We finally got off the ground after a last night at home spent wildly over-packing, followed by a sobering final hour spent unpacking after we weighed our luggage and realized the overage would cost as much as another seat on the plane. Still, we ended up with more than we need. So far though I am glad we brought a few essentials: duct tape (put to use on day 1 to fix the handle of the overstuffed carry-on), multi-function Swiss army knives (Nick would never allow us to leave home without one) and Kindles and headphones (for a little quiet time in-between all this togetherness).
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| do you think we over-packed? |
Before the ocean crossing, we spent 2 days in L.A. to transition from home. We had great visits with friends and family and a few last American meals. The hearty burgers and pb+j milkshakes
http://www.8ozburgerbar.com/#/gallery should keep our cholesterol high enough to affirm our US citizenship for 7 months.
We took a late-night Qantas flight (Mike and I got champagne to wash down our Ambien, the girls went coach). 15 hours later, we landed in Auckland. Before the jet lag could catch up to us (it's tomorrow here), we were out in the sunshine touring the city and harbor.
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| How can two control freaks ride a tandem? |
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| Auckland and the South Pacific Ocean |
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| Audrey and Nina with NZ 6 pointed sea stars |
