Arrived in AU / Time to breathe

Nov 2

I referenced the First Class upgrade from MSP to LAX not to brag, but to say that we were given a bit of much-needed TLC. We had quite a race as we tried to get things wrapped-up at home/office and to the airport. We hadn’t had a chance to test our bags under full load and had to go with our quick arrangement. We’re not used to fumbling through security and to the gate. It took more time than expected, and was worrisome.

We did end up checking a bag. Rita pointed out that Mr. One Bag doesn’t carry any camping gear. Our compressed sleeping bags, pads, etc., plus an additional pair of hiking/walking shoes take up about half my bag. Mr. One Bag also doesn’t carry a tripod and the camera gear we do. That would take up another third, but we want it in carry on. So, Rita’s is also carrying my clothes.

My bag was checked, with the large stuff… Rita carried her pack and my guitar… I carried another backpack with onboard essentials and fragile gear (cameras, mini-laptop).

My leg brace and walking sticks, for example, added quite a bit of time and stress at security. I’m carrying trekking poles, not a cane or walker (which security sees quite often). Even though I’ve got large rubber ends on the poles, there’s a sharp point underneath that the X-Ray sees. They’re usually only allowed as check-on. Even though we did end-up checking a bag, the poles didn’t fit (even collapsed, too long for the bag).

Once the seat issue was fixed (we had been separated) leaving MSP, things started getting better. We could breath a sigh of relief. Still, we had to get to the International terminal in LAX and check-in again, with similar stress. Once through, the Alaska lounge was a great place for a last stretch before the 14 hour flight. We were welcomed by the folks at V-Australia (part of the Virgin brand), ended up with great seats and you could see the anxiety melt away as we started our taxi to the runway. The brand-new Boeing 777 lifted in the air, as did our spirits. We had made it!


Jeff