I have included a photo of the Bear's Claw I ate the other day, the very best one I have seen!
After a reasonable night's sleep, I packed my last few items and was on my way. I was very lucky as from May 1, there is some work going on at the terminal and the shuttles will be stopping by Parking Garage E. Passengers will have to catch the Terminal train to reach their required terminal. Phew, I can imagine that will be a hassle. I have written the instructions down for travel later in the year.
It was a fine day, cloud but some sun although it was still cool. I always try to check in early and found TSA printed on my ticket so did not have to take shoes off etc. I found a Starbucks so coffee was on the agenda and then off to the United service desk to sort an issue out. It did not get fully sorted as I have to check something when I get home. At least the person I spoke to was helpful.
Then to the United Lounge to await my flight. At least they had some soup today, better than the usual fare, or lack thereof. While I was in the lounge, I Skyped Terri. Steve brought Jazzi and Hannah to see me but Autumn does not like to be held so she took off, lol!
On board, and I managed a look in the cockpit and have a laugh with the pilots. We were held up due to the luggage coming through late so finally took off 35 minutes late! I am getting used to lateness in my life, lol!
It was a good flight, only a few minor bumps, and I purchased some Internet time to help pass the time on the flight. Quite a bit of snow on the mountains as we overflew Denver. Later we flew over some more cloud and possibly fog.
We arrived in San Fran not too long after scheduled ETA so it definitely was a good flight. The temperature was a bit different from Chicago, 88 degrees versus 51, no competition, lol.
I headed to the United Lounge, the other two I might have used were closed.
United is not as good as most other Star Alliance lounges, nothing in the way of food, just snacks, and no free alcohol! I did purchase a Bayley's and the bartender was very generous, lol!While waiting for a drink, I asked a guy at the bar if he could split a $5 note and I detected a British accent. He is from Manchester and we had a good wee chat.
I had a long layover in San Fran by choice, I always leave on an earlier flight than I could take, just in case! We always land in Auckland at a similar time, 5.45 am so the departure time from San Fran depends on where the clocks are between the two countries. So the ETA varies from between 7.45 pm and 9.45 pm, tonight it is the latter.
Saturday
Well, Friday disappeared somewhere over the Pacific and we landed on time in Auckland after travelling nearly 10,800 km in 12 hours and 39 minutes. It was a good flight and with my upgrade to Business Class (meaning I could lie flat), I managed about four hours sleep in total so not too bad. I also caught a couple of movies along the way!
Once we had landed, it only took half an hour to collect my duty free goods, clear Passport Control, collect my checked bag and go through security. Auckland is certainly one of the better airports around now with plenty of Smart Gates to make the process faster.
After three hours in the domestic lounge, the flight to Napier was on time and my friend was waiting to pick me up. When I arrived home, I was well received by Sylvie but it took Seb about an hour to thaw out, lol!!! My friend had cleaned the house for me and also got some basic supplies in, she is a treasure indeed.
I had a wonderful holiday with some great people and I am forming some wonderful friendships. I thank them one and all for their hospitality and their generosity. I also enjoyed both their feline and canine friends and it certainly made
my holiday even more enjoyable. Until the next time.............
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