THE TRIP - Epilogue

The end, well almost. Just the small matter of a 10hr flight to London then a quick hop up to Manchester. Back in the hands of the UK national carrier, British Airways. So far, in all my journeys, only BA have misplaced luggage. Not to disappoint, they did it it again. I got back to Yorkshire on the Sunday and my bag arrived on the Wednesday. I thanked the courier who delivered it to me and he said, "no problem, I've got three drops in Leeds, two more in Wakefield, one in Pontefract and one in Weatherby", they don't misplace many then!

On the subject of pros and cons, sorry my GE friends....Plus Deltas!

Deltas.....
BA, LA traffic, touts in Bangkok, Kruise America Camper vans and their products and service. All things considered, that's not bad after 91 days on the road!

Plus.....
Everything else!

Particular mention and thanks to,...... how can I do this in an even handed way? How about chronologically. So, thanks to God who created the heavens and the earth..... ok, not that far back maybe. How about starting, thanks to ME for taking the decision to do this whole thing in the first place? Why not, thanks Hamish!

Then, (please don't let me forget anyone, please!!)

Mum, for not looking too shocked when I told you what I was planning and for being on the end of the line throughout.

Adam, for doing a good job looking after my Yorkshire affairs and being on the end of the line when you were not playing poker!

Pete & Ryan, for letting me use the free parking in Poynton.

Graham, Kaye, Henry Dude and all the family and friends who made my stay in Australia and my 50th birthday so very special. (Don't think for a moment that I wont be back!)

In New Zealand, Maui Camper vans, thoroughly recommended if you ever fancy a freedom trip there. A place called 'Flat White Cafe' in Waihi (told you you would get a mention!). Doubtful Emma, thanks for enjoying the dark beer. Cousin William for the lovely meal. I Tunes for getting me back in to my love of music. And thank you New Zealand for being much much more than my expectations, and my expectations were high! Mount Cook can hide, but I will find you one day and that's a promise!!

West coast USA, thanks to John for a good meal, chat, big boys toys shop at Frys, the route advice and the more than welcome sleeping bags. I hope we meet again so I can return the hospitality. Thanks also to Alex Lester (radio 2 DJ) who engaged in a fun e-mail exchange with me, good luck with your Mustang adventure, stay out of LA or upgrade your insurance!! Then there was the rescue party from Wakefield who had decided that I had been gone to long and took two weeks to persuade me to come back! Graham, Colin and Elaine helped me enjoy some wonderful times in California and Nevada.

Finally, thanks to Jude and Al who went out of their way to get me from the airport back to my car, and refreshing me with a calming Ribena!

Full circle as McDuck returns to source, what a responsibility that's been!

Till the next time........

......This could be the end but if you would like me to continue letting you know by e-mail that there has been an update on this blog, please e-mail me to say you want including. I'll continue doing it but I don't want to be a pest. Thank you for all your comments and encouragement over the last few months.