DAY #1: 7/11/08 - Depart for Auckland, New Zealand
The two years of preparation had come and our physical journey would start by meeting at the airport on a warm, humid Chicago afternoon, west bound. We suffered cramped seats and reveled in the delights of the variety of entertainment available on our long haul over the Pacific. We breezed through customs and were greeted by a wet and chilly Auckland morning. We quickly loaded our coach in nearly expert fashion and we were soon on our way to tour the city before being able to check in at our hotel. We visited on of the many volcanoes Auckland was built upon. Stopping for a photo stop at the top of Mt. Eden, we were greeted by a large green crater and a very strong, cold, wind. Once in our tiny hotel rooms, we got a chance to relax, explore and refresh ourselves after a long journey. To finish our day we celebrated mass and had dinner together. Today we are going by motorcoach to see caves and glow worms.

Until tomorrow,
The St. Margaret Mary WYD Pilgrims