July 14, 2014 - West Coast Trip Part One - Let it Snow! Let it Snow! We are one with the wind and sky!

So our big West Coast Trip was delayed a day as we tried to find the best weather for our time on the Croesus Track, and so we set forth in "clearing" cloud and rain on the East Coast and snow/sleet showers forecast for the Arthur's Pass National Park (generally, rain on the East Coast means clear on the West Coast).

Checking out the town's sculpture garden in Springfield, NZ.

Hiking up to Castle Hill to explore the limestone rocks (see the ant looking students at the bottom).

Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Center.

Cheeky Kea (alpine parrot) looking for food outside of our  mid-day tea stop.

At the top of the hike to Devil's Punchbowl Falls.

Along the way we stopped at Castle Hill to explore the limestone rock formations and Arthur's Pass National Park to see the Kea and hike the Devil's Punchbowl Falls hike (in the snow!/First snow for Alicia!) and settled in at the Rev in Greymouth before heading out for a warm dinner and a few rounds of Mafia.

A nice warm meal and a few rounds of Mafia at Steamers in Greymouth. 

Getting our food together for the Croesus Track hike.

Once back at our bunk house, we got our packs together for our big hike tomorrow with lots of sandwiches and snacks.  Then a few more card games near a toasty fireplace downstairs before resting up. Sweet Dreams All, Meryl : )