December 6th, 2013
We have lost a day, never to get it back. The flight from LA was a bit bumpy (turbulence), but I still managed to get some sleep. Ralf caught up on The Big Bang Series! He managed to sleep for a couple of hours. The service on Air New Zealand was awesome. Very friendly flight attendants. Good blankets and pillows and the food was good.
We arrived in Auckland at 7:30 am and recovered our bicycles and assorted bags. All have arrived in one piece and undamaged. We had to take them through a special check as New Zealand is very careful in preventing unwanted bio-hazards to come into the country. We had declared camping and sporting equipment so everything went through the x-ray machine.
Chris was at the airport to pick us up and bought us back to his place. We had a quick shower and went to bed for a couple of hours, joined by his cat, who slept quite happily on Ralf’s chest.
We took a walk this afternoon down to Milford and had a steep climb back up the hill. We will start riding on Monday.
Glad to hear you are down under safe and sound!
Safe and sound, did you want your comments posted?
Re: posting my comments – Fine with me – I won’t be offended either way.
We are following you every day. You actually won’t lose the day. As you move west you change time zones turning the clock back an hour 24 times. So Dec. 5 is gone but like the Irish toast your days will be long.
Bob
I was wondering how I would get the time back. Once we start cycling, I think it will be a weekly update. I am sure not everyone wants to hear about the minutia of every day of a touring cyclist.
J
Just so that we’re all clear –
You both thought it was a-okay to get on a plane with knives, then sit together and hatch a plan to hijack the plane directly to Auckland without the LA stop? Foiled again my friends!
I know, we have learnt a lesson.
Jacqueline
We are interested in where you are in NZ. Plus if you don’t post there will be no record for posterity. Pos-tear-it-tee, definition, the status of a cyclist’s posterior.
I like the definition 🙂
Jacqueline
Glad to hear you made it safe to Auckland.
hugs
Thanks Wanda
Thanks for looking after us the past 2 weeks.
Glad to hear you made it. 🙂
We start cycling tomorrow.
So happy to hear you have arrived safely and the adventure is underway. I look forward to following this grand adventure. You will be missed on GOBA this year.
Beverly
Thanks Beverly
Glad to see you are following us. Start cycling tomorrow.
Jacky and Ralf
Glad you got to Auckland safe and sound. Look forward to hearing about your adventures. Did you get my Birthday wishes? Hope so, but if not Happy Birthday Jatty. Love you both millions Nitty
Start cycling today. Going to Orero Point about 50 ks
Enjoy your few days. Will try to be in touch at the week end. xxxx
It is really difficult for us to get free wi-fi, very sporadic. You will have to be patient.
Love you
Jacky and Ralf
glad to hear you are safe and sound. will be checking the web site regularly to live vicariously through you and ralf. missing you xx
Ask a local what a JAFA is.
So proud of you both love the daily updates. I’m sure that your muscles will reurn to normal when they realise that they have to do this every day
The photo’s are fantastic, enjoy every minute, and remember there is no time limit to your adventure. love you both.
Love the pictures. The pictures of the views are absolutely lovely. Take care.
You two are awesome. I am in such awe of your strength and fortitude. Pictures are great, keep them coming. I am following your progress on Google Maps. Please stay safe and most of all, ENJOY.
Hey loving the daily news. I’m not a cyclist as you know(well only the ones in the gym) but I’m soo jealous. And this is only the first part of your adventure. Feel like I’m living it with you. Amazing. Keep the news coming. Love you and very very proud.