Leaving Queenstown was another busy day, full of wonderful sights and adventure. It was a big drive in the coach, heading to Te Anau where we stopped for lunch, then up to Milford Sound.
Not for the faint hearted, avalanche areas along the way
It was calm and peaceful driving through Eglington Valley
The scenery soon changed to grandeur, mountains crowding in on both sides of the road.
This was a view worth waiting for, when Mt Talbot appeared before us.
Mt Talbot
The road took us through the Homer Tunnel, named after Harry Homer, who discovered the saddle in 1889. The tunnel was begun in 1935 as a project for the unemployed, and took 18 years to complete. A little further on, and the road ends at Milford Sound. As the climate warmed at the end of the ice ages, huge amounts if ice melted and the sea level rose, flooding many of the deeply cut glacial valleys to create the fiords we see today. And there was our boat, waiting to take us on our Milford Sound Cruise. Can you see the famous Mitre Peak just behind the boat?
It really was a glorious day for a cruise, nice sunny weather, just a little bit choppy, and such glorious scenery. There was a female crew of two taking care of us, afternoon tea provided, and we settled down to enjoy the trip. Some climbed to the open area upstairs, or out the back, or just sat inside and listened to the commentary. I found trying to walk around a moving boat a bit tricky with my walking stick, so after a quick trip to the open rear of the boat, decided it was easier for me to sit and relax by a window.
The Captain
The views were spectacular, rugged cliffs, waterfalls, we stopped to watch some basking seals, all in glorious sunshine. This is such an amazing part of the country indeed.
Views from the boat
Finally, the boat turned around and headed back. Tired but happy, we climbed aboard the waiting coach, back tracked along the road revisiting all that magnificent scenery again. What a wonderful day indeed. Our overnight stay was at Te Anau.
14 comments:
What a fantastic day out Jenny.
Bet you slept well.
Glorious views, Jenny--glad you enjoyed the boat trip...hugs, Julierose
I’m so glad you are getting to take some trips, and this looks like a very nice one! The scenery is amazing!
We were there in 1986, and went on the boat trip too. Magnificent scenery, the waterfall was running well, and further out there were some hardy kayakers. Not for the faint hearted on that drive, We had camped in the Eglington Valley under dripping wet huge trees!!!
Such a wonderful adventure, Jenny. The peaks are magnificent. I enjoy not only seeing the beauty of the areas that you visit, but also hearing of the history. Blessings.
Wow! What a marvelous adventure, I'm so happy that you were able to do this and thanks for taking photos and sharing it with us. I'm a world traveler (by way of internet, LOL)
Another lovely episode of your trip. We also visited Milford Sound because here in Wales we live not very far from Milford Haven a rather large natural harbour. Looking forward to your next episode. Judith nb Serena.
Wow! What a beautiful view from every angle. Glad you had an amazing time.
What a beautiful place! This trip was a real adventure.
Such stunning scenery
Such gorgeous places and your pictures show them off to great advantage.
God bless.
it is all so pretty. I love the mountains and the waterfalls rivers and lakes
We have done 2 cruises through the sounds. They are so beautiful especially with a bit of mist. You have had a wonderful day
I have been only to Doubtful Sound, the less-frequented tourist attraction, but the views are quite similar. In my mind, I can step back onto that boat and feel all the good feels of being in such a beautiful place - the smell of water and seals, the sounds of hundreds and hundreds of big and small waterfalls, the overcast skies, and even the mist on my face. Really a glorious experience - one I will never forget. I am sure you feel the same way.
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