Time for a brief diary of the start of the trip.  Wish I could figure out how to insert a picture next to a comment more easily.  We'll see how the pics upload.   3/17/12  off we go! 

3/18  family birthday dinner in windy LA,  90 years combined (Mike and Rich), dogs got new toys - stuffed sheep.
3/19  crazy day getting dog's ready for USDA vet appts.  Lauren helped tire them out before their long confinement.  Kaylee looked scared/worried in her crate.  Rx hopped in and got comfortable.
Great flight on Air NZ.  Economy plus definitely worth it.
3/20  didn't happen
3/21  arrived in rainy Auckland, visited the Maritime museum.  Thought of Jeff when we went through the sailing exhibit and learned about the life of Sir Peter Blake.  Learned that dogs aren't allowed in some state parks in NZ because they chase the endangered kiwi birds.
3/22  Medical Council Interview.  Received book on practicing medicine in NZ.  Best chapter is the one on slang terms.  Went up the Sky Tower and tried the kiwi pavlova dessert.