ORD --> SFO --> AUK --> NSN

Today begins Sabbatical 2.1! We convened at the Oppermann house in Brookfield and loaded up the van with everyone's luggage. Liam wins the prize for most stuff! The amount of cargo space in a minivan is quite impressive!

On our way to the airport, we received a notification that our flight was delayed. Luckly, we left early enough that there was an earlier flight we could be rebooked on! Unfortunately, this was just the start of airplane delays and what not. A 3 hour delay meant we were going to be very tight on our connection.

Arriving in San Francisco, the gate agents informed us that the flight to Auckland had departed. There is only one flight a day to New Zealand so this meant we'd have a 24 hour delay to the start of our trip. However, Keely ran ahead to the gate just in case! Lucky for us, there was a fuel problem and the plane was still at the gate. The incredibly helpful gate agents were able to get us back on the plane!! What luck!

Liam slept for much of the flight and was a very good traveler! We arrived safely in Auckland and had one last flight from Auckland to Nelson. Unfotunately, Grandma and Grandpa Barnowsky's bags didn't make it to Auckland!

We picked up some supplies and headed to the house in Kaiteriteri - a hour and half drive on the wrong side of the road! We ordered some pizza and got situated in the house and ready for the big hike tomorrow!