Jucy, a Wrecker, and a Kiwi Named Ian

What a day we have had today!

We left our cottage nice and early for a leisurely drive to get to our Milford Sound cruise. The scenery is stunning.

When we were  about 2 hours into our drive with just 1/2 hour left, our rental van died on us just as we were about to go into a crazy long and dark tunnel. It is a timed tunnel as cars can only go in one direction at a time. We were able to put it in neutral and roll backwards into a pullout area. We were so happy to have that area as much of the road is windy and narrow. As it turns out, the transmission went out on the vehicle. 

There was a phone nearby for emergency services and breakdowns. Ben used it to call a wrecker (tow truck) but was unable to call Jucy (the rental car company). While we waited a few people passing by checked on us to make sure we were okay. That was a nice surprise. It was recommended to us to try to catch a ride with the tour buses heading to the same destination as us. After waiting more than an hour, buses started to come by. One couldn't take us because the passengers chartering it said no. The next bus was willing but couldn't as the light to go through the tunnel was turning green and they couldn't delay the trip. Eventually we found one that would take us. Ben had to stay with the car per the instructions from the wrecker.

So Jenny, Liz, Aubrey, and I jumped on Ian's bus. His arrival time at the terminal was too late for us to catch our cruise. He was still extremely helpful. We booked cruises for tomorrow so we will still see the Milford Sound. He even gave us a ride back to the town we are staying in and arranged for someone to give us a ride to our cottages.

In the meantime, Ben was brought back to the cottage by the wrecker. Jucy brought us a different van a few hours later. 

Crazy day. Considering everything, we are happy. It could have been way worse. Lots of prayers were said. We are safe and sound.