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Published: October 21st 2014
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October 9 – Travel days are those days that really test the mettle of a relationship. (Or is it medal? Because you surely deserve one, if you survive these!)
These days always start early. (Michele hates this!) Something always goes wrong. Today we have to find and fold the clothes that were too wet to pack the night before because the dryer broke down, and we had to hang them up all over the condo. Now all this stuff must be packed into the suitcases that seem to have shrunk since arriving.
Back on the road, and up and over the Crown Road again which was very trying for both passenger and pilot. We did stop and take a few photos as it really was beautiful. The bracken-covered hills reminded me of one of those boiled wool sweaters, kind of bumpy, but soft. The snow-capped mountains peaked out from low lying clouds which the rising sun was painting with shades of pink, gold and red. It was stunning, and for a moment, I forgot my fear of narrow, twisty roads.
Finally, we made it to Queenstown where we had to return the
car, but first we had to find a gas station to fill up. Mission accomplished. We arrive at the car rental office only to find we’re at the wrong one. We’re supposed to be at the airport (makes sense?) David puts the luggage back in the car and off we go. We take the wrong exit but eventually make it to the office where we are shuttled to the airport. We collected our tickets, go through security, and sit down to wait. . . We are, of course, the first ones waiting for the plane. (It's so tempting to say something further here, but sometimes silence is golden.)
Our plane is an Airbus A320 that flies from Queenstown to Auckland. At the Auckland Aiport, we have lunch and then wait about an hour and a half for our next airplane, a twin engine Beachcraft. This plane holds 18 passengers, and today there are 12 of us with two crew. David and I got exit row seats, which in case you ever happen to take this kind of plane, doesn’t have any extra leg room. The 45-minute flight seemed to be over in no time as we had
great views from our window seats (everyone had a window seat.)
The plane landed at the Kerikeri Airport and drove right up to the terminal. We walked down the steps and a short distance across the tarmac. One minute later our luggage was towed right into the terminal. The car rental process was just as easy – we were the only customer. And, David got another zippy little car.
We arrived at our destination feeling a little worn out and the gloomy clouds and light drizzle weren’t helping. But the warm greeting we received from Dan at the Talton’s Lodge, and the fabulous room with a hot tub overlooking the ocean quickly rose our spirits.
We unpacked our suitcases and went for a short tour of Piaha. We found a liquor store and bought a couple bottles of wine (for later) and went for dinner.
So, did we earn a 'medal' today? Well, there was no 'golden' sunset, but as we sat in the hot tub with our glasses of wine, the sky and the ocean were bathed in silver -- I guess we lost a few points
for form.
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Harry
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Park Your Taxi
Nice travelogue, I am making it bookmark it's get me Ideas to simplify the taxi services !! I will park my taxi here!!