• Milford Sound Boat Cruse

Off to Milford sound first thing this-morning, leaving at 7:45am for the 120km drive - on the way out (about 10 minutes in) they have a sign noting there are no petrol stations from that point on (would be far more useful at the edge of town, where you could get petrol still - as we would have missed our boat if we were to turn around by this point…) - so we just kept going with the gauge on half (but not for long). The drive out was REALLY windy, to the point where Rachel wasn't feeling very well by the time we got there. However the scenery is spectacular. There's the dingiest tunnel near the end which is not well lit, it clearly just blasted out rock, is only 1.5 lanes wide and is dripping, a lot. It's quite an experience in itself.

Managed to make it to the boat on time, and took the Mitre peek cruse, which is the smallest of the cruse boats - which allows it more coverage. The scenery throughout the tour is incredible with the mountains towering over the deep waters. It's very touristy with probably 6 large tour boats on the water at any time! But well worth the visit. Apart from the scenery, also saw a number of seals sleeping on the rocks as we passed by. Since the waters are so deep and go straight down, the boat can literally go right up against the water falls, which makes for a spectacular (and wet) view. We also took some walks in the area after the boat trip (albeit not very long, both about 15 min long).

About 15km into the drive back, the empty light started flashing in the car, and we got caught behind a bus doing 15kmph in a 100 zone (as did a lot of other cars) who wouldn't pull over properly at the designated pull over bays!!! Fortunately did manage to get away & did make it back to town, just… The car is fortunately very efficient (only has a 40L tank and that was the first fill up).

Once again the weather has been perfect for us, with the drive and the trip completely fine with the sun out. Wasn't until we got back to the motel and had finished outside for the day that the rain came through.

Relaxing evening, in the spa & playing card games & connect 4 (on computer). Luke won all games :) (fish, speed, connect 4) - all Rachel's choices :)