July 5 - Lake Tarawera -Hong Kong

It's been a VERY big day but finally our journey has started and we  are half way to London. 

Sorted out the last minute packing and got the house organised for the family and friends who are going to spend a bit of time there while we are away. Finally on the road by 10am with a stop at the chemist to get some "drugs" for Ian. He woke a couple of days ago with a full on head cold, sneezing and running nose. Thankfully with some Otrivine to clear the nose and cold tablets to dry him a bit he improved as the day went on.

The afternoon was spent catching up with family. First stop to visit Heatherbelle (Ian's almost 90 year old Mum!) in Pukekohe ....we will see you Oslo eh  HB? More family popped in to say farewell then called in to see the younger two grandies who had just got home from school, followed by a 20 minute drive to the Craig and family and a light snack. Then back to Dean's to load his car and get chauffeured to the airport.

It is three years since our last flight to the States and couldn't believe the changes with the automation of the baggage handling...but we managed!

So ready for a snooze but had a bit of a wait for the midnight flight.

A light meal was served and it was 3am before the lights were finally dimmed and we settled and managed a five hour kip. Ian had an uneventful night...the cold drugs seem to be helping.

Just waiting for brekkie and will be landing in just over two hours. Will try and get this post loaded in Hong Kong but with only 1 hour 40 minutes before the flight to Heathrow, there may be very little time.