Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Nice run through ORD, my bags almost got across the airport before me. Thanks United!
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Friday, October 28, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
A day worth blogging about
Tuesday October 25th. Whew! Started out normally needing to go East to the LASFAA conference in Baton Rouge, LA. 4:10am alarm, then off to RDD for a 6:00am departure to SFO. I did get to share a few moments in the United Club with Ginger E. from church before she headed off to SAN. Good times, then off to IAH - close to 4 hour flight. I was only supposed to have a one hour layover here, but maybe I should start watching Anthony Bordain's show about layovers. I am still in IAH and it is 7:50pm, waiting for a 9:20pm flight to BTR. Had a little excitement when we actually boarded our plan, but then the pilot's time ran out before the door closed - so off we came. Then United ticketed me for a flight to LFT (and I would just drive to BTR), but I had to run between terminals, and when I arrived at the door, they had just pushed back. Luckily, I got the last seat on the 9:20pm flight to BTR - let's hope it sticks and I actually get out of here.
Until next time - see you in the air.
Until next time - see you in the air.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Busy Saturday in the Red Carpet Club SFO International Terminal.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Not to often do I get to travel through my gate - thank you United.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Family Vacation to PWM
Time for a little story about our family vacation flying the friendly skies. It was a lot of fun having the family in the air with me on this trip. To sit back and watch as they went through security, carried their backpacks, found their seats - and overall traveled quite well. No major delays (thank you United) - although Austin was hoping for a delay on the way home so he didn't have to go back to school so soon, or was it to spend more time in the Red Carpet Club (RCC)?
We did get to see the sunrise leaving RDD heading to SFO. The second shot below is the sun reflecting on Shelby's face - so bright like an angel.
A quick stop at the RCC in SFO for a bathroom break and some snack (bananas and coffee) and off to our next gate. And surprise, an upgrade to Economy Plus for the entire Smith family. Who needs windows when you have your own personal entertainment system? I sat in a middle aisle seat, but it was priceless to get this picture.
So from SFO to IAD, then quickly to a plane bound for PWM, but not before taking another quick break in the RCC for some afternoon snacks (cheese and crackers - and coffee for me). We arrived in PWM with no delays - and got an upgrade on our rental car to a fuel efficient Chevy Tahoe. You are probably thinking to yourself, how can an SUV be fuel efficient? Me too, although we did get about 25-30 MPG on the highway thanks to modern technology.
Our trip was fabulous - a time to visit my Uncle Frank and Aunt Dale that have lived in Maine for probably 30 years. They are only a few blocks from the Atlantic Ocean, so I thought I would throw in an iconic lighthouse picture for my readers - the Portland Head Lighthouse - commissioned by President George Washington during his time in office.
We also were able to visit Boston and Salem, MA, and Acadia National Park in Maine - home of Cadillac Mountain, the highest mountain on the East "Coast" of the US. Many say the sun rises first in the United States at the top of this peak, but that all depends on what time of year and the tilt of the Earth's axis. Nonetheless, here is a picture of the family high atop Cadillac Mountain elev. 1532'.
Many other highlights of our trip, but this is a blog about air travel, so I will get on with the stuff related to air and airports. But before that, one priceless picture of Austin and Shelby catching an Atlantic Ocean wave - water temps had to be in the high 40s or very low 50s.
PWM to ORD was nice - we actually flew over Canada where it dips down into the Great Lakes region. We did get in the back of the plane from ORD to SFO - I picked those seats so the kids could get windows with views that were not blocked by the wing. Here is the happy family.
And here is the view to the front of the plane from my seat.
And as for the view - well, we flew right over Half Dome and Yosemite National Park as we were on our approach to SFO.
And at the RCC in SFO -
And to welcome us home - much like as we left, we got a terrific sunset West Coast style flying into RDD.
So the family trip of 2011 was a success. We had a great time on the East Coast and didn't suffer any ill affects of Hurricane Irene.
We did get to see the sunrise leaving RDD heading to SFO. The second shot below is the sun reflecting on Shelby's face - so bright like an angel.
A quick stop at the RCC in SFO for a bathroom break and some snack (bananas and coffee) and off to our next gate. And surprise, an upgrade to Economy Plus for the entire Smith family. Who needs windows when you have your own personal entertainment system? I sat in a middle aisle seat, but it was priceless to get this picture.
