Milford Sound, New Zealand part 2

Well, we made it through  the narrow, dramatic fjord to open water (click here if you missed part one) and now we get to see everything from a different perspective as we take the return trip through the fjord.

Oh, by the way…I found out the name of the open water. Tasman Sea

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, yes…I know…that photo was also in Part 1 but I wanted to remind you of the scale and drama of the fjord.

Do you remember the difference between a fjord and a sound?

Ah, hah…check back in part one if you don’t remember.

For those of you who could answer the question, let’s continue on our journey.

You are right…that boat is quite close to the waterfall.

I wish photos could give a better sense of the scale of this area. That is a tall waterfall.

Hint: you can click on any photo to enlarge it.

Now that is rather pretty…but look up.

Quite a drop, isn’t it!

Hey captain. Getting a bit close aren’t we!

Hint: Click on the photo.

Can you “feel” the spray?

Now that was close! If you are wearing glasses you are definitely going to have to dry the spray off them…and thank goodness for the rain jacket, eh? (I know…that sort of gives away what country I am from, doesn’t it.)

Do my eyes deceive me, or is the water a different color here?

Perhaps this is a phenomenon I read about. Our realjourneys brochure explained it this way:

Less dense than seawater, the massive run-off from the mountains forms a layer on the surface that floats and mixes only partially with the salt. On its journey to the fjord by way of rivers, streams and waterfalls, the rainfall becomes stained by tannin and other organic matter from the forest floor.

The brochure (published by realjourneys, the company doing the cruise) goes on to say this surface layer of fresh water is “stained the colour of weak tea”.

Not sure if I would describe that as the colour of weak tea….perhaps a visit to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory would answer any questions. It is around here somewhere.

But for now let’s just enjoy the scenery.

Spectacular, isn’t it!

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Happy travels!