WE HAVE RE ENTRY!

As we settled into our seats on New Zealand Airlines and prepared for the short flight from Christchurch to Auckland, we were a bit sad to be leaving New Zealand, but extremely grateful that we had the opportunity to spend so much time in this beautiful place. As we flew over the South Island, looking out the window, we were able to see another perspective of this awesome place. This beautiful island of snow covered peaks, lush green pasture, and golden prairie land surrounded by a beautiful blue ocean.

As we reached the North Island, I had been giving my neck a rest, when Johnny asked me if I could see Mount Egmont. Thank goodness he said something, because when I looked out the window, there she was! The perfect peak of a beautiful snow covered volcano, sitting high above a heavy blanket of clouds. It was fantastic! The Big Dog came through once again!

As we were flying north across the equator, it was sunset, and Johnny pointed out the window to show me how the evening light was bending around the earth. What a wonderful and peaceful way to say good night to the beautiful land down under.

Air New Zealand took us back to the U.S. in style. Enjoying a lovely dinner, New Zealand wine, and 2 movies. We arrived in Honolulu at 10:30p.m. and took a bus to our hotel in Waikiki Beach.

We spent the next 2 days relaxing, boogie boarding and swimming in the warm water. I enjoyed an art and music festival in the park while Johnny watched a women's volley ball competition at the beach. (you go big dog) Not knowing what to expect, we were both pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed Waikiki Beach. What a nice way to de-compress after the long flight.

We arrived in Colorado to a record snow year! We have not had this much snow in the Colorado Rockies in over 10 years! Yippie! The base at the ski areas is far above normal for this time of year, and the forecast is looking good for more snow! It has been bitter cold! -20 F at night and not getting above 0 F in the day time! Ouch! We are hoping that a long cold spell will kill off the Pine Beetles that have taken so many of our trees in the past several years.

After being home for a couple of weeks, we have had time to reflect on our incredible trip. We are very thankful that we were able to spend so much time in beautiful New Zealand. The people are genuine, kind, caring, hard working and honest. It is obvious that family and environment are very high on their priority list. It was like the U.S. must have been back in the 1950's. Nearly Everywhere we went, there were "honesty boxes" where you could pay for oranges along the road, or pull into a holiday park after hours, put your $20 kiwi dollars in a yogurt cup and have a restful night of sleep, what a wonderful world!

The New Zealand landscapes are magnificent! And we enjoyed every nook and cranny that we explored! Every little town and larger city was fun and had something to offer. We highly recommend New Zealand to other travelers, and we hope some day we may return again to bask once again, in the beauty of this great land.

I guess the epiphany we brought home from our travel, is that, we Americans place too much value on material things. We had everything we needed and more, in our little camper van. Luxury can be as simple as, one pair of jeans, a rain coat a pair of gum boots,a sunny day, a warm smile, a beautiful flower, a meat pie, a handle of beer,good conversation, people who really care about each other, a rich fertile environment to raise animals, fruits and vegetables, a simple life and protecting the precious environment that supports all of these treasures.

In the mean time, we are home, and wake up each glorious day in Dillon, Colorado, with an amazing playground in our back yard! The Rocky Mountains!

Although disenchanted with some of the realities of re-entry. We are happy to have a warm home to come back to. And very thankful for our family, friends and the beauty of this beautiful place we call home.

To Quote a very wise, elderly woman who was a tenant, in an apartment building where we once lived.

"Life is good, wild and sweet"

That pretty much sums it up!

Cheers!