Kiwi Surprise

We lucked out on weather this week travelling for 2 days out of the eerie Queenstown mists (caused by steam pouring off the lake) into the dramatic Fiordland national park (a treat) and then into the desert of Central Otago (regular chemo session). Marti (Jan) and Robbie (Ann) my current carer team were determined to stop me moping around/feeling miserable; we were going to have some adventure and fun in the sun as well as hospital trips. How can you not smile and enjoy yourself when the sun is out on a glorious blue sky day? (despite the chemical processes stewing inside)



A chance meeting in an art gallery led us to discover that May is half price for locals on many big tourist trips; we chose a day trip to Doubtful Sound. Robbie was sweating a bit when we told her we had a surprise; fortunately for her I am not as daredevil as Sarah these days; only briefly considered freefall.

There are 14 Sounds in Fiordland National park which are really Fiords (NZ name for Norwegian Fjord) A fjord is formed by glaciers whereas a Sound is formed by rivers and is much less dramatic. Cook sailed past in 1770 (prevailing winds are from the West and he was fearful if he entered he would never get out again) writing on his map “Doubtful Harbour”. The next visitors were Spanish in 1793 (all Spanish place names in NZ are in Doubtful Sound) and named a headland by the mouth, Marcaciones Point (old nautical term for measuring /surveying angles) but Lt Bauza did not explore further. He hated the place for its mosquitos (luckily too cold for them in May!) Later the sealers and whalers explored further and named it Doubtful Sound.



The trip was in 3 parts; trip across Lake Manapouri, coach trip over Wilmott pass, cruise on Doubtful Sound itself. For more info Wikipedia is a good source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doubtful_Sound




Out of Manapouri, we left grey cloud behind and headed on a fast ferry across the lake towards the long white clouds and V shaped mountains.

Many viewing points on the bus tour. Fabulous views from the top of the pass.

Even the guide thought we were lucky with the weather. Incredible green colours, mosses and lichens all over the trees. Glistening in the sunshine.

It rains 200 days of the year in this park.













What was great for me on this tour is that I spent the day resting/sitting with a casual stroll around the boats to take photos and admire the views.
And what views…

We were all rugged up as it was very cold outside despite the sunshine.

The water in Doubtful Sound is so dark because the fresh water top layer is full of tannins from all the moss, trees and lichens. Not much dirt for the trees to hang on to on the sheer rock face.

After 1pm I snoozed and after 3pm I slept most of the way back on and off until 7pm. Robbie and Marti were brilliant. They spent the day collecting things I had dropped or left behind. I am not very reliable at remembering anything now unless I write it down AND remember the list And remember to check it!





Blood test are all positive this week; chemo session was without any unusual trauma and as it was another gorgeous day we headed for Alexandra for a river walk and lunch.

Marti did the tour guiding; first to the historic sites (20 minutes) Most interesting was the dynamite store as I enjoy vertical rock formations and the bridge (old and new) First built in 1879, to replace the original swing bridge by Scottish engineers with a new one replacing this in 1959.

The river walk is part of one of the extensive cycle ways along the Clutha river. Definitely on my to do list when well enough again.
Enjoyed the sunshine and messing around modelling our outdoor attire.

Lunch was a hit in the Old Courthouse. Great selection of cake and brunch menu.

The brown rock/dirt and yellow tree colouring were a compete contrast to the previous day. We stopped at the point where gold was first discovered in Dunstan in 1862 to take a few more photos of the scenery. The Dustan Dam created the Lake that has flooded the original spot several hundred metres below under water.

I had 2 great days being a passenger in my own car. Thanks to Robbie and Marti.