Today we toured Milford Sound in its most natural (rainy) state. The sound
received over 7 meters of rain last year. Even before arriving in Milford, we
saw waterfalls everywhere coursing off of the black stone mountains. Talk about
a lesson in photographic contrast! Black, wet stone and foaming, rushing water -
like photographing a piece of coal set into the snow! Before reaching Milford
you must travel through the Homer Tunnel which is quite an experience. It is
long and dark and the road is relatively steep, sloping down towards the sound.
We booked the Red Boat Adventure cruise which includes a stop at the Milford
Sound Underwater Observatory and a full tour of the sound, all the way out to
the mouth of the sound Tasman Sea. This is truly a beautiful and special place.
There are only 4 permanent waterfalls that course into Milford Sound, but on
rainy days like today, there are hundreds. The number is literally countless.
Immediately after leaving the wharf and small bay, which is home to Red Boat
Cruises, you are treated to Lady Bowen Falls (526 feet/160 meters) which is the
source of all fresh water and electricity generation for Milford Sound. Then you
get a quick tour around Fisherman's Wharf and Sandfly Point, which marks the end
of the famous Milford Track. You get views of Mt. Kimberly and Fairy Falls
before passing the Four Sisters waterfalls. These are not permanent waterfalls,
but get their name because during a rainstorm the falls 'begin' at the same time
- like some god has flipped the waterfall switch. I have seen photos with large
volumes of water, from each waterfall 'caught' in mid-air, just before they
first hit Milford Sound. Then we made a stop at the underwater observatory,
which is half attached to the side of the mountain and half floating in the
water. A spiral
staircase
takes you down into the natural underwater environment of Milford Sound where
the attendants are more than happy to share information and point out all the
different marine wildlife. The tour continues out to Anita Bay, "Post Office
Rock" and St. Anne's Point where Milford Sound meets the Tasman Sea. On
the return we spotted some fur seals. The rain today was really driving pounding
at times. I would stay out on the exposed deck as long as possible shooting
before dashing into the ship's cabin to mop and dry off my camera gear.
Amazingly, my gear suffered no lasting effects. Although weather like today is
common in Milford Sound, I would love to see it on a sunny day. It would provide
a different kind of spectacular scenery.
Today we toured Milford Sound in its most natural (rainy) state. The sound
received over 7 meters of rain last year. Even before arriving in Milford, we
saw waterfalls everywhere coursing off of the black stone mountains. Talk about
a lesson in photographic contrast! Black, wet stone and foaming, rushing water -
like photographing a piece of coal set into the snow! Before reaching Milford
you must travel through the Homer Tunnel which is quite an experience. It is
long and dark and the road is relatively steep, sloping down towards the sound.
We booked the Red Boat Adventure cruise which includes a stop at the Milford
Sound Underwater Observatory and a full tour of the sound, all the way out to
the mouth of the sound Tasman Sea. This is truly a beautiful and special place.
There are only 4 permanent waterfalls that course into Milford Sound, but on
rainy days like today, there are hundreds. The number is literally countless.
Immediately after leaving the wharf and small bay, which is home to Red Boat
Cruises, you are treated to Lady Bowen Falls (526 feet/160 meters) which is the
source of all fresh water and electricity generation for Milford Sound. Then you
get a quick tour around Fisherman's Wharf and Sandfly Point, which marks the end
of the famous Milford Track. You get views of Mt. Kimberly and Fairy Falls
before passing the Four Sisters waterfalls. These are not permanent waterfalls,
but get their name because during a rainstorm the falls 'begin' at the same time
- like some god has flipped the waterfall switch. I have seen photos with large
volumes of water, from each waterfall 'caught' in mid-air, just before they
first hit Milford Sound. Then we made a stop at the underwater observatory,
which is half attached to the side of the mountain and half floating in the
water. A spiral
staircase
takes you down into the natural underwater environment of Milford Sound where
the attendants are more than happy to share information and point out all the
different marine wildlife. The tour continues out to Anita Bay, "Post Office
Rock" and St. Anne's Point where Milford Sound meets the Tasman Sea. On
the return we spotted some fur seals. The rain today was really driving pounding
at times. I would stay out on the exposed deck as long as possible shooting
before dashing into the ship's cabin to mop and dry off my camera gear.
Amazingly, my gear suffered no lasting effects. Although weather like today is
common in Milford Sound, I would love to see it on a sunny day. It would provide
a different kind of spectacular scenery.
