Just a quick post before dinner. Not much to report while we were at sea through the fjords. Unfortunately the normal weather pattern for the fjords was in place, rain and wind and clouds. Even then it is beautiful but on a sunny day it is glorious. The rain stopped for those that were doing the Queenstown extension once they came though the Homer Tunnel which is just about an hour after leaving Milford. They got to do all the things, jetboat, watching bungy jumping, going to the top of Coronet Peak and came back to Dunedin via train. My daughter and son in law really enjoyed it all.

We baby sat our Granddaughter and kept busy watching movies and doing some reading, arts and crafts and trivia. Eating of course!!

Today was Dunedin and Gerry, Peggy, Ron, Linda, Ken, Taylor and I went out for about 5 hours in a taxi. Did a tour of Dunedin, and I do love the old Victorian buildings in this town. Then we went out to the Royal Albatros Center and to see the Penguins. This time we did a different penguin excursion on four wheel all terrain vehicles.

These were amazing little machines with eight wheel drive. All the wheels turned independently when turning. He would drive this thing where you thought you were going through the fence and then it would turn on a dime. It was as much a "thrill ride" as anything else. I am not a fan of these types of rides at amusment park but I did enjoy this trip. Pretty bumpy though. I was holding on to Taylor for dear life, she had a ball and loved it. The vehicle went over a sheet station to an area where we saw two huge male fur seals, one female and a pup. We were very close. Then we continued on to the Penguin area. A deserted beach with a few sightings of the rare yellow eyed penguin but not close viewing. We also saw two blue penguins (smallest variety of penguin) in a nest. At the end of the driver the vehicle did a complete 360 degree turn. Pretty cool little device.

Next day was Christchurch. What a busy day. We arrived to a bright sunshine day - such a nice thing to see in the morning. Linda, Ron, Ken and I set off to do a site inspection of a hotel then headed for the Antarctica exhibit.

This is very close to the airport and quite well done. Along with the many exhibits with the history of Antarctica they had a WIND CHILL ROOM. They give you parkas and rubber things for your feet. Into the room you go. There is real snow on the ground and it is quite cold. Then they turn on the wind machines. It gets REALLY cold in here. They leave it on for about 3 minutes. Chilling to the bone. Very well done.

They have a few injured blue penguins but they do need to get a few more.

At the end of the trip we did a ride on another "thrill" machine. I thought this was just a ride around the exhibit area. WRONG. This is the machine they use to get around in Antarctica. The one we were on had done service in Antarctica. It looks like a tank. It can go straight up or down, go over cracks in the ice, operate on a steep angle and even continue as a boat with steering in deep water. Quite an amazing invention. A course has been built to demonstrate the abilities of this mode of transport. Yes, it was a thrill ride deluxe. The most amazing part was when we went into water that was twice as deep as the machine and he was able to steer in this water as the machine stayed afloat. The water came up to the bottom of the windows so we were about half submerged.

Made it back to the ship just in time for a quick lunch--- they had rack of lamb for lunch. Never seen this at lunch before and it was great.

Then the ship hosted an Edwardian picnic. This was the same event I am sure they did on the World Cruise. It was excellent. Beautiful grounds with an old mansion, a Moari concert party, singers, entertainment, free flowing wine, and afternoon tea. All under a giant white tent with gorgeous flowers on the tables. People were in costume all over the place having "tea" on the lawns. Each lady received a bouquet of flowers on departure. It was an excellent excursion.

Long day though. I was whipped when I got back.

Today we are in Picton. Partially sunny with the clouds blocking the sun from time to time. I hope the weather holds. Ken is off renting a car and the family are going "exploring" by our own rent car today. Hope he manages to get one this was a last minute plan.

Hard to believe we only have four nights left. I do like these fourteen day trips - it is just so much nicer than a seven night cruise you really settle in. I can understand why everyone starts leaning to a longer voyage.