New Zealand 2006:
Day 8 - Cruising

	Monday, March 20, 2006: During our second day at sea, we were scheduled to visit some of New Zealand's beautiful sounds.
	This was our approach to Milford Sound (which is technically a fiord/fjord -- Google it to learn more). Where is Milford Sound, you might ask?
	Be patient, dear reader -- it's right here tucked behind the mountain on your left, just beyond Dale Point.
	As we rounded the bend, more of the sound came into view, but our eyes were on the seal lounging on the rocks. Sorry, we didn't get a good photo of him, so you'll just have to take our word for it.
	Although dwarfed by the mountains around it, this waterfall, Stirling Falls, is really huge up close.
	Several sightseeing planes flew through the sound during our one-hour cruise.
	This view is looking back from where we came as we were nearing the end of the sound. A glacier is visible on the left, tucked behind the front mountain.
	This is the end of Milford Sound. There is a resort and a landing strip here.
	This is the large waterfall we saw previously, seen as we cruised past it a second time on our way out..
	This is the mouth of the sound with the sea in the distance.
	An hour or two later, we headed into Thompson Sound, on our way to Doubtful Sound.
	It was gloomy and overcast here, but we didn't mind. We realized how fortunate we were to have seen Milford Sound in the sun, since it rains an insane amount in this region each year.
	Our cruise took us into Thompson Sound, then into Doubtful Sound and back out to sea. There were scenic islands and outcroppings throughout the cruise.
	We opted to remain inside for some of the time due to the rain. Here is the mouth of the sound as we returned to sea.
	Our final scenic cruise of the day was Dusky Sound.
	Dusky Sound is quite lovely, with many islands.
	Passengers enjoyed the scenery from the lounges, the front of the boat, the back of the boat (at left), ...
	... and the side of the boat. Here you can see passengers on four levels of decks. There was plenty of room for everyone.
	This tiny island had several seals on it.
	One final pretty scene for you before we head back inside.
	Before dinner, we attended a song and dance show put on by members of the Filipino ship crew. It was quite enjoyable.
	Lynnette took this picture of us at dinner with our waiter.
	Sunset was scheduled to occur right in the middle of dinner that evening, so Lynnette and Debbie headed up on deck to capture the event.
	At this point, we were sailing along the southern tip of New Zealand, but there were islands even further south than us. Beyond them -- Antarctica!
	The sunset turned out to be well worth the trip up six decks. Wouldn't you agree? Day 9 >