Turbulent...............

..............Water


This main blip was taken as we travelled through the French Pass Passage. This is a narrow and treacherous stretch of water which separates D’Urville Island at the northern end of the South Island, NZ from the mainland coast.  French Pass has the fastest tidal flow in New Zealand, reaching 8 knots - creating whirlpools, eddies and currents.To read more about D’Urville Island follow this link.

We had the most amazing day yesterday – a boat trip from Nelson to D’Urville Island. We circumnavigated the island via passage between Stephens Island on the outward journey and through the infamous French Pass Passage on our homeward trip. Lunch was ashore at Catherine Cove. D’Urville Island’s name commemorates the French explorer Dumont D’Urville, who sailed through French Pass in 1827.  
 
Keith Knapp and family of Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle generously offered the use of their boat Crusader free of charge for four trips from Nelson to raise funds for four selected charities. Peter Tally donated the fuel and the local Motueka Rotary Club organised and promoted the trips.These trips proved very popular and were booked out within days. Fortunately, they plan to repeat this in May next year. While the vessel can carry 150 people the number was limited to 100 for each of these trips so there was ample room for viewing from inside or on the open top deck. At times it was very invigorating outside, but the views were spectacular. Dolphins put in brief appearances along the way but with choppy seas they didn’t ‘play’ as they often do.
 
Extra Photos
 1 – Two passengers on the upper deck and D’Urville Island in the distance
2 – Waterfall at Catherine Cove
3 – Looking towards Stephens Island, a wildlife sanctuary which lies 2 kilometres from the northern point of D’Urville Island.
4 – Our transport preparing for our boarding in Nelson Harbour.
 
I am amazed and delighted with the response to my Flower Friday ‘music’ blip and I send you all a huge thank you for your comments and for the many stars and hearts. They are all very special and really appreciated. Again, thank you.