SV in the Outback

So far SV has had a good time in the Outback. She had fun in Alice Springs and further in the red centre. Below are some of the activities that Uncle Mat and us got her involved in.

Waterfalls trail

On our way back from Milford Sound we wanted to do a few short hikes including this short walk to a waterfall. SV loved the opportunity to run around in the soft rain and play with the umbrella.

Underwater observatory

Part way through our cruise we stopped at an underwater observatory to look at the local marine life. There is a unique coral that only lives in the area which is quite interesting, KT and SV are looking at it below. While SV enjoyed looking at the coral, her favourite activity by far was to go up and down the stairs. She did stop to look at the little viewing windows and pictures along the way though.

Cruising Milford Sound

When we woke up in the morning the clouds had come in and it had started to rain. So we thought that a hike was probably not the greatest idea. Instead we took a boat ride on the sound which turned out to be great. We had the choice of how wet we wanted to be, and we got to see Milford Sound in its typical weather. We did see quite a bit of wildlife including seals, penguins and dolphins. The heavy rain made the sky very dramatic and created a multitude of waterfalls which was spectacular.

Arriving in Milford Sound

Editor's note: We are back to finish off the New Zealand photographs over the next couple of days.

After a long day we decided to press on and drive into Milford Sound to see it while the weather was still good. It turned out to be a good choice, but more on that later. Milford Sound is a spectacular glacial fjord. We were quite lucky to see it with blue sky and sun. Here are a couple of photographs, including us waiting to go through the Homer Tunnel which is cut through the mountains.

At it again

This time we are at the Qantas domestic terminal heading to Alive Springs to visit Uncle Mat. SV is examining one of the planes, it seemed to check out OK.

Christmas lunch at Carlos'

For Christmas lunch we went to meet up with Carlos and his family along with a number of our good friends. Yoselyn was there as were Mat, Cheyane and Becky. It was really good to catch up and for SV to be reminded of the people she already knows. Carlos and his family put on a great spread and we had a fun time. SV even managed to squeeze in a nap.

Christmas morning

SV was quite excited this morning because she knew something was up. She wasn't quite sure what, but she was happy to be let loose on her stockings and then presents. She was enthusiastic but not rude. She even let the rest of us open our packages. It was fantastic to see her really enjoy it. Thank you to everyone for your thoughtful presents she has liked all of them so far. She has only managed to get through half of them, but we'll open the rest tomorrow.

Christmas Eve presents

On Christmas Eve we made a light dinner more appropriate to the hot weather of salmon, potatoes au gratin, pear and goats cheese salad, and pecan pie. It was gone in a flash and lead to the first of the gifts being opened by mostly SV. She had a blast opening everything and playing with it regardless of who it belonged to. It was fun watching her though. Thanks for all the pressies so far. Hopefully everyone has a lovely christmas with their loved ones like we get to have.