So from SFO to IAD, then quickly to a plane bound for PWM, but not before taking another quick break in the RCC for some afternoon snacks (cheese and crackers - and coffee for me). We arrived in PWM with no delays - and got an upgrade on our rental car to a fuel efficient Chevy Tahoe. You are probably thinking to yourself, how can an SUV be fuel efficient? Me too, although we did get about 25-30 MPG on the highway thanks to modern technology.
Our trip was fabulous - a time to visit my Uncle Frank and Aunt Dale that have lived in Maine for probably 30 years. They are only a few blocks from the Atlantic Ocean, so I thought I would throw in an iconic lighthouse picture for my readers - the Portland Head Lighthouse - commissioned by President George Washington during his time in office.
We also were able to visit Boston and Salem, MA, and Acadia National Park in Maine - home of Cadillac Mountain, the highest mountain on the East "Coast" of the US. Many say the sun rises first in the United States at the top of this peak, but that all depends on what time of year and the tilt of the Earth's axis. Nonetheless, here is a picture of the family high atop Cadillac Mountain elev. 1532'.
Many other highlights of our trip, but this is a blog about air travel, so I will get on with the stuff related to air and airports. But before that, one priceless picture of Austin and Shelby catching an Atlantic Ocean wave - water temps had to be in the high 40s or very low 50s.
PWM to ORD was nice - we actually flew over Canada where it dips down into the Great Lakes region. We did get in the back of the plane from ORD to SFO - I picked those seats so the kids could get windows with views that were not blocked by the wing. Here is the happy family.
And here is the view to the front of the plane from my seat.
And as for the view - well, we flew right over Half Dome and Yosemite National Park as we were on our approach to SFO.
And at the RCC in SFO -
And to welcome us home - much like as we left, we got a terrific sunset West Coast style flying into RDD.
So the family trip of 2011 was a success. We had a great time on the East Coast and didn't suffer any ill affects of Hurricane Irene.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Non-economy
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Monday, September 5, 2011
United personal entertainment
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Monday, August 22, 2011
Blog Followers - Red Carpet Club privileges with Mr. Smith
So, I have decided I need some additional blog followers. Not that I loathe the 11 that I have, currently, but I feel that I need a few more if I am going to be consistent about writing this blog.
So what do people in blogland do when they want more people to follow them - do a give-away, right? So here it is:
Become a follower of Gate 87A, and any time you are in an airport that I am in - I will make sure you are a guest of mine at the Red Carpet Club in that airport. What could be better - strolling through those glass doors - so intriguing - so mysterious...
Tell all your friends in blogland. Share my blog and make it a success. It's a great read - try to figure out where I am going next. Learn about the student loan industry and the life of a traveling Salesman. I will also share adventures during my downtime - up a 14000 foot mountain, or running 20 miles on a trail in the woods, a great find at a thrift store for TheSmithHotel. You name it - you will find it all here at Gate 87A.
Follow me into the land of mystery...up, up, and away!
So what do people in blogland do when they want more people to follow them - do a give-away, right? So here it is:
Become a follower of Gate 87A, and any time you are in an airport that I am in - I will make sure you are a guest of mine at the Red Carpet Club in that airport. What could be better - strolling through those glass doors - so intriguing - so mysterious...
Tell all your friends in blogland. Share my blog and make it a success. It's a great read - try to figure out where I am going next. Learn about the student loan industry and the life of a traveling Salesman. I will also share adventures during my downtime - up a 14000 foot mountain, or running 20 miles on a trail in the woods, a great find at a thrift store for TheSmithHotel. You name it - you will find it all here at Gate 87A.
Follow me into the land of mystery...up, up, and away!
United Red Carpet Club
Well, Not traveling today, but I decided it was time to officially join the ranks of the "Red Carpet Club". Truth is I am coming up on a family trip, and a whirlwind tour of conferences in October and November - so I will be traveling quite frequently and needing the "time to unwind" over the Red Carpet. Free WiFi, snacks, all sorts of things - so my travel budget will go down in costs (my boss will like that - right boss?). I have pretty much ruined the kids with this step - they will think that traveling is a luxury.
Until next time - I guess I will be making updates in the Red Carpet Club going forward instead of from Gate 87A.
Mr. Smith
Until next time - I guess I will be making updates in the Red Carpet Club going forward instead of from Gate 87A.
