Off to see Albi in Auckland

Friday 19 June

Time for us to head north for a spot of dog-sitting in Auckland. Surprise freeze overnight in Kaiapoi - so we were pleased that we were testing out the new oil column heater we had just bought to keep Banjo warm during our house-sitting absences over the next few months. It was so cold that the drip from the hose tap was frozen solid.

Packed up, hitched up, put our cases in the Pajero, swung by the dump station in Kaiapoi then parked up outside Ella & Josh’s place as they’re looking after Banjo for us. Said our farewells to the hoodlums who were resting peacefully in their crates - such great progress versus 18 months ago.

Ella took us to CHC airport, in past the lovely Flox mural, and the lighthouse style control tower with clouds emanating like light beams, and after just a half hour delay we were on board our JetStar flight to AKL. We had the extra leg room seats over the wings so had to promise to be responsible adults and activate the emergency exits if it ever came to that. Must have had a following wind as we arrived almost on time; Amy picked us up and soon we remembered Auckland’s biggest flaw… traffic!

Still, we avoided most of the Friday afternoon queues as we headed INTO town, to Sandringham. A lovely reunion with Louis’ sister Sara & the whānau, lots of briefing on house & dog care, then we had dinner before Louis drove everyone back to the airport for their flight to China. 🇨🇳 Albi joined us at the table as per house rules and had the biggest goodbyes from the family!

Meanwhile, Albi & I had big snuggles, went for a walk round the block and I unpacked.

It’s odd being back in the city we called home for 15 years, but feeling like visitors… I think the South Island and our itinerant life in Banjo have really got under our skin!