This was a day of new perspectives. Almost a paradigm shift. Seeing a part of the world that hasn't changed really since it was first discovered by the Europeans (Cook - the Maori didn't bother with this area as it was too cold and too hard to get to), was quite an eye-opener. Doubtful Sound, other than the odd tour boat, remains untouched by man, and always will due to the fact that it is a National Park and thus protected. Let me start at the beginning of the day.
The sound of pouring rain woke me before the alarm, so I laid in bed a little longer. By the time I had my shower and was ready to leave for Manapouri to pick up the ferry, the sun was out. It was quite cool (8 C) and the wind chill was probably closer to 0 C. A bit of low cloud over the mountains, which will hopefully burn off, but might make the light interesting for taking pictures.
Driving along the road to Manapouri, I find myself having to remember to breathe, as each curve in the road reveals a bigger, more beautiful scene. It seems impossible not to believe in a higher power when faced with such evidence.
We board the ferry that will take
us across Lake Manapouri, about a 45 minute ride, to West Arm. This is the site of the Manapouri power station, which we will tour later, and that's a story in itself. From the West Arm landing, buses will take us across Wilmot Pass and down the other side of the mountain to the top end of Doubtful Sound. Another, larger boat, will take us through the Sound and out to the Tasman Sea.
I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.
Breath taking scenery, Su. I can't imagine how thrilling this is for you!!!!
ReplyDeleteSu, your photos are fabulous. You're cutting and pasting from a travel site aren't you? ;)
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