Monday October 13
Monday October 13 Atlanta, GA
I am writing the first part of today’s entry sitting in O’Hare Airport, Chicago as we wait for our connecting flight to Atlanta. Marge had bacon and eggs waiting for us when we came down for breakfast this morning….think we will look forward to revisiting the “Tingen Hotel” next year when we return! The first job of the morning was to try and find an “Officer of the Law” to certify that the physical details of Ruakiwi was as per the registration papers – this was required by the Motor Vehicle registration office in Montana. Marge tried ringing the state police but there was no reply, and we were concerned that with it being Coloumbus Day, all Government departments were closed. So Marge’s next “scheme” was to go looking for an officer! Thought (A) we might see one, or (B) obviously with little faith in Ian’s driving, we might get pulled over. Neither happened. Plan C was to go to the local shopping centre, where they often call by, but no luck there. Plan D was for Marge to go and ask at her supermarket in the centre if they knew whether officers called regularly. The check out girl called her superior, who then phoned the police station! Marge spoke to the Duty Officer who said “Stay where you are, someone will be right over”! Can you believe it, that within 5 minutes a patrol car pulled in, with a very helpful officer who duly did the required inspection, signed the papers and wished us a happy trip……and guess who had left her camera behind! All that was needed was to post the papers back to Montana. Then it was time to settle Ruakiwi into the barn, firstly pumping winterising fluid through all her water system, then backed her in, ready for next years adventure. We had a nice salad for lunch, and with an hour before we needed to leave for the airport, Marge taught us to play Widow’s Whist….which we ended up finishing at the airport after checking our bags through! We thought we may have to pay overweight, but managed to get them checked through to Atlanta at no extra charge.
I am writing the first part of today’s entry sitting in O’Hare Airport, Chicago as we wait for our connecting flight to Atlanta. Marge had bacon and eggs waiting for us when we came down for breakfast this morning….think we will look forward to revisiting the “Tingen Hotel” next year when we return! The first job of the morning was to try and find an “Officer of the Law” to certify that the physical details of Ruakiwi was as per the registration papers – this was required by the Motor Vehicle registration office in Montana. Marge tried ringing the state police but there was no reply, and we were concerned that with it being Coloumbus Day, all Government departments were closed. So Marge’s next “scheme” was to go looking for an officer! Thought (A) we might see one, or (B) obviously with little faith in Ian’s driving, we might get pulled over. Neither happened. Plan C was to go to the local shopping centre, where they often call by, but no luck there. Plan D was for Marge to go and ask at her supermarket in the centre if they knew whether officers called regularly. The check out girl called her superior, who then phoned the police station! Marge spoke to the Duty Officer who said “Stay where you are, someone will be right over”! Can you believe it, that within 5 minutes a patrol car pulled in, with a very helpful officer who duly did the required inspection, signed the papers and wished us a happy trip……and guess who had left her camera behind! All that was needed was to post the papers back to Montana. Then it was time to settle Ruakiwi into the barn, firstly pumping winterising fluid through all her water system, then backed her in, ready for next years adventure. We had a nice salad for lunch, and with an hour before we needed to leave for the airport, Marge taught us to play Widow’s Whist….which we ended up finishing at the airport after checking our bags through! We thought we may have to pay overweight, but managed to get them checked through to Atlanta at no extra charge.
The first flight was a short one to Chicago and a 2 hour wait for the next leg to Atlanta.
Later…. Had a good flight to Atlanta arriving 20 minutes early after managing a short queue on the runway, and our luggage arrived too, always a relief. Took a few minutes to find Sue and Ian, so many people and such a vast airport, but eventually big hugs and non stop talking all the way home….and into the early hours.
Comments
Tomorrow we are off to the 'Big Apple' by train from New Haven Ct for a days tour around the city. It's getting cool, frost last night, so will be heading South to Washington by Friday. Kath had a great chat with Irene an hour or so ago, all is well in Matamata.
Looking forward to keeping in touch and seeing you in Jan/2009. Cheers for now, Kath & Bill
Yes, back home at Lake Tarawera, after a noneventful flight. The weather is wonderful, the head is slowly demisting and now tackling the backlog of work after 3 1/2 months of neglect!
Sounds like you are having great weather too on the New england coast..brings back memories of our travels there 4 years ago.
Look forward to catching up in Jan
Meg and Ian