Arrived in Auckland

We were just about ready in time to be picked up by our friend Laura to take us to the airport. Dry the dishes, cat count, and we were out the door. I had to strain to keep from tears coming by leaving our cats for such a long time. But they have Kristi who is wonderful in caring for them, who called us later in the afternoon to report they were doing fine, with Bentley even eating the chicken treats left primarily for Healey.

Packed and ready to go

   Our flight was one of the only ones in the afternoon that wasn’t late or cancelled. The airport was mobbed, with people trying to return home from the holidays, and having been stuck at various airports. Our short hop to LAX was uneventful, other than the traffic mess at LAX trying to take the shuttle from terminal 7 to terminal 2.  Fortunately we had adequate time to not be rushed.

Philip in his Space Seat

With a 13 hour flight to Auckland, we had splurged on Premier Economy Space seats, which at first, I didn’t think were worth it. But when we managed to sleep 6 uninterrupted hours, I knew the difference. Not to mention real china, real knives, and better food. This flight was also uneventful.

The approach to Auckland airport was beautiful, as the day was clear.

Keith, one of our NZ organizers met us as we exited from the airport.  We were transported over to Jenner’s where Ian Jenner had taken such wonderful care of our Morgan and had her all ready to go.

Ian and daughter along with Philip

Collecting our Mogan

Philip drove Morgan to the hotel, while Keith transported me in the Honda. I have yet to try getting in/out of the Morgan. Maybe tomorrow.  We stopped at the petrol station where Philip filled her up at the cost of NZ$93/US$77 for 39.3 liters (10 gallons) or about $7 a gallon. 

We checked in and were fortunate to have a room ready at about 11 AM and with a beautiful view to boot. The rooms are "dated" but clean and adequate. 

Hard to complain about THIS view. 

After unpacking, we headed out on foot, up the hill, to the AA office where we obtained our NZ AA coverage. There is reciprocity with the US AAA, but we did have to purchase “repatriation to Auckland” coverage, which is well worth it should the need arise.

A trip to the O2 store to purchase SIM chips for our phones and personal portable hot spot, has us now communicating.

Then lunch at our favorite Scottish restaurant, where Philip tried the Georgie pie and I tried a Kiwi burger, which was the usual burger, with a fried egg and large slice of BEET, which was really interesting.

Kiwi Burger with fried egg and beet

Georgie Pie

On the way returning to the hotel, we scanned the stores about the hotel to see where necessities could be acquired. I was very tired and my feet hurting. 

Dennis and Nancy were just arriving from picking up their Morgan, and Michael was also there. So we planned drinks for Happy Hour at the hotel bar at 6 PM.

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Gull sculpture

Ferry Building

Anything after this time will be in tomorrow’s blog, as we most likely will struggle through dinner, and head to bed soon after.