All good things must come to an end

Our flight out of Broome was scheduled for 2pm, so we were delighted when Mangrove Resort extended our checkout time to midday. Not only that but they offered us their courtesy bus for the trip to the airport. Hence, we could enjoy much of the morning, when we weren’t packing, lazing by the pool.
Not much to report about the trip home. Broome airport subjected everyone to the most rigorous security scans that we’d ever experienced. The flight was only about 1/3 full so we were able to spread ourselves out.
Perth airport was a bit of a challenge. Brian’s flight was due to leave from the same domestic terminal, so that was fine, but trying to work out the departure arrangements for Elspeth’s Auckland flight was more difficult, with Qantas ground staff nowhere to be seen. In desperation Brian even tried to ask the girl behind the newsagent counter, but she knew even less than we did. Eventually we established that Elspeth had to catch a transfer bus to Terminal 1, but even the bus stop was well hidden. Eventually we made our fond farewells as Elspeth boarded the bus.
Brian scored a points upgrade to Business Class for his flight to Brisbane, which was nice - again easing the transition from absolute luxury to everyday life. A short time luxuriating in the Business Lounge followed by a seat at the pointy end of the plane made for a comfortable trip home. Julie and Helen were there in the middle of the night to greet their father and drive him home.
Even though everything went to plan the solo part of Elspeth’s homeward journey was more challenging, starting with the long overnight flight from Perth to Auckland. A bonus was breakfasting with daughter and son-in-law Jeannie and Simon who greeted her at Auckland airport before she boarded the flight to Wellington. She then endured a bus to the railway station, a train trip to Waikanae station and a bus home.
Looking back, we agreed that it had been a great couple of weeks, and that our travel companion arrangement had worked well. Even in the confines of a small twin cabin we were able to accommodate each other’s habits and foibles without too much effort. Here’s to the next trip, wherever and whenever that may be!En savoir plus