The Long Trip Home

Had an early start. Had a good hot breakfast, then while I stored the bags in the car Lynley went off to change an item of clothes she had brought the previous night, but turned out to be the wrong size. Around 10 am walked down to the Eaton Mall for a litle bit of last minute shopping (for the boys). Around 11.45 we started for the airport. Checked the car into the rental return, then started looking for the United check in. We were in the wrong terminal, with a little local help we caught the monorail to the right terminal and began check in. The plane left at 3.10 pm and flew to Chicago. We had about 1 1/2 hour wait before flying on to LA. When we arrived in LA we didn't know what terminal we had to go to to check in with Air New Zealand. With a little local help we caught the commuter bus (runs between terminals) and checked in. The plane was 1 1/2 hours late (so instead of a 9.30 pm departure it would be around 11 pm before we would board. To compensate Air New Zealand gave us a credit of US$10 each to have a meal (not much choice in the international sections food wise, when compared to the US domestic services offered. Did a little duty free shopping for the boys. The trip home was very good. Air New Zealand is miles ahead of United when it comes to service and planes. The Air New Zealand 747 had personal screens, with up to 80 different programmes on demand. There was more leg space and the meals and service was great (United charges for in flight food, even when you are flying 4+ hours). As I said we had a great flight, I got to watch some very recent movies (get smart, iron man, bank job etc.) Breakfast wasnt too great -only two choices left (fruit plate or ceral, which turned out to be weetbix). Arrive around 6.45 am, which meant we missed our conecting flight. However, arrived in Wellington at 9.30 am. Regan had my car to meet us and we drove back to the Wairarapa, arriving around 11.30.
The big trip is now over.
The highlights;

We drove 6790 km's. saw some wonderful sights, had some excellent B&B's to stay in. All were very friendly. If I had to rank the best B&B, then it would beVilla Beau Sejour (run by Diane and Jacques) in Levis, Quebec. We enjoyed talking with them and they did all they could to make our stay at their house smooth and enjoyable. The best sight was Halls Harbour in Nova Scotia, and whale watching.

Would recommend Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as three provinces worth visiting. Sorry I didn't get to Cape Breton Island...may be next time.