Calm Before The Storm

A very early start - up at 5.45 so we can check in for the ferry by 7.30.  All students accounted for, no-one lost or AWOL so that was good.

The ferry terminal indicator told us that the crossing would be rough - 4m swells they said.  The Cook Strait can be a very rough stretch of water and the wild southerly that was blowing meant that this crossing was heading to be rough.

Inside the protected Wellington Harbour (this image) nothing seemed too bad but once round the heads and into the open water things began to change.....

There were about 4 or 5 of our group who became seasick and another 4 or 5 who looked very shaky and pale.  Fortunately for everyone on board, the worst part was the first half of the open stretch and by the time we neared the Sounds on the South Island things became makedly calmer.  Once inside the Sounds the water was almost mill-pond like.

Just another piece of excitement to add to a memorable trip!

Home by about 3.30-4.00pm and straight into a peaceful and restful evening complete with the lighting of the first fire of the year.  It was wonderful to be back home again :)