Good news - I woke up after dozing off at about 0500 feeling far more human. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is 2300 and this internet place is going to throw me out, so will finish this card tomorrow. OK, I'm back. Where was I? Oh yes - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nic and I drove out of town and headed for Milford Sound in the Fiordland National Park As we got nearer the weather changed and the rain and mist came in - not surprising really when you think that they have about 6m of rain per annum here. The drive from Te Anau is one of the most stunning in the world, although the weather didn't exactly aid the views. At one point we stopped at the Homer Tunnel, which was one way and the traffic lights on it change every 15 minutes. The entrance looked fairly innocuous, but as we entered the tunnel it was pitch black, very damp and the walls were carved rock. So we were actually driving through a mountain and the road dropped a long way by the time we exited at the other end. When we arrived in Milford we had to sort out our stuff and pack a small overnight bag for the cruise. As we got out of the car we were surrounded by clouds of sandflies and what with these and the rain, we were beginning to wonder what on earth we were doing. Maybe we should have checked into a luxury hotel for my birthday celebrations instead!! Having checked in, we boarded the Milford Mariner and went into the dining area for coffee and muffins with the other 60 odd guests, whilst having our safety briefing. Things were looking up! Next stop, our cabin. A twin room with our own en suite shower and toilet - heaven. We had windows and a small balcony area outside the room as well and stood out there getting wet and looking at the amazing views. The boat headed out to the Tasman Sea and anchored there about an hour later for the activity segment of the trip. Options were kayaking and going out in the small tender craft. Kayaking it was, but Nic was soon bored and so we went back to the boat and decided to go for a dip. In we dived and the temperature took my breath away, not surprising when you think that a lot of the water runs down from the ice caps and glaciers. We didn't stay in for long and the worst part was yet to come - getting out. There were no ladders and so we had to literally be hauled out by one of the crew - poor bloke, us being the svelte lightweights that we are!! Humiliating, but very funny. Off to shower and warm up my numb skin, which started tingling. As I came out of the shower I was greeted by a rare treat - Nic in her undies and socks holding out a glass of cold bubbly. She had planned on being dressed, but I was too quick apparently. I think she just wanted me to see how hot she was looking!!!!!!!!!! So down to dinner, where we shared a table with some very odd people. Lenor and Rod (she was drunk and her head kept lolling everywhere) and Colin and woman whose name I cannot recall, who both kept grinning inanely and talking nonsense. By now we had finished the bubbly and were onto the wine, so we just laughed at it all. Dinner was a carvery - superb. I was then humiliated for the 2nd time - a cake came out with candles and everyone sang to me - Thanks Nic!! Another bottle of wine and a few games of backgammon, before heading outside to try and see some wildlife. For the next hour or so a seal was playing happily next to the stern and just when he'd gone away and I was thinking of going to bed, he'd come back and show off a bit more. A perfect end to my birthday. Off to bed then and an extra hours sleep as the clocks went back. The birthday girl xxx