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Old 10-08-2018, 09:17 PM
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Default Kiwi’s can fly. The road trip thread

Today is “T” day, for “Travel”.

It’s hard to believe that it was almost 19 months ago that I decided this trip was gonna happen (Karen disn’t get a say, she was sedated in the ICU) and over 5 months since the tickets were booked.

6am this morning the alarm went off. Just after 8:30 my brother arrived for the 45 minute trip to the airport. Whanganui Airpoart is not an international one by any means, but today it qualifies as the starting point for our flights.

Just under an hour in the little propellor driven Saab and we were in Auckland. A 10 minute walk from Domestic to International terminals, a bit of hassle with checking in the guitar case and security (my stainless steel watch and titanium rods in my spine and now it is hurry up and wait for 3-4 hours to go through customs etc and board the Dreamliner.

Thanks to time zones and the international date line while we start our 14 hour flight to Houston at 7 pm we actually arrive before then, about 3pm the same day, so right now I’m counting this as day -1.

Will update as we travel.
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Old 10-08-2018, 09:23 PM
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Cool

I know you’ve been anticipating this trip for a long time. You’ll have to keep us updated on the progress of your Route 66 odyssey. And Route 66 DID go though Cape Coral one time

Be safe in your travels.
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Old 10-08-2018, 09:25 PM
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Bon voyage!! You get to make up that time going back home!! Have a great flight, and welcome to the U S!!

Best Regards, Les
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Old 10-08-2018, 09:27 PM
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An early welcome to the US> Hope that you have safe travels here. Keep us updated on the trip. Your postings don't have to travel so far for the next couple of weeks
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Old 10-08-2018, 09:34 PM
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Safe travels Brent. Your parts came today and are waiting in Missouri.
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Old 10-08-2018, 09:52 PM
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Go to hear from you!
Keep us informed.
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Old 10-08-2018, 10:11 PM
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Hope you both have a great trip.

Gandalf and Frodo said you could bring the Ring and trade it for a Registered Magnum.

Last edited by ditrina; 10-09-2018 at 04:18 PM.
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Old 10-08-2018, 10:17 PM
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Just great, KiwiCop! Glad to see your dream trip actually happening. Safe travels, and please keep us posted!
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Old 10-08-2018, 10:29 PM
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Exciting day! Looking forward to hearing about your travels!
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Old 10-08-2018, 10:36 PM
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And remember, pretty much all hotels/motels here these days have free wifi and internet for guests. And there are always some of us on the forum at any time of day and night.

So if you encounter strange cultural habits, spooky banjo players, unknown foods, and other conundrums, a whole bunch of experts on American culture is just a few mouse-clicks away.
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Old 10-08-2018, 10:38 PM
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Godspeed and God Bless!
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Old 10-08-2018, 11:21 PM
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Glad you are underway. Enjoy.
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Old 10-09-2018, 11:47 AM
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Safe travels for both of you!
Remember, a journey of 10,000 miles begins with a single credit card...oops, I mean a single step.
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Old 10-09-2018, 11:54 AM
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I believe you have my contact info if you need anything. Take care.
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Old 10-09-2018, 04:12 PM
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Quote:
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spooky banjo players
And we can't have that! Can we?

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Enjoy your trip Kiwi cop.
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Old 10-09-2018, 04:21 PM
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We are getting very excited about your visit to Texas. Praying for a safe and rewarding journey!
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Old 10-09-2018, 04:45 PM
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Quote:
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So if you encounter strange cultural habits, spooky banjo players, unknown foods, and other conundrums, a whole bunch of experts on American culture is just a few mouse-clicks away.
I dunno. I think we are more likely examples of American culture rather than experts.
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Old 10-09-2018, 04:54 PM
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Don't forget Collector's firearms. It does not look like much from outside, but if you want to look at guns that is the place.
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Old 10-09-2018, 05:15 PM
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Safe Travels, keep all of us here posted....And we really like pics, Please.


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Old 10-09-2018, 05:23 PM
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Enjoy your trip!

How long was the flight? Hope the U.S. Customs people treated you better than they did me when returning from a trip to the UK!
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Old 10-09-2018, 08:58 PM
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Default An overnight flight....

14 hours on the plane and although we had exit row seats for legroom/getting up and down to move etc still not as comfortable as my easy chair (or bed ).

Immigration was pretty good once on the ground and we were both surprised at no customs. Just two agents near the exit onto the terminal concourse asking about agricultural products and thecontents of my guitar case.

Houston is hot and muggy but not too bad. The rental car is brand new, 23 miles on the clock. I booked and paid for a 4 door auto with air com and the guy at the desk tried to bill me extra saying I had only booked a 2 door hatch. But I got the mid size Hyundai Elantra in the end so that was all sorted out.

After more than 24 hours travelling we got to the motel and just collapsed. We both have sore feet and got very little sleep so an early night and into it tomorrow.
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Old 10-09-2018, 09:15 PM
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Welcome to the USA! Hope you sleep well tonight
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Old 10-09-2018, 09:52 PM
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Looking forward to following your adventures.

