The scenery became more spectacular approaching the last range of mountains before Milford. The valley approaching the Homer Tunnel becomes a gorge with waterfalls and high steep mountain sides. some peaks had snow on them. The driver pointed out the signs of avalanches from the winter before. You can just see a pile of rocks and rubble behind the trees in this picture. They came down the mountain the winter before.
When we got to the tunnel entrance we stopped and got out to look at the avalanche snow still piled at the side of the tunnel.
The tunnel itself was dug by hand and after several interruptions in progress, caused mostly by wars, was finished in 1954. It is one way so is controlled by a set of traffic lights. When you go inside it seems very basic compared to most European Mt tunnels. It has only recently had electric light added and the road itself is very bumpy. The roof is very low so large lorries and coaches can only just get through. There is no ventilation system. You wonder what would happen if there was an earthquake as you are going through!! Luckily it is pretty short.
On the other side there are more fantastic views of high mountain peaks with snow on them. We drove down the steep windy gorge of the Cleddau valley to Milford. The man who finally discovered Milford Sound was from Milford Haven, hence all the welsh names in the surrounding area.
On arrival at Milford it was very hot and in previous days it had rained a lot so the sand flies were very active. I had prepared by taking a full strength anti-histamine and had sprayed myself thoroughly with repellent that morning. Even so staying outside in the sun was not an option. You were soon surrounded by a cloud of the pesky creatures. Whilst waiting for my cruise I watched many new arrivals go outside to sit in the sun. Within a few minutes they were back inside the visitors centre to take refuge from the little biters.There is nothing much at Milford except the visitors centre which is also where the cruise ships berths are. Up the road there is a cafe and toilets and there is a lodge for people who want to stay overnight. The cafe was not an option to fill the time whilst waiting as that would have involved walking through a cloud of more sand flies so I stayed put.
Originally when I booked my overnight cruise it had come up on the YHA website and I had booked it through them. This gave me a hefty discount but the cruise was run by a company called Real Journeys. They offered two overnight cruises, mine on the 'Wanderer' was for young people travelling with a tour company called 'Contiki'. I realised I had made a mistake, as I would be spending the night cruising with the equivalent of club 18-30, and needed to be on the other ship the 'Mariner' which had a more sedate older clientele. I quickly changed. It involved and upgrade but was worth it to get decent night's sleep.
Just after 4.00pm we all embarked and after a safety briefing we found our cabins and then up on deck to look at the awe inspiring views.
We sailed down the fjord looking at the waterfalls on the way. When we got to the sea we anchored in a small bay. Some people went sea kayaking or swimming. It was a beautiful sunny evening and the sea was very calm.I went out in the tender with a small group and we explored the coastline. We saw some seals but not penguins. We went out to sea looking for whales but no luck there either.
Back on board and then a cruise out to sea in the sunshine. They put the sails up at that point.
As the evening drew in we sailed back up into the fjord and anchored for the night with the blackening rock faces towering above us.
After a very nice supper off to bed and an excellent night's sleep.
