This part of the cruise is what many people have high on their "hit parade" of places to see in their lifetime. After a very busy five days many have decided to take the day "off" from their now established regime of exercises, walks, classes etc. There are no lectures scheduled today so that people can enjoy the experience.
We spent the majority of the day in our suite. Moe joined us for conversation and tea.
The last thing I want to do is to become blasé about travel. We have been fortunate enough to experience many wonderful and exotic places in our times. We also happen to be born and still live in a province, [B.C.] that is close to the top of the list of the most scenic places on the planet. Yes, the sand dunes in Namibia are spectacular, as is the Rain Forest in Central America, and the plains of Africa. However the scenery in B.C. has a different appeal, it is not threatening or foreboding, nor full of nasty surprises. It is just awesome by it's majesty and simplicity: mountains, rivers, waterfalls, panoramas of forests etc.
The Sounds that we are cruising through today fall into that same category. It is like sailing through Active Pass, or up to Sechelt with B.C. Ferries, all day long. An endless series of mountains and inlets within inlets that look like there should be pleasure boats in every cove. Except there are no small boats. It is an equivalent of our National Parks, so development is not allowed and there are not a lot of small pleasure boats buzzing around this part of the world. It is a toss up if the closest piece of land is Australia or the Antarctic. The weather is coolish with blue skies.
As one would expect, once into the most popular sound, Milford, the signs of civilization increased. First a small sail boat, then a power cruiser followed by a few excursion boats with passengers waving at us as this big whale inched up the narrowing sound. We then turned about and headed back down to the Tasman Sea, and turned Northwest heading for Sydney.
It was a perfect day for such cruising, it would have been a shame to be shrouded in mist or rain.
As I look outside of our balcony I sort of expect the B.C Ferries Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal to come into sight. I hope I am not being cynical. It was a great day folks, don't get me wrong.
Next morning as I get up to review and send the blog, the ship is bouncing around a fair amount. We are in the Tasman sea south-east of Sydney. The wind is coming at our side of the ship and it is impossible to open our balcony door. Now 5:45 AM and waiting for the coffee, still dark out. Clocks went back again last night, [and again tonight]. When we get to Sydney we will be five hours behind, but a day ahead.
Petrol price in NZ was C$ 1.41/litre
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