I've met a fair few Kiwis this summer. Lots of super folks.
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Old 10-09-2018, 10:34 PM
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welcome to the United States of America...
and don't forget to get your kicks on Route 66...
should have rented a Corvette convertible...lol
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Old 10-10-2018, 08:23 AM
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Searched your posts and didn't find any mention that you brought along Eliza McCartney for me like I asked you to in your earlier thread. Hoping all is not lost.
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Old 10-10-2018, 09:29 AM
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You are in time to listed to the hurricane coverage no stop on TV. Have fun in the Lone Star State. Lots to see.
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Old 10-10-2018, 09:43 AM
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When you get to AZ on 66 PM me, I'll meet ya for some coffee.

Safe travels
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Old 10-10-2018, 09:55 AM
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Welcome! You have lots of friends here you don't even know, here to help should you have the need.
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Old 10-10-2018, 06:43 PM
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Default Sightseeing in Houston

Well today was a revelation in many ways.

My first time driving on a US freeway, and I soon learned that if I stayed in the right hand lane at the speed limit for everyone to pass me either

A) The Lane exited the freeway, but no worries as it entered again just down the road, and

B) The exit I needed was across four or more lanes on the left.

Thankfully Apple Maps guided me most of the time but it is weird being passed on both sides by all types of vehicles, including very big trucks. And while vehicles travel closer than Kiwi drivers are supposed to there is still plenty of room to merge. Things get slow but didn’t come to a complete halt like they do in Auckland and Wellington.

And the maps got me turned around a few times. Even though I had the “no tolls” option selected it twice put me on toll roads, so I’m guessing I won’t be getting all my deposit back when I return the rental.

Anyway, this morning we walked around Houston Zoo until Karen had had enough. Then it was into The Shops at Houston Center for a wander and to buy a few small gifts for those at home. While there ai met a guy named Daniel playing guitar and singing in one of the cafe’s. I had my guitar in the car, just in case, so grabbed it and got a couple of pics. Next I got to Collectors Firearms for a look and drool.

A number of things struck me.

1. The old guns here are in much better condition than the ones at home of the same vintage.

2. New guns (and second hand new models) are very low priced compared to New Zealand.

3. Older second hand guns are far more expensive than at home (example is a Russian SKS in full military configuration (10 round mag plus bayonet) that at home can be had for under NZ$500 going for just under US$1k, courtesy of the Russian sanctions).

My 1903 .32 Auto, although more worn than those on display cost me NZ$250. It may be worth a bit more now, but I saw some very nice examples selling for, again, around US $1,000.

Got back to the motel around 5 pm and staying in for the night.
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Old 10-10-2018, 06:52 PM
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The most important thing to learn in driving on big city highways is the “California Howdy” (google it—I don’t want to get in trouble on the forum). Master it and you will fit right in (your wife can jump right in too!).

I already sense a Texas ‘twang in your typing! You will be Americanized in a few days! Welcome!
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Old 10-10-2018, 07:31 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by robvious View Post
welcome to the United States of America...
and don't forget to get your kicks on Route 66...
should have rented a Corvette convertible...lol
Looked at a Mustang convertible but it was more than the cst of flights and the rental combined for less time.
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Old 10-10-2018, 07:32 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bill2000 View Post
Searched your posts and didn't find any mention that you brought along Eliza McCartney for me like I asked you to in your earlier thread. Hoping all is not lost.
Sorry Eliza was busy training.
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Old 10-10-2018, 07:35 PM
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Kiwi, re your pix, you are in the northern hemisphere now. You need to turn yourself right-side up!
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Old 10-10-2018, 09:57 PM
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Kiwi, re your pix, you are in the northern hemisphere now. You need to turn yourself right-side up!
Something about this site’s photo uploader turns them around. I can assure everyone I’m not going around standing on my head
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Old 10-10-2018, 10:41 PM
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Kiwi; Sounds like you & yours are having the trip of a lifetime. Enjoy & keep us posted. And Good Luck.
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Old 10-10-2018, 11:09 PM
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Great post of your first experiences. I look forward to the continuing saga.

Get off the beaten path a bit. Great things and people to see!

Enjoy.
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Old 10-10-2018, 11:29 PM
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Sounds like a great trip. Have as much fun as you can stand.

BTW, here's Kiwi cop not hanging from the rafters!
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Old 10-11-2018, 03:22 AM
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Any idea why used guns are in poorer shape back home than in TX? Do Kiwis just take less good care of things? Fewer guns there, used longer and harder?

I haven't been in that store, but my son has and says it has some nice stuff.

