Fiordland, New Zealand

Nadine was a little disappointed with the 2.5 day journey across the Tasman Sea to Milford Sound. She was expecting some dramatic crashing waves but the sea was calm! Just a gentle long loping 2 to 3 metre swell. Trevor, conversely was very happy! It was a pleasant sea journey that saw us eating, sleeping, reading and playing scrabble. There was the odd spa thrown in there as well. Contentment.



We arrived today, 30th, at Milford Sound. The day was windy, but the skies were clear blue. Milford sound was as we remembered, towering granite mountains and deep blue water. A sunken glacial river surrounded by mountains up to 1600 metres high and water 300 metres deep. Just fabulous. It was reminiscent of Tracy Arm in Alaska - except it was much colder and wetter.

Through the day we travelled to Doubtful Sound, then to Dusky Sound. They too were beautiful. There were so many picture postcard views it was hard to select from our photos. During the journey I was entranced by the grace and flying ability of the Albatross, the activity of some seals and the lazy repose of many Sea Lions.

Tomorrow is Dunedin. Hope the good weather holds.

Burnie, Tasmania

Barrington Lake

Crossing Bass Strait was a dream. We hired a car in Burnie and drove to Cradle Mountain. Mmmm the temperature plummeted as we neared our destination. 7 degrees I believe. Cloud, light rain and limited time prevented us from seeing the mountain.








However we did manage photos of Mt Roland and Barrington Lake - just beautiful. Next stop New Zealand on Saturday.

Mt Roland

So after a coffee we headed for Devonport. The temperature rose to 24 degrees and the clouds disappeared. So a late lunch at the Fish Frenzy back at Burnie on the beach and it was time to re-board the ship.

Leaving Melbourne

The Spirit of Tasmania

A cloudy overcast day in Melbourne turned into a spectacular afternoon with blue skies and a 15 knot sou'easterly breeze.
The wind blew all day meaning Bass Strait might be a little challenging and Trevor's stomach was already delicate from over indulgence of Italian food at lunch. Ah well a good nights sleep cures all.

Melbourne

Rainy morning. But the day warmed and brightened to a spectacular afternoon. Met my sister Lisette and brother in law Ian for lunch. Went to a lovely Italian restaurant in St Kilda. Then walked Ackland street window shopping. Saw a couple of great shop front roofs. See the photos below. Off to Tasmania tonight

Nadine

Xmas Day at Sea

Gorgeous weather to farewell Sydney yesterday. Had a lovely Xmas Eve dinner then went straight to bed. Too exhausted for anything else.

Lazy start to the day today. Lots of rest and relaxation in order.

Nadine xxx

Leaving Port Jackson

Sailing out of the Harbour was accompanied by a cooling north easterly breeze and a magnificent blue sky - a rarity of late.

We are both looking forward to a restful couple of days after a stressful approach to Christmas - and the sea looks calm!

At Circular Quay

We arrived by train at 1.45pm relieved to discover our ship - Celebrity Century moored in Farm Cove. Boarding was without event and completed relatively quickly. So here we are about to head South to Melbourne.

Excitement mounts. Mmmm will the Tasman Sea be bumpy? Trevor will let you know VERY soon.

The Celebrity Century

Leaving on our Trip to New Zealand

Soon to board on Christmas Eve from Farm Cove, Circular Quay. Nadine is very excited and is looking forward to a substantial break from the grind at work. It will be a fabulous time.

This cruise was made even more acceptable in that we managed a 2 for 1 ticket - so expenses were not too high. The other thing we decided to do was to hire a car in most ports so we were not stuck with shipboard tours and had the freedom to explore at will.

A 13 night cruise: Melbourne, Burnie, Milford Sound, Dunedin, Akaroa, Wellington, Napier, Tauranga, Bay of Islands and finally into Auckland. There we stay for 4 nights and then fly home, 10th January. More soon.