Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park

We’re cruising through Fiordland National Park this morning. It’s one of New Zealand’s most majestic natural wonders. Through Milford Sound, the 14 nautical miles to the Tasman Sea are lined with mountain peaks that rise to the heights of 6,000-7,000 feet. Captain Cook missed it entirely when he was charting these waters 200 years ago. Located on the southwest corner of New Zealand’s South Island, the Sound is about one and a half miles wide at its broadest point. Whether rain or shine – Milford Sound receives more rain than any other one place in New Zealand – the views of the surrounding cliffs are simply spectacular.
After breakfast we ventured to the bow of the ship for an up-close look at scenery and to take a few photographs. As you can see by Leila’s hair blowing, the wind was “brisk”. Our on-board naturalist explained the difference between a “fiord” and a “sound”. A fiord is a valley formed by a glacier and a sound is a valley formed by a river. The ship just made another turn into the next fiord so we’ll be back tomorrow. Tonight we’re attending the Captain’s Circle Cocktail Party and another chance to get the fellows dancing.
Six BMK Travelers