We left Mt Maunganui on Wednesday afternoon and drove to our daughter and son-in-law's home where we stayed for a couple of nights. Thursday was an important day in the Lumsden household as it was Zoe's birthday. We all enjoyed dinner at a restaurant in Hamilton and then it was time for us to say goodbye to the children before they went to bed. This is always a sad time as they grow up and change so much in six months. Coffee, chatting and last minute packing and we headed to bed late knowing that the alarm was set for 3.15 am. After quick showers, and an early coffee (and another quick hug with Jake who happened to hear us, we left the farm before 4 am. Three quarters of an hour later we were in Manukau and we received a text to advise that our 6.30 am flight had been cancelled! We were not impressed. A 'phone call to Air New Zealand, and after being told we would be on an afternoon flight to Brisbane and then to Melbourne during the evening, we asked for another option. Just as well we did, as they then offered us an 08.55 am direct flight to Melbourne. We happily accepted this option. At 05.00 am there is no alternative than McDonalds for coffee and breakfast which is not normally a choice we would make, however, it was better than nothing. With car returned, we checked in for our flight only to find we were booked on the 11.40 am flight. One friendly Air New Zealand staff member to the rescue and through customs and on to the plane. Melbourne here we come. We are now staying in Wheelers Hill for the next thirteen days. Time to catch up with family and friends, Peter to visit Perth and Sydney to meet with work colleagues, and generally enjoy being back in Melbourne.