Tried Mexicn food yet?
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Old 10-11-2018, 03:43 AM
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Hope you enjoy your trip here, Prices on used S&W firearms vary across the US and by model as well. The Big gunshow here in Tulsa in Nov. you'd see price differences of easily more than $100 US dollars on the same make,model, condition firearm. If you are up to it try some BBQ while here.
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Old 10-11-2018, 08:53 AM
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Quote:
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Sorry Eliza was busy training.
So was I. Have a terrific trip.
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Old 10-11-2018, 10:23 AM
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Quote:
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Next I got to Collectors Firearms for a look and drool.
I've done some business with Collectors Firearms. They'll deal a little on their prices, especially if you find something that's been sitting there a good while. But even when they deal, the price is still higher than you might see somewhere else. At least that was my experience.
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Old 10-11-2018, 12:14 PM
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Good timing......... cool and before the snow storms ?
Have a safe trip and enjoy the Getar in this "Northern air !!

Remember now.......
up here we drive on the right side of the road.
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Old 10-11-2018, 12:48 PM
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Welcome to the US, hope you have a great trip! Do you turn on the wipers everytime you want to signal a turn! I was in NZ in March with my daughter and her spouse and as the controls were reversed from my car here I frequently turned on the wipers when preparing to turn. They laughed at me and I explained I was just testing them in the event of a sudden shower.

I am planning on returning to NZ the end of the month, it will be my fourth visit there and I hope you enjoy our country as much as I do your's. Time for some trout fishing and meat pies, a bit of your great wines are on the agenda also.Have a wonderful time here.
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Old 10-11-2018, 06:15 PM
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Quote:
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Any idea why used guns are in poorer shape back home than in TX? Do Kiwis just take less good care of things? Fewer guns there, used longer and harder?

I haven't been in that store, but my son has and says it has some nice stuff.

Tried Mexicn food yet?
I guess a lot of the old stuff was not looked after and just rusted away. When handguns were banned except for police, military and Bank guards way, way, back in time, a lot ended up being destroyed. (And bank guards had theirs taken away in 1967).

I also think that firearms are more valued in the US.
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Old 10-11-2018, 06:27 PM
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Originally Posted by hsguy View Post
Welcome to the US, hope you have a great trip! Do you turn on the wipers everytime you want to signal a turn! I was in NZ in March with my daughter and her spouse and as the controls were reversed from my car here I frequently turned on the wipers when preparing to turn. They laughed at me and I explained I was just testing them in the event of a sudden shower.

I am planning on returning to NZ the end of the month, it will be my fourth visit there and I hope you enjoy our country as much as I do your's. Time for some trout fishing and meat pies, a bit of your great wines are on the agenda also.Have a wonderful time here.
One of my personal cars is set up with European/US controls and when I get back into the patrol car after 3-4 days off it takes me an hour or three to get used to the controls again. Even so, yes I hit the wipers now and then

Today we headed to the Space Center and then to the USS Texas. I was more confident in my freeway driving and only got “bushed” once when two large trucks in front of me hid the “lane must exit” sign until I had no choice but to exit. But I have worked out the U turn system in Houston so soon got back on track.

Apple Maps gave me my first wrong details when it made me go past the entrance to the Space Centre, but I soon worked that out too, without them help of Maps. I did realise part way through the drive this morning that after a lifetime of looking up and to the left for the centre mirror I was not using it. Looking right and left to the door mirrors is second nature and when I found that center mirror it all became just that little bit easier.

While st the Texas site we headed across the road to the SAN Jacinto memorial.

And I managed to miss those toll roads

As for the food, well the free breakfast at the motel is so good that neither one of us is wanting lunch, and a light dinner at night instead of going out. But that’ll change. I am looking forward to Mexican food.

We would have liked a few more days in Houston but time doesn’t allow it. Too many places to go, things to see and people to meet!

Tomorrow we go to San Antonio.
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Last edited by Kiwi cop; 10-11-2018 at 06:58 PM.
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Old 10-11-2018, 06:51 PM
Usmc5811 Usmc5811 is offline
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I don’t know if you can get it downloaded but the phone app WAZE is excellent for driving in the US. It also will let you know if there is a wreck, pothole, police, etc ahead of you and how far it is. Either way enjoy your trip and have fun!!
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Old 10-11-2018, 07:58 PM
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Liking the pics but some guy keeps getting his head in the way!
Welcome.
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Old 10-11-2018, 08:50 PM
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Soundsike you're having a great time so far.

Interstate Hiway exit tip: there are exit numbers at the top of the sign. If the number is on the right side, that's where the exit will be. If it's on the left top, it'll be on that side.

Last edited by garystl; 10-11-2018 at 09:00 PM.
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Old 10-11-2018, 08:59 PM
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Hi Kiwi cop,

I sincerely hope your American vacation is filled with great adventures and memories that will make the effort truly worthwhile.

Best of luck! Have a wonderful time!
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Old 10-11-2018, 09:26 PM
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Looks like you're having a great time. I must say it's about time to see a pic or 2 of your traveling companion. Hint, Hint.

You got a little sideways on us again!
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