NZ Air Race Daily Photo Journal

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Thursday April 8, 2004

     No Flight - Rest Day, Te Anau

A trip to Milford Sound was always planned for today, but last night we decided to cancel the bus ride up there and fly the 206. What a great decision! The view of the Alps flying there hugging the walls was wonderful and actually flying up the sound and landing at the airport surrounded by 6-8,000 foot mountains was breathtaking. We then headed to the planned boat tour/lunch and continued the tour of the sound, seeing the nature from sea level.

Some excitement arose when halfway back to dock, the boat lost power to the engines and steering! That was followed by boats coming to our aid and crew running around frantically while dragging towropes through the passenger cabin. After some time, they did get the boat restarted and we made it back safely to dock.

After leaving Milford we headed out to Croydon Aircraft Company, a nearby operation that restores historic aircraft, specializing in bi-wing airplanes. We were given a impromptu tour from Ryan Southam, a good friend of Stuart's, who showed us the great finished collection and present restorations.

We eventually made it back to Te Anau, ate, and went to our last tour of the day - the Glowworm Caves. Unfortunately, there is no photography allowed inside - but, I must admit - this is an experience to be had firsthand. Off the shores of Lake Te Anau, inside an underground cave, house thousands of glowworms unique to this area, which produce a brilliant internal glow to attract food. It's an amazing experience to see.

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