24 Nov 2018 - Cruise Day 4: Doubtful Sound (via Thompson Sound)

While we were having our lunch at Windjammer Cafe, we heard the announcement from the bridge that we were approaching Doubtful Sound as we sailed into Thompson Sound.  We quickly finished up our lunch and got ready to witness another natural beauty.

Earlier at Milford Sound, we spent most of the time enjoying the scenery at our balcony.  This time round, we decided to go onto the outdoor deck for a change.  One difference at Doubtful Sound as compared to Milford Sound is that it's less windy.

Doubtful sound is 3 times longer than the Milford Sound, and with a surface area 10 times larger.  No one lives in Doubtful Sound, it's just you and nature.

Doubtful Sound is also known as the Sound of Silence.  Other than practically untouched by man, the physical grandeur of the towering peaks, waterfalls and the lack of wind create a powerful atmosphere of solitude and silence.  Most people who had been to both Sounds prefer Doubtful Sound, no doubt about it.

One good thing about Doubtful Sound is that its beauty will not be affected by weather.  Even during rainy days, hundreds of water falls start appearing from the mountain and they disappear when the rain stops.

A bit of history here.  Captain James Cook sighted the entrance to Doubtful Sound on his first voyage to New Zealand in 1770. He called the place Doubtful Harbor. Something to do with it being Doubtful if they would be able to get out again from lack of wind.

We sailed out of Doubtful Sound at about 1:30pm.  Next stop, Dusky Sound.

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