This post starts with a photo of my lovely hosts in Spray, Oregon, Wes and Kris. They own the property that Chris and Robyn help manage, and where they are staying. I’m grateful to these generous folks for all they have done for my family, and for continuing to open their hearts in true “Western” style.
My flights to Auckland were uneventful, except that we were skirting a large cyclone that was developing in the Pacific. It’s a bit terrifying when the pilot tells you about the storm and probable turbulence (I wish I’d paid attention to that safety bit they did as we taxied out of Honolulu!) But no worries in the end. The airport in Honolulu has changed since I was last there back last century – much more open. I was able to grab a quick lunch while enjoying the view of one of the gardens in the terminal.
After more than a month of very hot and dry weather, Auckland is now having a week of constant rain, just in time for my visit 🙁 and just before the cyclone remnants will hit the islands. So there probably won’t be any good touristy photos of the lush green landscape, active volcanoes, fantastic beaches and other sights near Auckland. But here’s a photo of my Sydney childhood friends Denis and Hugh Keal, and their wives Lis and Jenny, who were New Zealand penfriends from childhood. This time I’m staying with Denis and Lis, and Hugh and Jenny live walking distance away. We all went out to dinner at the “Elevation Cafe and Restaurant” which is the highest elevation restaurant in Auckland.
All you can see out of the window is the clouds that were enshrouding the Waikatere ranges, but the view should have been more like this, according to their listing on Yelp:
I hope at some point in these next few days I can share some photos of my own that look more like that!
