From the drivers seat of the big red bus
Well we have been on the road for a week today and what a week it has been. I still can`t get the pictures onto the computer - man I wish I could because I want to see them in all their glory myself! I have started to run out of space on the momory cards so have to be a bit more selective of what I photograph - yeah that`s like telling someone not to breathe!
Milford Sound is the most beautiful place on this earth - I have declared it so and if you hav`nt been well get the credit card out and book to go.... NOW! Driving between massive mountains that cascade into one another and form long, parallel lines on either side, your eyes don`t know which way to look. From everywhere waterfalls crash down and seem to disappear into the ground, suddenly appearing along the roadside in a stream of the clearest, freshest looking water - even more so than your tap water at home.
Suddenly you come to this massive rock wall and it looks like the road comes to an end... no way is this adventure at its end yet baby... there is still so much more to see. Disappearing down a long tunnel into the belly of the mountain you would expect to be spat out onto the valley floor on the other side - NO WAY! You come out in what I can only describe as half way down the wall of a volcano which has had one side blown away to reveal the valley below through which you are about to descend. Even craning your neck far back you struggle to see the top of the rocky rim which surrounds you.
Milford Sound itself is spectacular - mountains rising from the sea, which according to our skipper, grow at the rate of our own fingernails each year. The water is dyed the same colour as the trees due to tannins being washed from the trees with all the rain - 9 days without rain and it`s considered a drought!
Glacier walks have been amazing - there are stops along the way that show how the glacier has retreated... SCARY STUFF! Our internet cafe is an old converted London Bus and I`m in the drivers seat today - overlooking the glaciers in the distance and the mountains that surround us on either side, hugged closely by huge, wispy clouds.
I could go on and on... but I`ll stop! All I will say is that new Zealand is everything you hear about it and more. The air is so clean and the water so clear it`s like you are the first person to be here.... one can only wonder what it must have been like as explorers way back when.
The only thing is the sandflies! oh my word they are everywhere and they loooooovveee my blood! And they only love my ankles. I can join the dots with all the spots I have..... very attractive!
Milford Sound is the most beautiful place on this earth - I have declared it so and if you hav`nt been well get the credit card out and book to go.... NOW! Driving between massive mountains that cascade into one another and form long, parallel lines on either side, your eyes don`t know which way to look. From everywhere waterfalls crash down and seem to disappear into the ground, suddenly appearing along the roadside in a stream of the clearest, freshest looking water - even more so than your tap water at home.
Suddenly you come to this massive rock wall and it looks like the road comes to an end... no way is this adventure at its end yet baby... there is still so much more to see. Disappearing down a long tunnel into the belly of the mountain you would expect to be spat out onto the valley floor on the other side - NO WAY! You come out in what I can only describe as half way down the wall of a volcano which has had one side blown away to reveal the valley below through which you are about to descend. Even craning your neck far back you struggle to see the top of the rocky rim which surrounds you.
Milford Sound itself is spectacular - mountains rising from the sea, which according to our skipper, grow at the rate of our own fingernails each year. The water is dyed the same colour as the trees due to tannins being washed from the trees with all the rain - 9 days without rain and it`s considered a drought!
Glacier walks have been amazing - there are stops along the way that show how the glacier has retreated... SCARY STUFF! Our internet cafe is an old converted London Bus and I`m in the drivers seat today - overlooking the glaciers in the distance and the mountains that surround us on either side, hugged closely by huge, wispy clouds.
I could go on and on... but I`ll stop! All I will say is that new Zealand is everything you hear about it and more. The air is so clean and the water so clear it`s like you are the first person to be here.... one can only wonder what it must have been like as explorers way back when.
The only thing is the sandflies! oh my word they are everywhere and they loooooovveee my blood! And they only love my ankles. I can join the dots with all the spots I have..... very attractive!
Movies and Life
I agree, New Zealand is even more beautiful than people say..when I was there I was mesmerised by its endless beauty..
Enjoy your trip,
Tracy
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
New Zealand sounds beautiful. Thanks so much for bringing us along!
Mis
Love Speaks
Food Slate
Eeek...about the sandflies -- poor you! Try not to scratch -- they leave hideous marks, and the bites also tend to become more toxic with each scratch.
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
My brother-in-law and family just got back from Milford Sound where they also caught the boat out across the water, for a different 'view.'
After seeing his pics, I am convinced you speak the truth about it being the best place in the world... and the air, I hear is really FRESH. How wonderful ... it went stright on my list of places to visit in this life time and now you have confirmed it all!
I am so glad you have had the opportunity to see it and experience the spleandour first hand ... I am going to book my trip now.
Lilla ...
coolgirlsar to the rescue
One Too Many Chocolate Bars
You describe it all so wonderfully well that I feel as though I am right there on that journey. It sounds so beautiful. I hope you've managed to upload some photos as I would love to see them.
Stay safe and take care.
Sarah.
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
I`m so sorry everyone I thought I had replied to your comments AGES ago!
Hi Tracy
Thanks - it was wonderful. I go to bed every night and imagine waking up in a new place, peeking out the window into the mists and wondering what new scene it will show when it clears.... sigh I was a gypsy in my previous life, I`m sure of it!
Hiya MIs
As a fellow traveller I`m sure you would LOVE NZ. You could drive and drive and drive and never get bored - just when you think you have seen it all you literally drive around a corner and there is something new.
Hi Lara
yes it will be a fab trip - look forward to hearing all about it when you finally make it there. Please take bug spray as those sandflies are nasty. I still have spotty feet - thank goodness for Tea Tree oil. YAY! it helps tremendously.
Hi Lilla
Milford Sound is out of this world... but the drive there? SPECTACULAR! It`s just beyond words - something you have to see for yourself. I'm sure you will have a hard time finding anywhere so majestic... and that fresh air - OH MY WORD you have no idea!
Hi Sarah
Great to see you! Yes it was frustrating that i couldn`t get some pics uploaded. I have 2000 to get through and post on my website so that I can clear my memory cards.... I have my work cut out for me!
Sorry everyone once again for not replying sooner!
Ash
Kalikapsychosis
I dont seem to have gotten any of these in my new post notifications....
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Don`t worry I`m seriously lacking in notifications myself and whizzing around trying to catch up on everyones news!
Ash