Finally, the Milford Sound & Fiordland Part One

One of our longer stops was the Mirror Lakes where we were able to take a short hike along the
water's edge. As you can see it deserves it's name and we had the weather to enjoy it.

Another view of the lake with some ducks.

Guess who? Although the day was sunny it was
still quite cool, 

 

I say finally because it's been 10 days since we took the Milford Sound All Day Tour out of Queensland. Just before we flew to Brisbane on March 25th, Scott dropped his phone and broke the screen. We weren't able to access our photos (and other problems not having a phone because I didn't bring mine - bad girl). During our 8 day visit to Julie & Peter in Mooloolaba we were able to get it fixed, but not quickly. So we are now in Uluru and I'm finally getting it out. 

These golden fields with a stream running through them greeting us after our entrance into Fiordland National Park. The mountains around us include the The Elephant at 5,000 feet. Elsewhere in the park there are peaks over 8,000 feet. 

Fiordland covers almost 5,000 square miles - in contrast Rhode Island has about 1,500 sq miles

We're still on the trip to the Sound and although this lake isn't called Mirror, it still reflects itself. 

And it will be in two parts because there are SO many gorgeous photos. This trip was amazing and we had perfect weather, as you can see. We met our bus at 7 AM and got back to the pick up point at 7 PM and I only wish it had been a much longer trip - like a week. This area is so beautiful and deserves a lot more time. But no complaints...

The Milford Sound wasn't accessible by land
until the saddle between two rivers was 
discovered and the Homer Tunnel built.

 

Our driver was fun and chose our stopping points well,, especially for photos. The drive down to the Sound itself took just over 5 hours. The bus was comfortable and when our driver saw Scott, he put us in the front seat where he had more leg room. We stopped for snacks & bathroom stops, short walks and the scenery. The way back in contrast was only 3.5 hours with only one stop. In between we had a 2 hour cruise down the Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) but I'll cover the cruise in Part Two. So now - more photos!

Fiordland became a National Park in 1952 but a good part was set aside as a national reserve in 1905 and it is a refuge for many endangered species in New Zealand. One of the Park's glaciers is just
visible on the mountain in the distance.

The road was naturally twisty and steep as it wound it's way through the pass and down to the Sound. 

Scott wore a halo in a selfie. It was an
atmospheric image above the 
mountain behind him - clever!

Our bus stopped not far from the Homer Tunnel. This was 
started in 1935 with 5 men armed only with picks and 
shovels. It was finally opened for traffic in 1953. It is one
way and traffic lights direct the flow.