We have had phenomenal weather on our recent trips. Today, our luck changed as it is scheulded to rain most of the day and we figured we would be spending the day lounging in our hotel room reading. Surprisingly when we woke up there was no rain, and even a glimmer of blue sky so off we walked back into town for breakfast and doing more outdoor activities if the rain held off. Remember that restaurant with the huge lines I mentioned yesterday- Fergburger?  We decided to wander by to see if they made a breakfast sandwich. Sure enough, they offer one called “Morning Glory” and, yes, there was a line waiting to order when we arrived at 8AM. The place seems to be a local institution and always attracts a crowd. Rather than ordering two breakfast sandwiches I decided to order one of their hamburgers for a taste comparison. Besides, I felt it was good protein to start the day.   They also own a bakery and coffee shop next door and I went there for our Americano coffee and happened to notice they also sold Boston creme filled donuts. Well, you can guess what happened next, but I did only buy one for us to share after our breakfast sandwiches. Needless to say, everything was outstanding.

The skies still did not show any signs of rain so we ventured over to the waterfront to take a jet boat ride on the local rivers. This boat ride was more “gentile” than the “ultimate adrenaline rush” option offered deep in the narrow canyons of the nearby rivers. After yesterday I figured we need to show a bit of caution when choosing activities. As it turned out we still got the thrill of doing multiple 360 degree turns and traveling over 50 mph up fairly narrow rivers. The one hour ride presented enough of an adrenaline rush for the two of us.

The clouds got thicker as we returned and rain started to fall. I had hoped to take the gondola to the top of the nearby mountain and ride the luge offered there, but that will have to wait for another day.  We ventured home to read and decided to use the washer and dryer in our suite.  Nothing like starting fresh for our tour tomorrow.

The rain continued all afternoon but we bravely walked back to town to a recommended seafood restaurant on the waterfront called ”Finz” where we dined on some great NZ white wine and fish. We happened to walk past the big ice cream parlor on the way to the cab stand and finished the evening with some very good locally made ice cream.

Our trip to Milford Sound leaves at 6:30 AM so it will be an “early to bed, early to rise” evening for us. Hopefully the weather will clear before then, although the locals say Milford Sound is especially beautiful when it rains because of all the waterfalls that pop up. I will let you know tomorrow.