I knew from my reading that the best time to take pictures was sunrise or sunset, when the lake was absolutely still. But what guide books don't tell you is that Lake Matheson is 3 miles away from the village. So if you don't have your own car you'll have to walk or bike to get there, as the village does not have a taxi or transport service.

We had just completed a glacier hike at Franz and taken the 5pm shuttle to Fox. I wanted to walk the Minnehaha rainforest trail before Lake Matheson so time was running out if we wanted to visit before dark. We checked into our hostel, Ivory Towers, and talked to Dale, the proprietor, who suggested that we save time by biking to Lake Matheson. Perfect!

We rented bikes (NZ$4 per hour) and easily found our way down the country road. The fifteen minute ride was quiet, easy and enjoyable, even with sore legs. We rode past cows, sheep and deer along a flat country road surrounded by shadowy mountains. A few locals walking to their fields or toward town waved, smiled or chatted with us as we crossed paths.

We turned right onto Lake Matheson road, passed a Café and stored our bikes in the ditch near the trail head. Dusk was already setting in, and clouds were fast approaching. I was having my doubts about any mirror image, but we hurried along the boardwalk in hopes that we would.

The scenic trail was easy. Several elderly people were enjoying the solitude of the forest walk, stopping to admire strange and beautiful plants near the water or resting in benches along the way. Bright green ferns shared the forest with moss-covered trees and thick vegetation. The lake was visible at different points along the trail, including private platforms that encouraged quiet contemplation.

One of my favorite images that lingers in my mind was walking through thick tussock grasses growing up both sides of the boardwalk as we crossed a bog. Soft billowy grasses blowing in the wind were taller than me, and the wooden boardwalk curved among them like a snake in the grass. I slowed my pace to appreciate the scene taking in the uniqueness of this peaceful place. I intended to photograph it on the return trip, before I realized the trail was a loop.

Halfway around the lake we reached the platform of Reflection Island, THE photo spot. Forested trees framed the scenic lake but majestic snow-covered Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman were hiding behind clouds -— not reflecting in the water. Ah, all for naught? No, because despite the missing view the journey was worthwhile. As is often true in life.