Faimbly Flys In With Dirty Boots

I thought Lynne and I had worked pretty well over the web and a few
phone calls to cover off all the logistics. She would bring some kit
for me from Melbourne - stuff I didn't need while working in
Wellington. Bike helmet (I really want to ride a motorbike over here
before I move home again) gloves, walking boots. She packed my boots
and wore her own. Oops! The quarantine arrival declaration asks about
used hiking gear - with soil on it. Being an honest soul, Lynne ticked
that box. The flight was late arriving anyway, but they then had a
somewhat frustrating time waiting for the boots to be scrubbed clean by
a friendly NZ official. Oblivious to all this, I sat out in the
meeting area, trying to ignore the TV screen that amused the rest of
the waiting throng. I haven't switched on the TV in my flat for about
2 months. Time passed. The Japanese tour group gathered, grew, and
were gone. The waiting area thinned out. Had I missed them? I had
recommended to Lynne that if I missed the rendezvous for any reason
(flight delays/cancellations) she should just get into town to the
hotel. I felt sure she would have scanned the arrivals area pretty
thoroughly first. The arrival screen showed them landing 15 minutes
late at 2320. It was now well after midnight. It's only a small
airport. There were maybe five flights arriving around this time. had
they missed it and not texted me from Melbourne? I don't usually worry
about the day that will never come. My growing unease led to pacing
around the arrivals hall, pushing my trolley. There was Ailsa - now
Angus, and Lynne, looking tired but happy to be out. After hearing the
suggestion that 'my boots caused all the delay', we gathered ourselves
up, and moved to get the shuttle bus into town. This stuff was not
going to fit into a taxi.
Christchurch was still in party mode - and looked a bit like Wellington
with loads of young people (students?) hanging around waiting to get
into nightclubs - one in a skimpy top. It was close to zero. Nothing
not seen every weekend in Edinburgh or Glasgow I suppose. Winter or
summer.

We unloaded the luggage. Lynne paid the driver. I checked us in. It
was time to hit the sack. Angus and Ailsa were far too excited. About
0200 we switched off the lights.

Early start tomorrow. We can pick up the motor home at 1000. Great -
we'll be well on our way by lunch time.