We had planned to visit the famous Lanarch Castle as our “thing to do” while at Port Chalmers, but the weather had turned to a cold, windy, and very heavy showery morning.
As we came down the gangway to board our bus, about 2-300 meters away, the wind and rain caught the boss, just as she was stepping onto the wharf.
The fastest about turn, and back up onto the ship she/we went with the thought that at least we could visit the Castle at a future time.
The remainder of the day was spent resting and recuperating on board.
The log for the day at midday gives the wind at force 3 [7 - 10 knots] and the temperature at 14o C.
We set sail at 1500, with no calls for last minute passengers to check in.
Overnight we sailed Foveaux Straight, between the South Island and Stewart Islands, but being at night we had no idea where we were, and the water was unusually calm.
The following morning at 0745, we entered the first of the three sounds that were big enough for a ship our size.
We entered Dusky Sounds, and passed through the magnificent rugged scenery to Doubtful/Thompson Sounds,
We left these sounds and proceeded up the coast to Milford Sounds, which we entered at 1415.
Going past areas where the West Coast’s rainfall has caused some erosion.
We were met by a helicopter doing a “photographic” run, taking videos and stills for sale to the passengers.
We were joined by “day tripper” boats of various sizes, all after the tourist’s dollars.
Another pass by the helicopter.
Past a small waterfall that in years to come will slowly eat its way through the rock and disappear from sight.
At the end of the sound there was enough room for the Captain to do a 520o [1.1/2 full rotation] turn.
Probably the most photographed water fall in the Sounds, at times the “Day tripper” boats had to line up to take their turn for their tourists to see the waterfall.
Eventually we found our way to the entrance/exit again, where we disembarked the pilot and Ranger who had been with us since Port Chalmers.
A final glimpse of where we had been for the last 2. 1/4 hours
We then headed in a Westerly direction towards Hobart, Australia, our next landfall.
The official log records, distance 143 N Miles, speed 14.7 Knots, Wind = force 3 [7-10 Knots, 8-12 mph], Temp max 14o C. at Dunedin.
Distance from Dunedin to Fiordlands 239 N Miles, speed 15.4 Knots, Wind force 6 [22-27 Knots, 25 - 31 mph] although most of this was sheltered by the hills that surrounded us, max temp 19.50 C.
with thanks to son-of-satire for the banner