Wednesday, 28 January 2015

This is the second post, which is now being done by yours truly (the Sheep is not IT literate).  I have been allowed by my sainted wife Lynne (and not so sainted daughter Heather) to go on my gap period (31 days) between retiring and commencing semi-retirement.  This will not be a fantastic, exciting blog that you can see on seasoned traveller's professional blogs.  This will be a record of the build up and the actual odyssey to keep my friends (?) and family up to date with my progress. For those who don't know the details...here goes.
I will finish work on Friday 13th. February (lucky for some) and I fly out from Glasgow on Monday 16th February on the EMIRATES daily flight to Dubai where I catch an EMIRATES A380 (the big double decker) to AUCKLAND (via Melbourne).  I will have a few days in Auckland to recover from the 27 hours travelling and see the sights.  I have hired an old style "hippie" Campervan (no toilet) for 3 weeks with the intention of travelling the length of NZ North and South Islands.  The itinerary is all planned but is also flexible.  After this I have 3 days to recuperate and maybe wash, if I need it...the intention is to go North to the most Northerly point in NZ.  Then it is back home the reverse way except this time I have a 9 hour stopover in Dubai and EMIRATES kindly provide an hotel for the stay.  That is it for now...will elaborate on some of the finer points before take-off in the next 2 weeks and 2 days...meantime if any one has tips or input please let me know. 

Sunday, 25 January 2015

we're going to NZ

This is SHUGGY...the old dude (to be named later) has decided to retire. From leaving work to putting his feet up he has decided to go on a gap period of 30 days to NEW ZEALAND.  I will accompany him as a mascot and companion.

This is me SHUGGY the sheep (handsome ain't I).  I was bought for the old dude's daughter about 15 years ago.  I reckon I am wearing quite well...whadya think?  He thought it would be good to take me along as there are a lot of sheep in NZ...any way this is my first post on the blog so I am still learning...next is the i-pad.
THREE WEEKS TO GO  until take off...will keep you updated on the progress and details as it occurs.