Mr. Smith
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Colorado Rocky Mountain High
Another quick trip to DEN to visit a few colleges that I wasn't able to see on my previous trip. There is a new display at SFO - Television history. You should see some of the old sets they have. I only had one delay on my way home - oh yeah, and a delay on the way out because of an air conditioning unit. I guess that could be a problem opening the windows at 33000 feet.
So, let me tell you a little about my trip and share some photos of the Rockies. On Tuesday afternoon, I didn't get any appointments after trying for a few weeks to go West in CO. So I had a chance to drive up to a piece of land (patented land) that has been in my family since 1889. My Great Grandfather Joseph Smith moved to Leadville in 1889, and grabbed some land as part of a government giveaway. So I decided to hike up to the land and check it out. It resides at 11500 feet - right at the treeline.
Looks like a perfect place for a house, right? If only it always looked like this. The only problem with building here, it's under snow 9 months out of the year. Here are some additional pictures of the surrounding area from 500 feet up the mountain.
On this last picture, you can see a heard of Elk running across in front of the trees. I saw two separate herds of Elk while I was up on the mountain. The location is just southeast of Jacque Peak.
On Wednesday afternoon, when my appointments were over and before my flight was scheduled to leave, I was able to drive up Mt Evans (by road). Later to find out my Grandfather George Smith worked on the Mt Evans Highway during the Great Depression. Thanks Grampa - it made climbing my first Fourteener fairly easy - a 20 mile drive and a hike of about 200 yards to the peak - 14,265 feet.
It was about 50 degrees up there - 90 in Denver - and about 30 mph winds. Mrs. Chambers of ChambersMade (http://chambersmade.blogspot.com/) thought I was doing a sprinkler dance move, but really I was holding on to my hat for fear of losing it off the cliff behind me.
I really like Colorado - of all the places I have been. I can really get into climbing these amazing mountains - sun or snow. Next flight is a family trip to Maine - looking forward to that one with the Misses and the kiddos.
Until next time - keep on time with your flights.
So, let me tell you a little about my trip and share some photos of the Rockies. On Tuesday afternoon, I didn't get any appointments after trying for a few weeks to go West in CO. So I had a chance to drive up to a piece of land (patented land) that has been in my family since 1889. My Great Grandfather Joseph Smith moved to Leadville in 1889, and grabbed some land as part of a government giveaway. So I decided to hike up to the land and check it out. It resides at 11500 feet - right at the treeline.
Looks like a perfect place for a house, right? If only it always looked like this. The only problem with building here, it's under snow 9 months out of the year. Here are some additional pictures of the surrounding area from 500 feet up the mountain.
On this last picture, you can see a heard of Elk running across in front of the trees. I saw two separate herds of Elk while I was up on the mountain. The location is just southeast of Jacque Peak.
On Wednesday afternoon, when my appointments were over and before my flight was scheduled to leave, I was able to drive up Mt Evans (by road). Later to find out my Grandfather George Smith worked on the Mt Evans Highway during the Great Depression. Thanks Grampa - it made climbing my first Fourteener fairly easy - a 20 mile drive and a hike of about 200 yards to the peak - 14,265 feet.
It was about 50 degrees up there - 90 in Denver - and about 30 mph winds. Mrs. Chambers of ChambersMade (http://chambersmade.blogspot.com/) thought I was doing a sprinkler dance move, but really I was holding on to my hat for fear of losing it off the cliff behind me.
I really like Colorado - of all the places I have been. I can really get into climbing these amazing mountains - sun or snow. Next flight is a family trip to Maine - looking forward to that one with the Misses and the kiddos.
Until next time - keep on time with your flights.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Traveling West
Well, I know it has been a while since my last blog, but I noticed I still have some folks visiting. I thought I would give you an update. No real travel woes lately. I have been making my way west in my territory. I was able to visit the great state of Colorado. Wow that place is beautiful. My brother says its cold in the winter, but come on - have you been to South Dakota or Minnesota in the Winter?
I have to say that Boulder is one of the greatest places I have visited in a long time. Luther College in Decorah may have the most beautiful campus I have seen, but CU Boulder is in the best looking city. Right on the edge of the mountains - and they go straight up! I know because I got to climb straight up Green Mountain from the edge of Boulder. In 3 miles, I climbed from 5800 feet to 8100 feet. How fun is that?
I also got to travel through Golden - home of Coors, but also home of Colorado School of Mines - I would not be disappointed if Austin decided to go to school there (not for the beer). Denver is a great place as well. My brother and his family also live Northwest of Denver, so I was able to stay with them for a few nights and save some money for the company - makes a happier boss - right boss? We even got to see the Rockies beat the Braves.
