A stormy night……and New Zealand scenery..

Last night was the end of our two day sail across the Tasman Sea. We went to our usual late dinner seating…..good food and frivolity with the waiters….then off to Disco night on board. Lots of fun costumes….John Rivolta, and of course, The Village People…so got the place rocking. The celebration moved from the main stairwell / multiple levels up to the Crown & Anchor on 11….the highest lounge on the ship. Now the Royal Caribbean Singers and Dancers gave us a tribute to Abba….so the place was rockin’…….but not just because of the music. It was pretty stormy and the ship had distance to cover….and the higher you go…the more she rocks. So dancing……well everyone had an excuse for bumping into others and looking a bit klutzy! Freeman’s headed back after midnight to get some shut eye.  11^th floor was movin….7^th and 8^th weren’t much better….so after the challenge of getting into bed, it was one wild ride all night. Some of the big waves woke you right back up when you did manage to get to sleep…the ship was making all sorts of sounds. Made for quite the interesting night…..you know it is hard to beat Mother Nature. Score: Tasman 1, 80 ton Ship 0.

 

Wake up call @ 6:30 to see the Fjordland National Park area of New Zealand.  First….land was a welcome site, as we had just ocean to look at since we said good bye to Sydney on the 11th…..and very beautiful land at that. Milford Sound, then Doubtful Sound a couple hours later (discovered by Captain Cook…and named because he was ‘doubtful’ his ship would fit )….then finally, Dusky Sound mid afternoon. Both couples were lucky to get balconies on our room…..and since the boat goes in, turns around and comes out…..you get the whole view no matter where you are on the ship. The outside temp was about mid 50’s….so wrapped up a bit, and enjoyed a nice sunny day with great visibility. Enjoy the pictures…..the mountains are about 3000 feet, and there were hundreds of waterfalls making their way down to the sea. Randy saw a sea lion out hunting, a school of Dolphins, and thousands of birds.

 

Now steaming around the bottom of the South Island to Dunedin and our first port-of-call. We are all set for a great day trip on a narrow gauge train to see a Castle, Penguins and Albatrosses.

 

Happy Valentines Day to all our ‘sweethearts’ at home…