Spirit LA - LA via Auckland

[RachelG]

We just had to acknowledge your cooking school... Fish looked like Gulf Red Snapper, one of our favorites. Glad you are staying well nourished.

Stay well, and think of us when you remind George and Rachel of the 'seat cover' dinner, quite a night with good friends to remember.

 

Yes, we remember. Wish you guys were here!

Edited February 17, 2015 by RachelG

[englishusa]

Another gorgeous day in NZ. Stewarts Bay ( Known by locals as "Stewie Bay") Went on a bird watching cruise. Now I know I am not a "bird watcher".

We, as a group, saw a "little blue penguin", well actually we saw a head above the water for about 4 nano-seconds, and then a " yellow eyed penguin" for about the same time.

Herewith birds.( Stewart Island Shag?)

And an albatross

We also visited a salmon farm

and a NZ mussel farm lines

[WesW]

Wonderful pix David, thanks for sharingl

[BARBYQ]

David , I can't believe you're taking tours . I could gave sworn the last one you took was on St. Helena to see Napoleon's grave . AND you didn't hike down the trail . So glad you're enjoying. Love all the pics.

[englishusa]

David , I can't believe you're taking tours . I could gave sworn the last one you took was on St. Helena to see Napoleon's grave . AND you didn't hike down the trail . So glad you're enjoying. Love all the pics.

 

I am not a tour person, just filling in until Colonel Wes gets on board and takes over.

[spinnaker2]

And a fine reporting job you are doing too.

Thanks for sharing with us.

[englishusa]

Today we are cruising the Milford and Dusky Sound. However, early this AM the fog was intense and, if it continues,

we will not be able "to see any sound"!

[BARBYQ]

David, I'm sorry the Sound is murky .That's one place John and I would love to see . I thought of another tour you and I took . We did the " submarine " in St. Bart's . It was about as exciting as mud. Enjoy!

[englishusa]

Fog lifted but Dusky sound was still a little bit "Dusky". However, Milford Sound was great.

Entering

Views from my balcony.

[PSahoy]

I was in NZ last month and your pics are bringing its incredible beauty all back. At that same salmon farm a seal got lucky and we enjoyed watching it enjoying a snack.

[WesW]

Thanks for posting gorgeous Dusky & Milford Soundpix David.

 

btw, found out David Bilsland for L'ecole Des Chefs boards in Sydney. We look forward

to watching his cooking demo's and taking his classes.

[Nigella]

For some reason I missed this thread, I've only just seen it.

Thanks to all for your comments, and for the fabulous pictures.

[englishusa]

Now headed from NZ to Oz. 3 days across the Tasman Sea. So far very calm seas and wind. Not normal says the Captain.

[rojaan19]

Now headed from NZ to Oz. 3 days across the Tasman Sea. So far very calm seas and wind. Not normal says the Captain.

 

Luckily you are heading to Melbourne as up north we have a category 5 cyclone at present making for some very rough seas here. Then again the Tasman is rarely "calm" :D

[BARBYQ]

David , John wants to know " how is the fish " .

[bettywh]

Enjoyed the photos of Milford Sound. One of those places I would love to experience again. Hope your calm Tasmanian Sea continues. The other can be brutal.

[BARBYQ]

Whooops, I forgot the ? mark . Have you been to " Hot Rocks " much ?

[englishusa]

Whooops, I forgot the ? mark . Have you been to " Hot Rocks " much ?

 

Yes a number of times. Went with Rachel and George the other night and had a lovely piece of Pollock. Large juicy flakes. "GOOD FISH"! I went to the Asian "Seishin" restaurant for lunch yesterday and was pleasantly impressed.

[BARBYQ]

Who is Chef ?

[englishusa]

Who is Chef ?

Executive Chef: Jerome Foussier, Hot Rocks Chef: Me.

Still cruising extremely smooth Tasman Sea. Arrive in Melbourne tomorrow where forecast is for sunny skies and Temperature of..........95 F !!!!

[BARBYQ]

How is trivia ? Are you winning ?

[englishusa]

Who is Chef ?

Executive Chef: Jerome Foussier, Hot Rocks Chef: Me.

Still cruising extremely smooth Tasman Sea. Arrive in Melbourne tomorrow where forecast is for sunny skies and Temperature of..........95 F !!!!

[englishusa]

How is trivia ? Are you winning ?

Most days we are other #1 or #2. Just 15 questions. We are losing a major contributor when Rachel disembarks tomorrow.

[englishusa]

Arrived Melbourne at 1PM.

View of Melbourne Skyline.

Notice how close beach is to city.

Another Skyline.

My very first "selfie". T shirt of the day. They still let me in!

Edited February 22, 2015 by englishusa

[WesW]

Nice T shirt David, thanks for sharing Melbourne pix.

 

Jillyf, asked me to post these pix of the Spirit. These photos are the Spirit after picking up the pilot to cruise through the heads and down Port Phillip Bay to Melbourne.