Well, yesterday (Feb. 6) we docked at Port Chalmers, NZ, a small town from which everyone goes into Dunedin and other parts. The wind was blowing 30-50 knots, so we weren't sure we would even get into the port, but we managed...over an hour late. We were taking a ship tour to see the Yellow-eyed Penguins, or so we thought. Our bus left with about 45 on board for the 45-minute ride to where the penguins are (or are supposed to be). About that far into the ride, the bus driver said he thought he missed a turn, so he found a turnout and turned around. After a couple of hesitations at intersections, he chose one and headed up into the beautiful hills overlooking the whole area...it WAS gorgeous. But...at the top of the hill, he turned right. I had fired up my Iphone and now had Google Maps watching our path and saw that Right was NOT the way, so I had Chris go up front with my Iphone that I had programmed now to get us to the Penguin Place, so by following that we got there...after about 2 hours! Upon arrival at Penguin Place, we found the Yellow-eyed Penguins had not arrived yet, but there were some nesting "Little Blue Penguins"...however, they were shy and in nesting boxes where we couldn't see them. We did get a look at some of the recovering penguins in their hospital. We walked to the headlands which had a lovely broad beach with a sea lion in the distance, but once there, a strong wind and rain began! So, we hurried back. Our route back showed how simple it would have been...just follow the road on the coast...instead we had followed it almost all the way, crossed over to the sea, and crossed back! A nice scenic drive, but none of us were pleased. Leaving Port Chalmers we passed the Albatrosses that fly at the entrance...we were pretty far away, so I didn't get any real photos of them.
Today we had a magnificent day cruising Fiordlands on the South Island of NZ. It was perfect...a bit cold initially, but by Milford Sound in the afternoon it was perfect. Photos don't do it justice, but Chris' videos will be nice. These are a huge complex of fjords carved out after the last ice age. Beautiful scenery all day. (We did Dusky and Doubtful Sounds in the morning, then Milford Sound in the afternoon. Now we are heading across the Tasman Sea to Sydney, Australia which we will reach in two days of hopefully calm sailing...this is known for its rough passage for ships. (Last night was pretty rough but we were in bed, so it didn't bother us.). I have planned a private tour for us and another couple out to the Blue Mountains of Australia, so we'll hope for good weather in Sydney and environs! Photos will be posted separately.
Sent from my iPad
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