April 23-24, 10 am NZ time.  April 22-23. 3 pm US time

We got a message at 1100 April 18 that our 1215 flight from Inyokern was canceled.  But, no worries, we were rebooked for the next day.  Tiny problem: the new IYK flight would arrive at LAX after the Air New Zealand left.  We rebooked the Air NZ making our arrival in NZ a day late.  Upon checking in at Air New Zealand we found out that NZ does not like having nonresidents fly in with a one way ticket.  After a big to do they decided we could get on the plane if we showed them our papers proving that Sunrise was indeed in NZ and she was our mode of departure. They used our official documents to call NZ immigration and customs. NZ told them, oh yeh, those people have been here lots of times, we know them and they always leave when they are supposed to.  Whew!  It’s good to have a good reputation.

On the flight I watched The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel recommended by Betty.  LOVED it and shed many a  happy tear at the end.  It kind of represents life as Barry and I live it.  The Life of Pi was a wonderful movie – thanks, Ruth.

Waterview Lodge - view of the Bay of Islands from our balcony.