Well, I am heading back to DEN this next week for some additional school visits. If all goes as planned, I may be making a trip over the mountains toward Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs. If so, I will take some photos and share.
On another note - Mrs. Smith is having a tote giveaway on her blog. Go to her blog and leave a comment with a chance to win a free reusable tote with TheSmithHotel name on it. http://www.thesmithhotel-thesmithhotel.blogspot.com/ is the site.
Until the next travel moment - fly safe.
I have to say that Boulder is one of the greatest places I have visited in a long time. Luther College in Decorah may have the most beautiful campus I have seen, but CU Boulder is in the best looking city. Right on the edge of the mountains - and they go straight up! I know because I got to climb straight up Green Mountain from the edge of Boulder. In 3 miles, I climbed from 5800 feet to 8100 feet. How fun is that?
I also got to travel through Golden - home of Coors, but also home of Colorado School of Mines - I would not be disappointed if Austin decided to go to school there (not for the beer). Denver is a great place as well. My brother and his family also live Northwest of Denver, so I was able to stay with them for a few nights and save some money for the company - makes a happier boss - right boss? We even got to see the Rockies beat the Braves.
Well, I am heading back to DEN this next week for some additional school visits. If all goes as planned, I may be making a trip over the mountains toward Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs. If so, I will take some photos and share.
On another note - Mrs. Smith is having a tote giveaway on her blog. Go to her blog and leave a comment with a chance to win a free reusable tote with TheSmithHotel name on it. http://www.thesmithhotel-thesmithhotel.blogspot.com/ is the site.
Until the next travel moment - fly safe.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Conference Season
First Conference - Illinois. Took a red-eye to save on a hotel bill, what was I thinking? Anyway, made it into PIA just in time to enjoy the conference with a new coworker that is managing the schools/banks in IL. I did get to experience public transit at it's finest. Bus ticket $1, taxi $22 - you do the math. By the time I got to my exit, I would have been wiling to pay the $22 (not because of time but because of transit clients (isn't that what they are called - clients?). Let's just say I wouldn't let my wife or kids ride on that bus.
Next conference - South Dakota in lovely Chamberlain, SD. Flew in to FSD to nice weather - about 40 degrees. Believe me, after being in SD twice in the dead of winter, 40 degrees is a heat wave. Got to stop by the Corn Palace in Mitchell - see below.
...and I stopped by the Falls in Sioux Falls - last time I took a picture they were frozen. See below for the thaw...
Next stop on the conference list - actually a hop from FSD to DSM midweek to the Iowa conference in Des Moines. Great trail system in that city. The last day I was there I was able to run 20 miles on their river trail. Beautiful sunset as well...
Quick trip to DEN for a sales meeting in the middle of April.
Next conference is where I am returning from now - Minnesota in the spring. Flew into MSP and drove 2.5 hours north to Brainerd area lakes. What an incredible place. It had snowed on Monday, but I didn't get in until Tuesday and it was 65 degrees. rained once, but mostly 50-60 degrees all week. Great place for golf, running, and kayaking. Oh - and definatley meeting with school customers. Also won a few prizes during the evening festivities.
I will sign off with that as I am getting ready to board my plane in non other then 87A here at SFO. Next week - Louisiana. Let's hope we see some alligators...
Next conference - South Dakota in lovely Chamberlain, SD. Flew in to FSD to nice weather - about 40 degrees. Believe me, after being in SD twice in the dead of winter, 40 degrees is a heat wave. Got to stop by the Corn Palace in Mitchell - see below.
...and I stopped by the Falls in Sioux Falls - last time I took a picture they were frozen. See below for the thaw...
Next stop on the conference list - actually a hop from FSD to DSM midweek to the Iowa conference in Des Moines. Great trail system in that city. The last day I was there I was able to run 20 miles on their river trail. Beautiful sunset as well...
Quick trip to DEN for a sales meeting in the middle of April.
Next conference is where I am returning from now - Minnesota in the spring. Flew into MSP and drove 2.5 hours north to Brainerd area lakes. What an incredible place. It had snowed on Monday, but I didn't get in until Tuesday and it was 65 degrees. rained once, but mostly 50-60 degrees all week. Great place for golf, running, and kayaking. Oh - and definatley meeting with school customers. Also won a few prizes during the evening festivities.
