Day 158
FEBRUARY 4, 2020
CRUISING DOUBTFUL SOUND
Fiordland National Park encompasses several fiords including Doubtful Sound and the much smaller, but more famous, Milford Sound. Viking Sun began the day entering Doubtful Sound. To the eye, the scene was picturesque - pine-covered, rolling hills amid striking peaks in the background. But, unfortunately there was almost no rain to power what should have been dozens of spectacular waterfalls on both sides of the waterway.
But wait! There was worse news to come. There was a recent landslide in Milford Sound leaving plenty of debris floating on the surface. Moreover, the wind picked up gusting to over 40 kph. In the interest of safety the Maritime Authority would not permit the Viking Sun to enter Milford. Denied!
A necessary change of course and the Sun is heading toward Tasmania. The Tasman Sea has a reputation as a difficult route. Before the day is out the seas are running 5 to 7 metres and the wind is howling. The Sun is handling it well. Could be an interesting night though.
Doubtful Sound is a radical place, beautiful but almost devoid of human habitation. When Mike Oldfield introduced "Tubular Bells" to the music world in 1973 it too was radical. Yet somehow captivating. What say you?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSRJvq4Wd48
CRUISING DOUBTFUL SOUND
Fiordland National Park encompasses several fiords including Doubtful Sound and the much smaller, but more famous, Milford Sound. Viking Sun began the day entering Doubtful Sound. To the eye, the scene was picturesque - pine-covered, rolling hills amid striking peaks in the background. But, unfortunately there was almost no rain to power what should have been dozens of spectacular waterfalls on both sides of the waterway.
But wait! There was worse news to come. There was a recent landslide in Milford Sound leaving plenty of debris floating on the surface. Moreover, the wind picked up gusting to over 40 kph. In the interest of safety the Maritime Authority would not permit the Viking Sun to enter Milford. Denied!
A necessary change of course and the Sun is heading toward Tasmania. The Tasman Sea has a reputation as a difficult route. Before the day is out the seas are running 5 to 7 metres and the wind is howling. The Sun is handling it well. Could be an interesting night though.
Doubtful Sound is a radical place, beautiful but almost devoid of human habitation. When Mike Oldfield introduced "Tubular Bells" to the music world in 1973 it too was radical. Yet somehow captivating. What say you?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSRJvq4Wd48
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