Finding Our Way Through the Fiordlands

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We rose early for the drive to Milford Sound and drove through the infamous Homer Tunnel through a mountainside on the way. It had rained all night (120 mm) and a morning mist filled the valley where we drove down the serpentine roads to the water. We boarded our boat for a morning cruise through the fiord.

The Fiordlands were created by glaciers and are unique rainforest areas with 5-7 meters of freshwater atop the salt water coming in from the Tasman Sea; this area receives up to 7 meters of rainfall annually! This one-of-a-kind ecosystem draws unique opportunities to see black coral and other sea animals much nearer the surface than typical. We were able to see many neat sea creatures at the floating Underwater Observatory, which took us 8 meters under the water surface.

After our cruise it was time to trace the road back to Queenstown and then up the West Coast further on our way. We took the snaky mountain road up to Cardrona Adventures to check one of Kirby's dreams off the wish list - we each drove a Monster Bus named the School Bully. It wasn't as fast as we imagined but we each took a turn driving over huge ramps, over cars, and through a stream. The owners were the real deal - professional seasoned monster truck drivers who have done shows all over the world with incredible energy and abilities. We ended up talking nearly an hour before continuing on our drive West where we stopped in Mount Aspiring Park for the night.

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Photos

Christina Meets Her Mountain
What to get a girl who has everything? This lucky girl got a mountain on her birthday...

Some of the Many Falls
Because there was 120 mm of rain over night, there was lots of mist and tonnes of waterfalls = beautiful.

More Falls
Took many pictures, but a camera just can not do it justice.

Sunbathing Seals
Great way to spend a warm day

Can you find the fish?
From 8 meters below sea level at the Underwater Conservatory

Under the Sea...
Some fish checking us out checking them out checking us out

Leaping Latitude!
FYI - the latitude of Dapp, AB is about 52 degrees North

Christina gets turned around
Just because it is South doesn't really mean we are up-side-down

A Different Vantage Point
Kirby behind the wheel of the School Bully monster bus

Christina's Turn
Who knew you could have so much fun with a School Bully?

Christina's Dream Car
Horns and all, this pink ride could take care of a lot of business!

Comments

[DuaneAndCharlotte]

I wish I could have riden to school on one of those babies!
Monster Truck school bus?!! That is just awesome, I don't know how we missed it! Totally sweet! Charlotte