The last update.

This is being written a few days after our return, and has allowed time for the dust to settle and a reflection on the trip.

The flight from Vancouver departed on time in fairly drizzly conditions. When we went to the departure lounge ( or where we though we needed to be) , there was hardly anyone around and we couldn't understand why the flight was so heavily booked.

Turns out we hadn't gone far enough into the terminal to go to the actual gate ( so just as well we did a more detailed exploration) - after a few twists and turns we came to the gate proper and it was very crowded, sigh , so no spare seat between us by the look of it!

When checking in, the attendant needs to handwrite on your boarding pass 'docs ok' indicating they have sighted your passport , so with a few minutes until boarding was due to start , the message comes over the tannoy for anyone without that on their pass to report to the gate counter. Well there's a mad scramble as dozens of people head towards the counter to get this done and we start thinking that departure may be delayed ( and why wait so late to do this bit of admin?) - however our fears were unfounded and we all boarded on time. The seats were pretty cramped and it was hard to get comfy ( as my aisle companion found out as I kept twitching...) so not a good sign for the next 15 hours.

The flight itself was uneventful ( yay) but 15 hours is a loooong time to be in the air and I think I wouldn't want to do that again if I could avoid it - but we arrived in Sydney Monday morning and while I stayed at the airport to drop & store my bags, Deb went straight into work and made sure she could sign in and be ready for her tasks later that night. We met for lunch and she was able to leave work early to get some rest ( she got a few hours kip on the plane) and then we parted ways, me to go to Wellington and she to try & rest up before the night's work. Fortunately a co-worker of hers was had also volunteered to go onsite so she at least had a companion to help out.

So that was the last activities that bookended our trip to the States. We had an immense amount of fun and loved all the things we were able to see and do there. We have found Americans , in the large majority ( an Avis guy not withstanding!) , to be friendly , helpful and engaging people and always taking an interest in us and our journey.

Thank you America, it's been absolutely fantastic , and we'll look forward to seeing you again.