David - thanks for your good wishes. Sun Princess left Auckland the day before we embarked. I, too, hope we get good weather for Milford Sound. If we are on the announced schedule, we should be crossing the southernmost point of New Zealand in about one hour's time.

Leslie, the weirdest part of the hike was the organ pipes section. The rocks are layered, so break off like 6x6 framing lumber. At the very top, some are still upright. The rest have tumbled down, creating the rock scramble. Once we got onto the rocks, it brought on the sea legs sensation. If there's one thing you don't want on a rock scramble, it's sea legs.

If you're in the neighborhood, go for the Graham Bush Walk instead. Or .. do like the Belgian 20 year olds did .. walk your mountain bike to the top & ride an adjoining path down to Dunedin.

Liar's Club was last night. Amazingly, we got 2 out of the 4 correct. A couple from Chicago were our teammates. You might know them, Leslie - she was active with the League of Women Voters in Wilmette for many years.

Our hotel director is leaving in Melbourne to take over as hotel director for the Spirit's inaugural world cruise. His replacement is reportedly on board, but haven't yet figured out who that might be. We've got a guest lecturer who plans a discussion on opera and the sea this morning. I think my planned 'sopranos' marathon is going to trump any mention of the sea today.

Cheers, Anne