Doubtful Sound

We have returned from our overnight cruise on the Doubtful Sound.  After a bus trip of a two hours and a boat trip of 60 minutes with another bus trip down a narrow road between the two bodies of water, we finally reached our cruise ship.  There were 66 passengers for the night.  After an intro, we were given keys to our cabin.  Ours had two twin beds, a small counter, and a bathroom with a tiny shower along with sink and toilet.  We then gathered up on the other decks (three in all) to view the sights.  There was a steady rain coming donw which created an amazing amount of waterfalls coming from the gigantic mountains that just rise out of the water.  The crew was very nice and the food was very good.  The rain continued to come down though which made viewing out on the decks difficult.  Nonetheless, activities continued as normal so around 6:00 PM, the crew asked who would like to go for a swim, kayak trip or in tender (dingy) boat ride.  Jan had wanted to kayak but with the rain and her glasses getting all spotted up, we both agreed that the tender ride would probably be best.  We went out with the nature guide on the cruise boat and she took us to the shoreline and pointed different things out.  We also saw some fur seals out near the Tasman Sea but any other wildlife was difficult to view.  You will be able to see how nice and wet we were with the picture below.  After a great dinner, they had a slide show for us to see the different life under the water.  We both slept really well with the lull of the boat and in the morning enjoyed a good breakfast, a little sun, and then a beautiful rainbow from the sun's reflection on the wet mountains!  It was very cool when the boat turned its engines off and we all were asked to remain quiet for five minutes.  It was like being in a primevil forest.  We also enjoyed talking with folks from all over the world.  After a long ride home via boat and bus, we are now back in Queenstown planning to leave tomorrow for Dunedin.

Pics - The first three were taken in a vertical position, so you have to turn your head sideways - sorry!
Doubtfull Sound
Us in the tender boat
Waterfalls
See the rainbow?