Messing about on the... fiord...
Categories: just-life
Date: 15 March 2012 10:52:24
You know... I did this trip faster than it's taken me o write it up... however; on with the story!!
There is a region in the South of New Zealand called Fiordland (yeah, I know.. they can't spell fjord) where the mountains meet the sea... and in some cases raise out of the water up over a mile in height!!
Milford Sound is the "touristy" area... it even has an airport... Admittedly there aren't any shops and no-one actually lives there. The road in has no-stop sections that are at risk from avalanches and people have been cut off, even with the construction of a 1200m tunnel through the mountain. A 1200m tunnel with a gradient of 1:10!! A 1200m tunnel with a gradient of 1:10 in which is held an annual foot race in late summer. A naked foot race. OK, you're allowed to wear shoes.
And if you're going to explore, what better way than by sea kayak...??
Have I mentioned what a truely beautiful place that New Zealand is?? This next photo is on the way between the small town of Te Anau and Milford Sound called Mirror Lakes. If you look real close you'll realise that I've put the photo in upside down... whoops!! ;o)
And I will say one thing, a days worth of sea kayaking gives you really achey arms and shoulders... so best get all activity out of the way before you can't any more!!
