July 1 we wend to a couple jade factories around Greymouth and Hokitika (or something like that... it's  the heart of the jade industry in New Zealand).   Did  you know there's nephrite and jadeite?   There was a really cool display in the first place, but the second one let us see a worker actually cutting away at the greenstone.   Would you believe he used dentistry tools?  Then we took a three hour tramp up the Franz-Josef Glacier.   It was just a little cold, but really exciting to see all that ice! It was so blue.   Our guide cut away at some of the stairs that were already  there to help us along, but GEEZ!   Some of those steps  were a good 18 inches in height!   Joanna said they  reminded her of the wall of China. I'll just say that  my thighs got a REALLY good workout... The company  even issued us ice boots that had teeth on the bottom,  and if those weren't heavy...   We got to stomp our way  partially way up the glacier and then back down again.  Once we got back into town, we turned in our gear   and drove 21 km to Fox Glacier, where we spent the night.
 
 

	Good morning Greymouth! Joanna stands on the jetty as the sun peaks over the fog kissed mountains.
	No, it's not Brigadoon... This is another shot just outside of Jellyman park.
	Looking up from the jade, Joanna and Janne smile at the camera. We learned a lot about New Zealand pounamu after our visit to the Jade Boulder Factory in downtown Greymouth. They had an absolutely awesome display.
	Joanna thoughtfully reads about some New Zealand jade. The display covered black, trout, emerald, and inanga pounamu.
	A glance at some raw jade. The brown stuff around the greenstone is known as rind.
	The guide/shopkeeper points out some pressure marks in the nephrite.
	The Jade Factory had hundreds of pieces of art and jewelry on display. This is a Maori symbol representing new beginnings.
	Another one lane bridge. Not only is this one used for cars, but for trains too! Talk about traffic jams...
	In Hokitika, we were able to tour another jade factory. This saw could probably cut through a stone this size in about three hours.
	A greenstone artisan wears away the excess stone with a diamond sander. This hands cannot get cut because they are too soft.
	The artisans use dentistry tools to drill a hole in the stone.  Designs are pre-drawn on the nephrite so all the artisans has to do is cut it out.
	Joanna at the glacial lakes by Franz-Josef. The water was so clear that we could see the mountains reflecting in the water.
	Here's me near one of the glacial lakes.
	Joanna sits in anticipation as we ride up to the Franz-Josef glacier. The to the glacial valley took about ten of fifteen minutes.
	Peter, our guide, and the bus driver. I couldn't believe they were wearing shorts!
	Janne, Peter and Jo on their way to the bottom of the glacier.
	All three of them again, this time you can see their faces! How exciting!
	So picturesque! Joanna at the base of one of the many waterfalls caused by glacial melting. This water is among the purest in the world.
	A couple of caution signs for falling rocks and swift currents... nervous yet?
	The final steps on dry land, just before going on the glacier. Next stop: ICE!
	Joanna sits on a rock while she changes her boots for the hike up the glacier.  The tour provided everyone with ice boots and nifty green jackets.