What a way to start the New Year

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After coming off of the 'Bungy High', it was time to head to Alexandra to get some fruit-picking work. We had read, and been told numerous times, that there was more then enough work in this area through January, so we were pretty positive about finding somewhere to make a little bit of money.

Laughable, really, looking back on how confident we were in finding a position.

When we arrived at the job agency on January 2nd, the mate working behind the counter informed us that 'this is the first time in over 15 years that we haven't had enough work to employ at least all of the people looking for work'. Not exactly what you want to hear when you've been expectant of having an income.

We decided to stick around the area for a couple of days, to really let the agency know that we were serious about committing to a job, but, unfortunately no luck came our way. And since Alexandra had very little to offer, I was not prepared to waste my time in New Zealand sitting around trying to entertain myself in a small town while waiting to hear from someone who wasn't likely to get in contact with me.

So, Brett and I sat down one evening and planned out our next couple of weeks of travelling - most likely, the last of our time in New Zealand.

From Alexandra, we headed out to the West Coast, to a place known to some as 'the Eighth Wonder of the Natual World', Milford Sound. And a wonder it certainly was. The scenery in the area was absolutely incredible - so fascinating that I will not spoil it with poorly written words that can't possibly express it's beauty, and will instead direct you to the photos.

We stayed there for two nights and also did a Harbour Cruise while there, which included a complimentary pass to their underwater observatory. Our planning worked out incredibly well since, as we were leaving, we were told that they were expecting 260 mm of rain over the next 20 hours (and no, that is not a typo! They're average rainfall per year is between 6 and 9 metres!!) Needless to say, we got out of there fast and are now making our way back North along the West Coast.

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Photos

Lupins and Mountain Ranges
Milford Sound

Picture Perfect
A rainbow adds to the beauty that is Milford Sound

Sunset over The Incredibles Mountain Range
Queenstown

Mirror Lake
Milford Sound

A parrot attacks our car
Milford Sound

Brett and I enjoying our cruise
With Mitre Peak (one of New Zealands largest) over our right shoulders.

One of the numerous waterfalls
There must have been close to 1000 - a result of all of the snow and glacial melt in Milford Sound this time of year.

Comments

[Manda]

Beautiful
Hey Leigh-Ann! these are my favorite photos so far. Absolutely breath taking- they don't even look real. You are right- words could not describe and I'm sure seeing it first hand is even more incredible. Love from Canada

[Megan]

Wow
Thank you for doing this! I just caught up on the last 4 entries or so and as with all of your adventures, I am blown away at all the amazing things you are experiencing. I am so happy for all that you are getting to do, and that you have someone to do it with you! I know you are grateful for all the beauty around you, and I am glad I get to see it too! Of course we miss you, cannot wait to hear about everything, your favourite sights, sounds, smells. Enjoy the rest of your trip!

[Sophie Gagnon]

Curious
why didn't you go to the site for the lord of the rings? It would be really cool if you did. So.. are you and Brett getting a little cozy? e-mail me! Miss you. When are you coming back? Bye.