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Day 7- Honeymoon
Our previous night sleep was accompanied by chattering window panes and howling of strong winds… we spent most of the night huddling in our cozy ensuite. Our morning started very early at 7am as we had an appointment with Mr. Whale and Miss Dusky Dolphin. Yes! We’re whale watching in the hub of the ocean’s Big Five!
We made a quick detour to Whale Watch Kaikoura to get our tickets. At the counter, we enquired about the weather conditions as there was a warning flashing across the TV screen cautioning about the strong wind and rough sea conditions. The attendant informed us that last night’s blustery weather had been the strongest ever in a very very very long time around this region. No wonder we saw massive waves as we approached the shore! We’re off to a topsy turvy ride at sea – by then our stomach’s already started churning.
After a quick briefing about safety regulations, we boarded a bus to the marina bay where our boat, Tahora, awaited us. Our host explained that just within minutes, the wind had picked up a few knots and there might be a chance our trip would be cut short. We prayed silently. Then she said that there might be a possibility that whales would not surface with such weather conditions. We prayed even harder. She ended by saying that if we had spotted no wildlife, there would be a full refund. Throughout the whole time the word ‘hopeful’ weight a million tons. By now, we’re on our knees…
Tahora set out to sea and we crashed into huge waves bumping and bopping from side to side. The ride was rough and we hung on tight. Our host went through the motions of explaining safety regulations and emergency exits. We weren’t paying attention (really!) cause our minds were set on seeing whale. Without further delay just as she ended, the captain announced the most fantastic news! The doors slid open and we clambered onto the sun deck, armed with nothing but a big smile and thumping heart – oh yes, a camera too! Because a sperm whale has been spotted!!!
The enormous sea creature was about 50 metres afar; he/she did several blows on the surface, said hi, chat and high-5 with us… It spent about 4-5 minutes on the surface before making its final bow back down to the vast ocean. Whale 101 for the rest of us here – whales get to the surface only to breathe after spending about two hours in the waters holding its breath. Oh… no, they don’t talk, chat or high-5. Just ask Moby Dick that!
This is only 10% of the whale's total body mass
Looks like Loch Ness monster, with a breathtaking landscape behind it
The whale taking its final bow
Recovering from the awe inspiring scene, not too far away we saw hundreds of Dusky Dolphins (literally!). They teased us with their amazing dives, somersaulted, leaped over each other and splashed waves with their powerful tails. Our camera went into a crazy snapping mode – clicking and snapping at every move. What an experience… and absolutely breathtaking!
Dusky dolphins showing off
Leaping dolphins everywhere!
Upclose
Schools of them...all over!
One last leap
Seagulls all over the rock
Having survived the rowdy waves, we were glad to set foot on land again. The rest of the journey was the most scenic drive along the coast and in between enormous mountains. We were onto Mount Cook, about 5 hours from Kaikoura. Terence dubbed the drive as a movie strip, where the director removes ‘landscape’ film strips and replaces it with a completely new one. Landscapes actually changed from coastline to farmlands to mountainous range to glistening lakes. The best was definitely kept for last as we drive up Mount Cook we were stumped with the view before us – a fierce looking snow capped mountain with shades of crimson reflected on it from the sun set. Amazing is an understatement.
Lake Tekapo
By the coastline
Lake Tekapo's view in between lavenders
The gorgeous Mount Cook
As the sun sets...
The night was spent at the foot of Mount Cook in a comfortable log cabin, and we prepared our own dinner of home cooked pasta and roast chicken. Another day where the beauty of God’s creation overtakes our human imagination to comprehend that God had made all things beautiful.
Our log cabin
Cheers! And looking forward to tomorrow!
Our previous night sleep was accompanied by chattering window panes and howling of strong winds… we spent most of the night huddling in our cozy ensuite. Our morning started very early at 7am as we had an appointment with Mr. Whale and Miss Dusky Dolphin. Yes! We’re whale watching in the hub of the ocean’s Big Five!
We made a quick detour to Whale Watch Kaikoura to get our tickets. At the counter, we enquired about the weather conditions as there was a warning flashing across the TV screen cautioning about the strong wind and rough sea conditions. The attendant informed us that last night’s blustery weather had been the strongest ever in a very very very long time around this region. No wonder we saw massive waves as we approached the shore! We’re off to a topsy turvy ride at sea – by then our stomach’s already started churning.
After a quick briefing about safety regulations, we boarded a bus to the marina bay where our boat, Tahora, awaited us. Our host explained that just within minutes, the wind had picked up a few knots and there might be a chance our trip would be cut short. We prayed silently. Then she said that there might be a possibility that whales would not surface with such weather conditions. We prayed even harder. She ended by saying that if we had spotted no wildlife, there would be a full refund. Throughout the whole time the word ‘hopeful’ weight a million tons. By now, we’re on our knees…
Tahora set out to sea and we crashed into huge waves bumping and bopping from side to side. The ride was rough and we hung on tight. Our host went through the motions of explaining safety regulations and emergency exits. We weren’t paying attention (really!) cause our minds were set on seeing whale. Without further delay just as she ended, the captain announced the most fantastic news! The doors slid open and we clambered onto the sun deck, armed with nothing but a big smile and thumping heart – oh yes, a camera too! Because a sperm whale has been spotted!!!
The enormous sea creature was about 50 metres afar; he/she did several blows on the surface, said hi, chat and high-5 with us… It spent about 4-5 minutes on the surface before making its final bow back down to the vast ocean. Whale 101 for the rest of us here – whales get to the surface only to breathe after spending about two hours in the waters holding its breath. Oh… no, they don’t talk, chat or high-5. Just ask Moby Dick that!
This is only 10% of the whale's total body mass
Looks like Loch Ness monster, with a breathtaking landscape behind it
The whale taking its final bow
Recovering from the awe inspiring scene, not too far away we saw hundreds of Dusky Dolphins (literally!). They teased us with their amazing dives, somersaulted, leaped over each other and splashed waves with their powerful tails. Our camera went into a crazy snapping mode – clicking and snapping at every move. What an experience… and absolutely breathtaking!
Dusky dolphins showing off
Leaping dolphins everywhere!
Upclose
Schools of them...all over!
One last leap
Seagulls all over the rock
Having survived the rowdy waves, we were glad to set foot on land again. The rest of the journey was the most scenic drive along the coast and in between enormous mountains. We were onto Mount Cook, about 5 hours from Kaikoura. Terence dubbed the drive as a movie strip, where the director removes ‘landscape’ film strips and replaces it with a completely new one. Landscapes actually changed from coastline to farmlands to mountainous range to glistening lakes. The best was definitely kept for last as we drive up Mount Cook we were stumped with the view before us – a fierce looking snow capped mountain with shades of crimson reflected on it from the sun set. Amazing is an understatement.
Lake Tekapo
By the coastline
Lake Tekapo's view in between lavenders
The gorgeous Mount Cook
As the sun sets...
The night was spent at the foot of Mount Cook in a comfortable log cabin, and we prepared our own dinner of home cooked pasta and roast chicken. Another day where the beauty of God’s creation overtakes our human imagination to comprehend that God had made all things beautiful.
Our log cabin
Cheers! And looking forward to tomorrow!
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2 comments:
babe, dude... pictures are absolutely amazing! glad you guys are having so much fun!
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hey you two,
Those shots of the scenery BLOWS man! i was like asking myself which NatGeo guy shot that? haha
chills,
weisern
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