Rod's prediction came true. He got notified at 4 AM that our flight was cancelled and immediately got to work finding an alternative. He scored a flight for us only 2.25 hours later than the original, but it did necessitate eliminating our lunch stop and glow worm cave ("we will have to can the worms" he said) and delivered us to the hotel only a hour late.
We learned of the change at our 6:15 wake up call and that gave us some extra free time in the morning. The transfer to Aukland airport was fine, but the particulars of what we had to do for the security screening were lacking. I have been spoiled by TSA Pre and normally don't have to unpack my carry-on at all. It took 2 or 3 trips through the scanner before they determined I had a tablet, Kindle, and camera that all needed to be revealed. Funny that the 2 cell phones could stay where they were. Sandy had left a lighter in her bag and they told her she should have put it in a zipped up jacket pocket and it wouldn't have been flagged. The only logic I could figure out was that if it set her coat on fire, she might notice faster than if it got her backpack.....
This time we had an uneventful flight, collected our luggage and headed north to Paihia. At our first rest stop, we were encouraged to find snacks to replace lunch and I had my first Magnum bar in several months. YUM!
Our next stop was Kawakawa, home to the works of an Austrian architect/artist named Hundertwasser who Sandy was familiar with because of her husband's interests. She had sent me a picture of a very creative public restroom which was located in Kawakawa, along with a lot of his other work. She said the floors of his constructions are always uneven because that is how nature usually is. On Monday when we drive back to Aukland for the flight home, we will stop at another village that features his work.
Finally at the hotel, we minimally unpacked and had dinner. As soon as I save this post, it is time for bed.
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