We'll head to the airport (SYD) fairly early to gain access to the fabulous Air New Zealand Lounge.
The Airport Mercure has been a satisfactory stopover spot, especially since we got a great rate. The shuttle costs AUD $6 each way per person. It isn't much more than a five-minute drive but the concept of the free hotel shuttle is not too common outside North America.
Our travel schedule looks like this:
United 0840
Depart: SYD 1:50 PM
Arrive: LAX 10:14 AM Non-stop
13h 24m
Boeing 747-400
7,483 miles traveled
United 0556
Depart: LAX 11:47 AM
Arrive: SFO 1:09 PM Non-stop
1h 22m
Airbus A319
337 miles traveled
United 0820
Depart: SFO 1:40 PM
Arrive: SEA 3:45 PM Non-stop
2h 5m
Airbus A319
678 miles traveled
So another 8000-and-change miles in our account when we arrive in Seattle just about 25 hours - and still May 27 - after writing this post.
Kathy and Brian
Two retired educators alternating joyfully between seeing the world and enjoying our eight grandchildren (in order of birth), Jake, Avery, Taegan, Lily, Peyton, Riley, Blane, and Jace.
Kathy and Brian met in the clarinet section of the University of California (Santa Barbara) Symphony Orchestra several decades ago.
Brian's Western Canadian roots and Kathy's Colorado ties resulted in their making beautiful music together along with producing a cross-border crop of descendants.
Kathy spent a year studying in Vienna at the Institute for European Studies and the University of Vienna.
Brian started the school band program in Hope, British Columbia, and later became the high school's vice-principal for 6 years and subsequently principal for 15 years before retiring in 2001.
Kathy, in between raising our three children, taught kindergarten and first grade, middle school, and high school - mathematics, computer studies, ESL, and her first love, band, before retiring in 2001.
We enjoy sharing our travel experiences and providing the odd travel tip to friends, relatives, and visitors.