Had a bit of excitement at the airport this morning. We had easily gotten checked in and were waiting at our gate when the fire alarm went off. The airport had to be evacuated which was done very calmly. We all stood outside and waited for the firemen to clear the building. After about 20 minutes we got to go back inside. Everyone had to go back through security but it was done in a very calm and easy manner. Our flight departed on time 30 minutes later. Luckily the Auckland airport isn’t huge like some are.
Our flight was smooth and on time. Only in the plane for two hours. They load the plane from the front and the rear so loading and unloading goes quickly.
Queensland is amazing! The views are simply breathtaking! After we got here and got into our rooms we walked downtown. Reminds me of a CO ski town. Bigger than Grand Lake but feels very similar with the incredible lake view and the snow-covered mountains.
We had dinner at a BBQ grill – it was good but way too much food. Nicole and I should have shared one plate.
After dinner we rode the gondola to the top of the mountain. We walked the sky view trail for about a mile up the mountain. The views were so beautiful. The sun was starting to get lower and the shadows made it even more lovely. Rode the gondola back down and walked back to the hotel. We have a lake view from our room.
The air is fresh and crisp. Lots of hiking trails and beautiful things to look at.
Tomorrow we leave the hotel at 7:00 in the morning. We are going to the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, rich with dense rainforest, lakes, and waterfalls. We will be taking a cruise out into the fjord. Won’t be back until after 8:00 tomorrow evening. Should be another amazing day!
Not sure how I got so lucky to get to see all this beauty and to spend this memory making time with my daughter. I truly am a blessed and lucky lady!
Grateful the fire alarm at the airport was a false alarm and that everyone remained very calm and orderly, grateful for the beautiful scenery I saw today, and grateful for all the memories I am creating from this amazing trip.