April 13, 2025

Milford Sound, Temple Dedication, Ted Ashby Sail Vessel

Sister Linda Leach joined me for a short trip to the South Island while our husbands traveled to Papua New Guinea.  Glacier in the background, hills of greenery, this ride from Te Anau to Milford Sound was one of the most beautiful drives of my life.

Photos by dawns early light.  Incredible!

The spectacular fjords of Milford Sound

Sister Leach wraps up against the cool but sunny day.  The magnificent waterfalls grace many mountain sides.

The Tasman Sea meets the sound.

I had to venture close enough to the glacier-fed waterfall to feel the mist on my face; cold but refreshing.

The Remarkables!  Mountain range seen from Queenstown, NZ.  This rugged mountain range provides a beautiful contrast to the green, rolling hills.

Queenstown.  Melanie described this city as very similar to Park City, Utah.  Of course, there is much more water surrounding this town.

Elder Patrick Kearon dedicated the Auckland Temple today.  His British accent was the perfect fit for New Zealand.

Public Affairs/Communications departments have been preparing for weeks.  I stand in awe at the work required behind the scenes.  Elder Kearon acknowledged those unseen labors and offered thanks for the work that allowed all to “Savor the majesty of the event.”

We boarded the Ted Ashby on a sunny Saturday to sail around the harbor.  We helped to raise the sails.  The volunteer crew was knowledgeable and entertaining.

The Ted Ashby carries about 40 passengers.  Today the numbers are much smaller, a blessing for us.

We met new friends from Ottawa, Canada.

The relaxing atmosphere intensified as the motors were cut and we ‘sailed’ under the bridge.  Other boats enjoyed the same view.  We also saw a few bridge bungee jumpers.

The magnitude of the structure maximizes the experience.

Taking a break from weekly work helps regenerate the soul and body.

The beautiful view of Auckland will forever remain in our hearts and minds.