Friday - Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound & Milford Sound - updated

 I awoke to the sound of our big blind being raised. It appears to be a bit of a crappy morning as the winds are blowing and the ceiling is low. There is a slight rock to the ship as the swell are fairly large. Nothing crazy though:-) The mainland out our window is in sight but it's not ideal viewing weather at this point. 

Had an early morning text from Peter Killin, the captain of the very rare "Philippine Mars" Water Bomber that is at Sproat Lake, BC. This plane is going to be flown south soon and eventually join the Pima Air Museum in Tuscon AZ. Our son Kris is in the area and I managed to arrange a meet up... hopefully it will go well.

Kelly is patiently waiting for the coffee shop to open at 6:30 so she can get us coffee. I am hoping for improved weather as the day goes on! 

The plan is to cruise these different sounds throughout the day and have spectacular views of the landscapes located within Fjordland National Park. Our first one is Dusky Sound at approximately 8:15 this morning. 

 And here we are... the clouds were quite extensive for our trip into Dusky Sound but started to clear up nicely after passing by Resolution Island.  

Dusky Sound

Coming out and it's starting to clear up!

The trip up to Doubtful Sound took a couple hours and was in much heavier seas. Not really a big deal for a ship this size but you wouldn’t want to be in a small boat!!   

Into Doubtfull Sound the seas calmed and we enjoyed spectacular views. The balcony was fantastic as we roasted in the sunlight and drank some vino with George and Avis.  The weather was improving and this revealed the steep mountain tops that are so famous. 

 

The topography is similar to BC ‘s coast but with different trees. They get 200 days with rainfall a year which equates to seven meters! Hence the green!

 

 

 We went through the cut with Secretary Island on our left and back out into the open ocean. We then traveled up the coast another two hours to Milford Sound. The winds died down as we entered the channel and we enjoyed the spectacular scenery. 

 

A text from Kris and he is on the Martin Mars water bomber at Sproat Lake, BC. I am so jealous right now!!!

 

 

 At the head of the fjord we did a 540 degree turn on the spot and then headed back out.  About seven minutes later the ship slowed and they announced that due to a passenger medical emergency, we would be turning around. Luckily we are close to shore. The patient will be removed by boat and helicoptered to a medical facility. 

The captain positioned the ship to block the wind for the operation. The ship just maintains it's position & heading using a GPS "Anchor" at a fixed position. 

Tender heading to shore with sick passenger.

 

The tender departed for shore and we could see medical people on the dock waiting. We had binoculars and could see it all…. sort of. The tender returned and the helicopter took off. 

Once the tender was hoisted out of the water and secured, we headed out of the channel and into open water.  Special views for us from our balcony as we were able to see the right side of the fjord with its beautiful waterfalls and stunning peaks. 

 

 

The ship's pilot was picked up and we headed directly towards Sydney Harbour. It will be a rough 12 hours ahead. 

 

We went for dinner at Cyprus and joined a shared table with a couple sets of sisters from Brisbane, AU and two from Birmingham, UK. We compared dinners, shows and current events on the ship. 

We stopped at the casino and Kelly once again came away with more than she started with. I think I will just watch as she doesn't fully understand the payout in 3 card poker but does it really matter? I don't think so!

We went the the Mr. & Mrs. Smith music show in the Club and it was very good. 

Back at the room, I blogged and Kelly fell asleep with some Gravol in her system. It will be bumpy tonight as we try to get away from this weather system.

So Kris had the experience of a lifetime when he got a complete tour of the Coulson Water Bomber Base, the last flying Martin Mars and a ride along on a taxi test run! (They are awaiting a flight permit still) Here are some pics of his day....

The mighty Martin Mars

It's big!

Inside

Flight Engineer's Station

Kris with Peter

View from the nose.

 

 They went for a run around the lake on the "step" which is basically skimming the surface of the water without getting airborne.  Kris said the power was amazing... as was the whole experience. A big shout out to Peter for his hospitality!

 

Now back to our regular programming........

A Sea day tomorrow.

 

Steps - 4,600