New Zealand without Plans

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Jim & Juanita Collins.
We are from Richfield, Minnesota, USA. We are going to NZ on Feb. 13, 2008.We will return from NZ on April 9, 2007. The picture is of our youngest daughter Colleen, our granddaughter Elizabeth and I guess our other grandchild "Louie Louie".
One thing I found a bit strange is that we miss Valentine's Day. We leave about 2 PM on Feb. 13, fly to Los Angels and leave LA at 8 PM for a 12 hour flight to Auckland. We arrive in Auckland about 7 AM on Feb. 15, completely skipping Feb. 14.
We will be visiting some NZ friends who have stayed with us through Friendship Force.
One set of friends live near Mt. Taranaka. The other near Wellington. The friend from the Wellington area is taking us on a 2 week tour of the south island.
The second picture is looking out on our back yard and partially answer the question, "Why New Zealand in Feb.". The answers include visiting friends in New Zealand and wanting to see their beautiful country.

The 3rd and 4th pictures are of the Nunes family (Ron, Kate and Elizabeth) just before they left Jacksonsville, Florida to ride to Poulsbo, Washington in March of 2005. Elizabeth had just turned 6. Kate is our oldest daughter, Ron is our son-in-law and Elizabeth (AKA Little-Bit) is our granddaughter. Ron had just retired from the Navy and Ron & Kate thought Elizabeth would enjoy seeing the USA.

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Photos

Louie with Colleen & Elizabeth
Poulsbo, WA at Christmas 2007

The bike trip.
The Nunes family start their bike trip from Florida to the state of Washington in March 2005. About 5000 miles. Elizabeth has just had her 6th birthday

Comments

[Jane Curtis]

I' in your blog
Hi Jim, This will be fun to follow along with you and Juanita on your trip. Nice picture of Colleen, Elizabeth and Louie. Love Jane

[JCollins]

Yep, it works.
I actually figured out how to retrieve the comments Janie. Love, Jim

[Kate]

hey Dad
Okay, maybe it's just me, but I think folks would rather see a picture of the people who are writing the blog than of their friends and relations. I'll have to see if I can dig up your password and add a few photos..... Love you.

[Jane Curtis]

Hi
I hope your trip was good. Can't wait to hear from you. Jane

[Jane Curtis]

Hope you made it safely
Hi Jim, How are you two? Still waiting for pictures and stories. Jane

[Mary Anne]

Jim, It's great to see that you are on your way! It's going to be fun to follow you on your trip, almost like being there myself. Well not really, as I look out the window and the temp is 4 and it's snowing. Thinking about both of you. Love, Mary Anne

[JCollins]

Access to travel Blog
Cathy, Just use [e-mail] and password Beau1832. Love You, Dad

[JCollins]

Access to travel Blog
Cathy, Just use [e-mail] and password Beau1832. Love You, Dad

[Jane Curtis]

Glad you made it safe and sound
It sounds like yoy need to keep that prayer handy when you are driving over there. God Bless Jane

[Dave Lee]

Hello from the frozen tundra
Hi Jim, Am really enjoying following your trip and must admit to a good bit of envy. Since it was -21F last week on the Red Cedar River I'm sure you understand! Dave