Well I said I would 'do a blog' so here it is! It's starting to sink in that I am flying to the other side of the world to do a 'walk'! It's been a crazy couple of days - yesterday was getting Alex organised and on the plane to Vietnam, today was my turn.

Interesting packing when you know you have to carry everything on your back for 790kms, so I was pleasantly surprised when the scales at the airport showed the magic numbers 6.4kg. I have a wee bit more in my hand luggage but very pleased with my restraint.

In the Koru Club at Auckland Airport listening to the conversation of the English woman a couple of seats away. Apparently the dog chewed her passport (I thought they only chewed homework!) and this has caused all sorts of dramas that obviously her husband (on the other side of the world!) did not appreciate and made a "churlish" comment and then was hung up on! Said husband then phoned back and tried to repair the damage - think all is good on the marital front now as apparently she is now looking to being home and will be heading to the gym and taking the dog for a walk on her return to the UK! Eavesdropping is good fun.

Hopefully I can successfully post this now, must send the address to those of you who have kindly shown interest!