Morning dawned beautifully. We had over 10″ of rain yesterday (not uncommon) but they did close the glow worm caves due to flooding. The lakes near our hotel also rose about 2 feet. To get to Doubtful Sound (named by Captain James Cook because he doubted that he could get in and out safely) we had to cross Lake Manapouri, a gem in and of itself, and then be driven over the Wilmont Pass high in the Southern Alps to get to the sound.
At the end of Lake Manapouri is an amazing hydroelectric plant that is powered by the heavy rain water. We took a short tour of that before heading to Doubtful Sound by driving deep into a tunnel next to the lake. Doubtful Sound is one of the natural wonders of the world. Cliffs and mountains rising over 5000′ into the sky dropping into the sound. These mountains were formed by the Asiatic and Pacific plates causing great upheavals of land, and then they were further sculpted by glaciers. The mountains in Milford Sound were slightly higher (up to 6000′) but the effect is the same. Note the size of the boat sailing into the fiord. To say it is dwarfed is an understatement. We sailed out to the Tasman Sea to observe the ocean and some seals. And then Cheryl and Lois took a shower sort of au naturelle!
This is a country of superlatives, both in terms of the scenery and the people. Thanks to Cheryl for all of her wonderful photos today, after taking a few days off.
