A Visit to Middle Earth!!!

Well, another day.....another journey! We were treated to such a beautiful view of Lake Te Anau ( the longest lake in NZ) when we woke this morning. The lake and mountains were enough to make you stop and stare.....but, throw in grazing lambs bleating on the hillside that is blanketed in wild flowers and you just want to sit in a rocking chair with a cup of coffee and not move! But, I am with Barry....so that ain't happening! We both had scrumptious hazelnut pancakes for our early breakfast. Our destination for the day was Doubtful Sound. You can't easily get there! First we drove to Pearl Harbor in the town of Manapouri...about 25 minutes from our lodge. We bordered a boat and were taken across Lake Manapouri....an hour ride. Next, we rode in a 4 wheel drive coach (bus) up and over Wilmont Pass.....45 minutes. Finally, we arrived at Doubtful Sound where we boarded another boat for our 3 hour cruise. It is truly magnificent. We had a great time seeing rare Crested Fiordland Penguins and lots of fur seals. We saw lots of waterfalls and breathtaking scenery! Doubtful Sound has many arms and islands. The wind is not nearly as fierce in Doubtful as it was in Milford. Also, there are several small islands in the mouth at the entrance to the Tasman Sea; therefore the waters were relatively calm. On our way back to Lake Manapouri ( on the bus) we got to go to Middle Earth!!!! This was slightly different than Tolkien's Middle Earth! We went 2 miles down and into a mountain to the Manapouri Power Station. We felt like we were in a James Bond movie. Very interesting, but strange to know you are that deep into the earth. I am VERY RELIEVED that I did not read the paper or see the New Zealand news this morning or I would NOT have made the underground trek.......THERE WAS AN EARTHQUAKE in the northern part of the South Island yesterday! We had one more fabulous dinner tonight!!