Cruise World-Day #30-Picton, New Zealand. February4, 2016. Pristine and
hidden gem along the Queen Charlotte Sound in the Marlborough Region.
Once again, I was up in deck by 6AM for the combo
spectacular sunrise, and sail-in, through the picturesque Marlborough sound.
After taking the shuttle bus into town, I took a stroll
around the sweet town and the marina with The Wright family and other friends.
Views from everywhere are breathtaking!! The picturesque town is dotted with
quaint shops and cafés and there was even a market full of crafts and foods
right along the harbor front. It was simply an idyllic day.
For the first time in a while, I even found great free
WI-FI.
Next, I visited the Edwin Fox museum the only surviving
30-yr working teak sailing ship, built in 1853, that brought settlers to New
Zealand and Australia. It served as 1. Supplies transport in the Crimean War,
2. Was a convict ship, 3. The last ship to import immigrants, 4. And is the
oldest merchant sailing ship (beer, tea, refrigerated meat, Chinese slaves
etc.) afloat. It held 400 passengers and
50 crew members. It has been preserved
in dry dock since 1999. I took the
45-minute guided tour by the enthusiastic curator. As part of the tour, we even descended into
the hull where we saw replicas of bunk beds, knot tying activity sets ups,
complete meal settings, and even "the loo." There are world-class
artifact displays and art work in the visitor center that tell fascinating
stories of births, deaths, storms, disease, triumph, and defeat. I highly recommend this treasure of a museum,
a testament to the dedication of the preservation league that works tirelessly
to bring its story to the public. See: http://www.edwinfoxsociety.com/
The long sail away through the blue labyrinth of
waterways in the Marlborough sound was the most spectacular of sites!—a feat
for the eyes! I am almost at a loss for
words about the experience. Not only was it the most beautiful as we were
surrounded by turquoise water, rocky coves, and verdant forested hills that
rise vertically from the water--but also, since the captain had to certify the
ship here, a special maneuver spinning the ship several times was required. As
a result, our stay in this sublime location was prolonged!
Instead of having dinner at my assigned table number 303,
I had a nice quiet dinner alone on the Lido deck savoring the beauty as we
sailed away through the Marlborough Sound.
The sunset was extraordinarily magnificent!!!
Tonight's comedian, Lee Bayless, who provided a clean
family comedy show, was entertaining.
I forgot to mention that on the last Sunday brunch day,
most of us saw lively dolphins leaping in and out of the water, swimming
alongside the ship.
I am beginning to feel sad I will leave the ship in a
week.😢😢😢
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