An Adventure to New Zealand - Part 3

Author Message   Harold J. Saling, Jr. Member Username: Hal_s Post Number: 19 Registered: 01-2007 Posted From: 76.118.135.59 Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2010 - 02:20 pm:    Hi Lester: I had been to Australia in 2007 (Jan to Feb) for about 2-3 weeks. If you have access to the archives you can see my trip reports. Hal Saling - Travel Light   Lester Green Advanced Member Username: Rtgreen5 Post Number: 281 Registered: 03-2007 Posted From: 69.143.222.224 Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2010 - 02:19 am:    Harold: Thanks for the trip report. Since you were half-way around the world, I'm curious as to why you did not spend some time in Australia and then take Space A back from Richmond to Hickam, instead of flying back commercially.   Harold J. Saling, Jr. Member Username: Hal_s Post Number: 18 Registered: 01-2007 Posted From: 76.118.135.59 Posted on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 - 02:49 pm:    Hi John: I was delightfuly surprised that there was no snow visible. I did have plans on digging out. Hal - Travel Light   KSYR Senior Member Username: Ksyr Post Number: 622 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 74.33.204.59 Posted on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 - 01:02 pm:    HAL, DID YOU HAVE TO DIG YOUR CAR OUT AT STEWART? WE DID WHEN WE GOT BACK FROM HIK.   Harold J. Saling, Jr. Member Username: Hal_s Post Number: 17 Registered: 01-2007 Posted From: 76.118.135.59 Posted on Monday, March 22, 2010 - 03:31 pm:    On Tuesday we took the ferry for a 20 minute ride to Rangitoto Island. It erupted from the sea in a series of dramatic explosions around 600 yrars ago. This makes it the youngest island in the Hauraki Gulf and the last and largest volcano to be formed in the auckland volcanic field. We walked to the summit which is 259 meters above sea level. It took one and a half hours but was worth it. A few minutes later about 40 school kids, ages 10-12, showed up and weren't even out of breath. To be young again. Tuesday we rested and prepared for our return home. I caught upon my journal and sent e-mails home. Wednesday we left Auckland for Sydney, AU, on Qantas. It was a three hour flight and waited three hours for a flight to Hawaii. It was a nine hour an thirty five minute flight (5,200 miles) to Honolulu. We say three movies and were fed twice. The cost was $1054NZ ($742US.) When we landed at Honolulu International Airport, we took a cab to Hickam AMC Terminal. I took the cab because there might be a flight leaving in a short time. But that wasn't the case. Kevin's son was in Hawaii for some training. So we spent the afternoon with him. We got an apartment ($78.00) at Bldg 925 at Hickam, near the "O" Club. This is about a 20-25 minute walk from the Lodging Offic. There were four flights leaving for Travis AFB on Thursday. The 0610 flight had 10 seats. We did e not try for that because the flight was from Australai and pax were manifested through. Our frends, Pat an George, were on that flight. The 0740 flight was cancelled as well as one for the afternoon. The evening flight left sometime during the wee hours of Thursday. On Friday we showed for a 0440 hours showtime for a KC-135 to Travis. I believe there were 20 seats. We were #52 and #53 on the list; first two CAT VI. We got the same room for Friday night. There was a flght going to Pease ARB, NH, and about 50 minutes later a flight was going to Dover AFB, DE. So I did some research at the library. There was only 25 miles difference between Dover to Stewart and Pease to Stewart. A lot of car rental locations have short hours for Saturday and closed on Sunday. So, I chose Pease ARB. When we would get in we would take a bus to Logan Airport, in Boston, then rent a car and be on our way. That is what we planned. There were three CAT III, one CAT V and four CAT VI. This particular KC-135 was warm. A lot better than my last KC-135 flight; I almost froze. About a half hour out from Pease, we were advised that there were high winds and the pilot would make two attempts to land; if not then on to Bangor International Airport in Maine. Well, that is where we went. Kevin, Bill and I rented the last full size car from Avis. Since it as a one way it was very expensive; $337.00. Since the cost was split three ways it was $130.00 to include gas and tolls for each of us. We spent the night at the local Days Inn. We arrived at Stewart Iternational Airport at 1600 hours, turned in the car and headed home. We got home at 2130/2200 hours. It was a 700 mile trip total on the road. We were gone 25days and had a wonderful trip. If you are interested in going to New Zealand, look at the schedule of flights from Stewart AGB. Give the pax rep a call and they can advise you accordingly. Regardless of where you travel try to have as much seniority as possible. When the Lodging Office tells you that there are no more rooms, keep bugging them as you travel. Never take NO for an answer. Go to the Office and see them one-on-one. If there is an O-6 in your party ask for O-6 quarters. The same goes for E-9 quarters. Hal Saling - Travel Light P.S. When you travel spread the word about this website. I met some people that have never heard of this site and it showed.