Sunday, March 9, 2014

Bon Voyage Australia

Well friends, we bid a fond farewell to the gorgeous city of Sydney on Wednesday March 5th and have now been at sea for 3 days.

We sailed out of the harbour and had another opportunity to photograph the gorgeous bridge and opera house by night.

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We managed to have one lovely hot & cloudless sky where we spent most of the day at the aft pool.

Of course we are now sporting that oh so familiar patchy sunburn. You know the one that shows you where you missed applying your sunscreen? That’s okay though we have a few more days to fill those areas in, wink wink, nudge nudge!

We had our first formal event last night, March 7th which was a black & white theme. We also met our captain, who just so happens to be a woman, and quite pretty might I add. Ah you’ve got to love it when beauty comes along with brains….you go girl!!!

We’ve had slight seas since we set sail; up until last night that is. I am presently laid up in my bed with an unsettled tummy as I type this. Rick is at dinner with our dining companions who hail from Boston.

Today is March 8th and this morning we set the alarm clock for the first time in order to be out on the balcony as we entered New Zealand’s largest National Park, Fiordland.

It just so happens to be one of the largest in the world as well.

What we didn’t know prior to arriving here is that the annual rainfall varies from 1200mm to 8000mm over the span of 200 days each year. Of course we weren’t one of the lucky ones this time either. Either way come sunshine or rain this place was pretty spectacular to say the least.

Rick certainly gave his camera a work out today, doing his very best under the circumstances.

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We slowly made our way in and out of the 14 fiords off the west coast taking in the lush flora and Fauna. Much of the Fiordland’s indigenous rain forest clings to steep faces of hard rock. Beech trees are dominant, but there are also black coral trees, shrubs, ferns, mosses and lichens.

Tree avalanches are very common as well.

Oh and let’s not forget many waterfalls that cascade fresh water that forms a permanent layer on top of the salt water lending itself to an incredible marine environment.

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In this photo you can slightly make out a group of fur seals frolicking in the water just in front of the kayakers.

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We were even entertained by many fur seals both on the shoreline and hanging around the ship taking advantage of an easy meal.

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Heading back out to sea

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Sure, now the sun comes out! we are continuing our journey en route to Dunedin, New Zealand where we will step foot/feet back on to land. Hopefully by I will be feeling better too.

So I will leave you with a couple photos of the view from the top deck. are room is on the starboard side, and Rick was nice enough to show me what I was missing. He is just too darn sweet!

 

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Take care Peeps!

Rick, Sandra and Wee Shaemus