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WITHOUT A DOUBT
Entry 7 of 23 | show all | print this entry |
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All our talk of the trip to NZ two years ago,wherin we spent nearly 4 weeks driving both islands,convinced our friends from Colorado do do the same and they came whilst we are living here. Ken and Polly came down to the South Island at the end of their trip,we made reservations to take the overnight cruise on Doutful Sound.
Now, Doubtful sound really isn't a sound...it's a fiord...go to our encyclopedias for the difference ...a little home work never hurts. Named by Capt. James Cook,who when discovering it around 1765 saw the severe prevailing westerly winds and figured it was doubtful he could sail out without waiting several months. Sound choice as it is beautiful,haunting, but narrow. We drove to Te Anau, avery stunning lake,met our friends and stayed at a great lodge(use wotif.com to find great last minute deals..our room usually NZ $375 for $125 for example). Next morning drove 20 k to Lake Manapouri to board first boat that crosses that lake. Upon landing you board a bus for a trip over the mountains for about 45 min to reach the tail of Doutful Sound. At this point one boards the overnight ship for the cruise. Cabins great, food terrific, crew helpful....sail into the sound for activities like going out in a small boat,swimming...nobody elected to try that in the deep freezing waters of the sound. Or...kayaking...which Candy and I chose. She was a natural...I was uncomfortable in a flimsy bit of plastic....then the captain moved the boat about a mile or more away...I got fed up...tired out and while submitting to boarding a motorcraft....capsized my kayak. Lifejackets do work and are advised....;swimming fully dressed is no fun...and it wasn' as cold as expected,maybe terror kept me warm....rescue done in sight of all. Looked and felt like a dope...
Ship captain took us out to the entrance to the Tasman Sea...weather this trip great...saw a pair of very rare crested penguins. Weather calm and reflective next morning. Saw a few dolphins too...enjoy the photos. More thumbnails ...
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