The Long trek south

Left Diamond Springs around 10 am and headed to Sacramento and this shopping mall. Only took 1 hour that to GPS. Very large mall. But seen one you have seen them all. Found what was requested. Had a quick look in Macey's and Nordstrum before hitting the interstate again. About 2 hours to San Francisco International airport. Hit very heavy traffic around Oakland, the beginning of the commuter rush (just before 3 pm). Then the gas light came on (with 35 minutes driving to the airport). Got of the freeway and put a few dollars of gas in the car (we had paid for a tank of gas when we picked up our rental in SFO) so was determined to take it back empty.

Once again thanks to GPS we got back on the freeway with little problems. On the Bay Bridge it was bumper to bumper. However once we moved over to 101 things moved a little easier.

Arrived at the Rental car centre just on 4 pm. Caught the air train to the airport and checked in with American Airlines (AA). Now had 3 odd hours to kill.

The AA departure lounges and terminal was excellent. Not crowded and with lots of shops and food outlets. The terminal is very traveller friendly. Plenty of charging stations, desks to work on and great swivel chairs to relax in.

The flight down to LAX was not crowded (well apart from Business class). We both had a row to ourselves. So, we had a great view of San Francisco and Los Angles. The flight was surprisingly fast-about 45 minutes.

The AA terminal in LAX was the exact opposite to SFO-- very crowded, very few shops (including one very small and poorly stocked duty free store).

The flight back to Auckland was full-a mixture of US folks and New Zealanders (most of who seemed to be returning after watching the All Black lose to Ireland in Chicago.

There was also some very, very large people, who couldn't fit into their seats, so took up a large portion of the aisle as well.

Was a good flight-binged on movies and The Big Bang Theory.

My only complaint is -being at the back section of the plane you don't get to get your first choice of evening meal. You get just what ever has been rejected by those in the forward sections. Hence, the evening meal was not very nice. As was the mid flight snack-took two bites and gave it back.

The flight left at 11.15 pm and the outside temperature was 25 degrees C. Incredible climate in LA.

Flight time was a little over 12 hours-so settled back and watched movies.

Arrival, immigration and customs on arrival was a breeze. Straight through. 

Walked over to the domestic terminal and waited for our 1.35 pm flight. The domestic terminal left little to be desired when compared to San Francisco domestic terminal and those prices-back in expensive NZ now.

Finally arrived back in Greytown around 5.30 pm-overcast, wet and cool. The grass is up to my ankles, so will be mowing the lawns at least twice this week.

She who can not be named headed of to the cat motel to pick up Boris-the magnificent.

Was in bed very early. Buggered/knickers.

That is it folks - another road trip done. Will have to work how many miles we drove. I figure it will be around 3000 miles all up.