Milford Sound and Lake Wanaka

Today was our Milford Sound trip.  We made our way to Te Anau where we had a chance to take a glow worms tour, but chose to keep on to the Sound.  Up at the Sound, we could have gone the conventional route and taken the hike and camped for a few days with the cold, sandflies, and rain…but we went against convention and took a cruise up the Sound.  Actually it is a Fiord.  They call it Milford Sound, but it is actually a Fiord due to glaciers and some other explanations that I do not remember.  It was stunning though.  We experienced the mountains, the waterfalls, and ultimately the Tasman Sea.  We saw sea lions and were soaked by one of the huge waterfalls.  What an experience!!

She likes me!

On our way to Milford Sound.  The bus was nice because then we could both sight see

Another waterfall (seen a lot at this point!?)

Wide Open Spaces (Shelley is singing here and sending her love home)

One of the stops on the way to Milford Sound

SURPRISE another waterfall!!  Shelley is about to jump in!

This bird, the KEA, will eat your liver and eyes if you get injured

500 meter waterfall viewed from the boat cruise we took 

Spectacular view of the sound

Looking like a traveler, Shelley is keeping warm enjoying nature's beauty

Cliff jumping anyone?

A group of young male seals sunning and staying away from the older meaner males

Here is our postcard to everyone at home!!  Enjoy

After a long drive back, we made our way up to Lake Wanaka.  It’s a sleepy town with gorgeous views of the mountains.  Families make up this town and it was hopping with youth soccer, a half marathon, and people simply enjoying the lakefront.  We made our way around town, talking to the locals, having a coffee, then heading up for a hike at Diamond Lake.  Following our “cardio” session, we took a swim in Lake Wanaka (brrrrrrrr) then happy hour with the locally brewed beer.  We sat in the sun, warming up and had a few beers, then went to our campsite for some homemade cereal (j/k!) and a movie!!  Great day again!!

Shelley looking out on Lake Wanaka, deciding whether or not to get in

About to jump in the ice water....bbrrrrrrrr

Thumbs up for you Shelley, we did it!!

I can't believe we actually did it Erik!?  Oh the horror!