Final Transmission Part 1

Hi,
We took the boat out six or seven miles from Kaikoura and tracked 3 sperm whales. We were able to move within 40 feet of them watching them blow and then finally taking deeps breath and diving which revealed their flukes. If that wasn't fantastic enough--we watched 60 or 70 Duster dolphins jump out of the water and twirl then diving and swimming next to the boat. I've never seen so many dolphins in my life--in one or event or cumulatively! It was so joyful--I could have stayed out there forever with them. We went on a couple of hikes before heading down to Gore Bay where we spent 3 days in the sun--hiking in the nearby hills and walking on the beach. We watched surfers, birds soaring, clouds floating, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, children running in and out of the surf with such glee, and the ever changing sea. When everything was packed up for that final drive down the coast, we said our goodbyes to our great hosts and made our way to the Christchurch airport. Everything went without a hitch until we got to the Vancouver airport. This beautiful private airport was our choice for a transfer into the US because of previous trips that we'd take through this very efficient and clean port. However, with all the recent scares security was intense and thorough. Customs took over two hours and was an organizational nightmare. They are not at all prepared for the coming Olympics. We walked out the tarmac to the airplane in a cold rain. When we arrived in Portland, we again walked out onto the tarmac with cold rain and wind and pools of water on the asphalt. It was dark! Rude return after many days in the sun and sunsets that began at 9PM. We were picked up by Micah and Emily and then joined by David and Joan and had a wonderful dinner together. I feel so lucky to have them in my life and to be reunited. It feels strange and yet good to be home again. There will be a couple of posts in the coming days to wrap up this great NZ journey--mostly observations we'd made along the way. Hope you are all toasty warm and in good health. Much love, Linny