The last day onboard is always a bittersweet moment for us. Whilst we are glad to get home and see Cooper and Rosie, it’s a wrench to break out of the cruising lifestyle.

Apart from packing, the day was taken up by lectures, lunch and our final expedition briefing. This turned into a few hilarious presentations, and really reinforced what a great team we had.

All too soon the lighthouse at the entrance to Dunedin Channel appeared with attendant Royal Albatross. It seems ages ago that we had visited there.

There was a lot of sea mist and low cloud about, giving me some moody photographs. I’ve really enjoyed taking them this trip, helped by choosing the right equipment. Hopefully my panoramic film shots will turn out ok. I’ll post the best of them once they have been developed and scanned.

It’s been an amazing journey, hopefully you’ve enjoyed the ride and might be inspired to try a trip to the White Continent yourself. Tomorrow we will spend a little time with our Dunedin friends, then fly to, and overnight at Auckland Airport. It’s an early start the next day to Sydney and home, Launceston. However we are on the move again, with a European river trip and a cruise aboard Prime Thyme scheduled soon. See you then !