Day 356- I came for the fishing, not for the fish

Greymouth to Brunner Lake to Franz Joseph Glacier- Monday, Deecember 17th

The radio announcer reminded listeners this morning that it's one week until Christmas Eve. We can't believe it. He also advised of imminent heavy rain.
Kevin and I went fishing at Brunner Lake. With all the rain in the mountains yesterday, and the forecast for more heavy rain today, the fishing could be good, or slow. We headed off with our guide to the mouth of one of the large rivers that feeds this 54km long lake, which holds very large Browns. They often feed in the shallows by the river's mouth. It was very overcast and dark with the rain, so it was hard to spot them tailing. But they were there. Just when I got one spotted, Kevin, who was now fishing up river, landed a nice 18 incher and lost another on a spinning rod. The guide was impressed. I missed taking the photo proof.
We all worked our way upstream, spotting only a few when the guide would normally see dozens on a brighter day.
It was a beautiful setting for fishing and I know the fish were there. We got very wet in the 3 hours or so we were out. Despite the cost, I enjoyed my day.
Driving back to Greymouth in the pouring rain to pick up Colleen and Matheson, we repacked the car and started south along the west coast of the South Island. Landing in Franz Joseph in the late afternoon, we settled into our cabin at the Holiday Park. Dinner was eaten in a very nice restaurant under the shadow of the glacier, which had only now emerged from the heavy clouds and mist. Awesome sight!