Up, up and away. Thursday 1 May

Suitcases packed (2 of), correct visas obtained, passport at the ready and flight checked in. Time to start our next adventure to Canada. We're about to embark on a 19 day Rockies Explorer coach and train tour through APT plus a 7 day Holland America cruise of Alaska's Inside Passage. I'll then be heading to Hedley to stay with Vicki and Joe for 3 weeks, hence the second suitcase full of things for them. if I am ever likely to be checked by Border Force it is likely to be because of the assortment of goodies I've managed to cram into that suitcase! Nothing illegal of course, but very eclectic, just like my sister... Im a bit concerned about the weight of the 2 suitcases as they are both about 21 kilos. Half of my case contains clothes, but the other half is 'stuff' like toiletries, medical kit, travel accessories, oh and shoes. I'm sure that the clothes could have fitted in cabin luggage, so do I really need all the extras? The next 6 weeks will tell because Im definitely not opening that suitcase again! Finally it was time to go and pick up Jo and bring her back to my place. As I'm a repeat APT traveller, I get transport both to and from the airport. Our lovely Hughes limousines driver arrived right on time at 1.30 and we headed off in style to the airport where we easily checked in and then made our way to the Qantas lounge, which is very underwhelming. Time to board our flight to Brisbane which was delayed 20 minutes. Seat 3F up the pointy end of the plane was most comfortable and our flight attendant was most attentive. Farewell Adelaide. See you in 6 weeks!

Strong tail winds meant that we almost made up the lost time, arriving at the airport at about 6.50. Our bags didnt take long to appear on the carousel so with that we headed in the general direction of the Ibis airport hotel. I struggled a bit with the 2 suitcases on our 10+ minute walk as the black suitcase didnt like getting on the travelators, or going over rough pavement. Guess which of the suitcases I will be leaving with Vicki??? Checked into our hotel room. Breathed collective sighs of relief that our long awaited holiday has finally commenced. Will be an early night as we have booked the shuttle for the international airport for 6.45 in the morning. Nice cuppa before lights out and it's nigh nigh from me for now.