…
Bronson you have a right to bitch about van parks prices as you have been to quite a few and know what’s value or not.
Cheers John. I don’t like to complain but it annoyed me for some reason haha
Lol, 1min 58s - I think you forgot one of the girls…
😂😂 gotta be Ruby, she’s always the slowest!