I will sign off with that as I am getting ready to board my plane in non other then 87A here at SFO. Next week - Louisiana. Let's hope we see some alligators...
Blogsence
I have had quite an absence from blogging as of late. I have been traveling, but so busy that I haven't had downtime in the airport - or when I have been in an airport - I've been on Sales Force and not Blogger. Mrs. A will like that - she's my boss.
I have to look back in my calendar it has been so long. In the beginning of Feb, I made it to MSP which was ridiculous - colder then anywhere I have been before - well, maybe not as cold as FSD in January - but COLD none the less. It was right after the weekend where they got 17 inches of snow and I was able to experience "ice roads" for the second time in a Toyota Rav4.
I was able to experience the Twin Cities, St Cloud, and Mora, all below freezing - actually below 0.
Week two in February was once again into the frozen tundra of FSD (South Dakota). Wow - negative 35 degrees on my trip up to Aberdeen. I almost got stuck on the interstate when they closed it down due to a blizzard 30 minutes after arriving at my hotel.
Glad I made it out of that one. I drove on an ice highway for 40 miles in a Subaru - and it was not as grippy as the Rav4. I think I will request Rav4's in the future when traveling in the winter.
At the end of February and beginning of March - I ventured once more to the Midwest to CID (Iowa). Many miles later - I had traveled east, west, south, north, west, south, north, west and I ended up in Nebraska. Only had freezing rain while I was on this trip, no snow. Then I headed east again back into Iowa to return home to the family. Here are some pictures from Iowa.
"American Pickers"
John Deere country
Beautiful skies
Next stop - SAN - a change from the Midwest, sunny, beaches, bay, meeting with bankers from around the US.
Did I mention Bunya Bunya trees and low-flying jetplanes?
I also got to do a midnight full moon hike to the highest point in San Diego County with a friend from college and his kids - great time Brian.
Brian's kids.
I will post another blog shortly with the latest travels - hope this helps to catch you up just a bit.
I have to look back in my calendar it has been so long. In the beginning of Feb, I made it to MSP which was ridiculous - colder then anywhere I have been before - well, maybe not as cold as FSD in January - but COLD none the less. It was right after the weekend where they got 17 inches of snow and I was able to experience "ice roads" for the second time in a Toyota Rav4.
I was able to experience the Twin Cities, St Cloud, and Mora, all below freezing - actually below 0.
Week two in February was once again into the frozen tundra of FSD (South Dakota). Wow - negative 35 degrees on my trip up to Aberdeen. I almost got stuck on the interstate when they closed it down due to a blizzard 30 minutes after arriving at my hotel.
Glad I made it out of that one. I drove on an ice highway for 40 miles in a Subaru - and it was not as grippy as the Rav4. I think I will request Rav4's in the future when traveling in the winter.
At the end of February and beginning of March - I ventured once more to the Midwest to CID (Iowa). Many miles later - I had traveled east, west, south, north, west, south, north, west and I ended up in Nebraska. Only had freezing rain while I was on this trip, no snow. Then I headed east again back into Iowa to return home to the family. Here are some pictures from Iowa.
Next stop - SAN - a change from the Midwest, sunny, beaches, bay, meeting with bankers from around the US.
I also got to do a midnight full moon hike to the highest point in San Diego County with a friend from college and his kids - great time Brian.
I will post another blog shortly with the latest travels - hope this helps to catch you up just a bit.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Weather at 25,000 feet
That was an E Ticket ride (if you remember those from Disneyland). We lifted off at lightning speed from the wind at RDD. Up through rain, hail, snow, freezing rain until we finally got up into the thick cloudtop that was just like speedbumps every 2 minutes. on our decsent into SFO we had a few drops that had to have been 50-100 feet per second. I was quite surprise everyone held together without screaming. Touchdown at SFO was like landing on butter - so smooth you wouldn't think anything of the last 54 minutes of terror.
As I sit here at Gate 87A, waiting for my next flight to SAN, all the talking around me is about how "life flashed before my eyes..." and "I can't believe we almost died...". I remember snoozing for a bit through the speedbumps before the big drop, but I don't remember thinking we were going to die. One person even was even saying she thought she was in a WWII plane that had United painted on the side (not too far from the truth) and she thought the plane was getting hit with gunfire.
Oh the drama...just another day in the air.
Mr. Smith
As I sit here at Gate 87A, waiting for my next flight to SAN, all the talking around me is about how "life flashed before my eyes..." and "I can't believe we almost died...". I remember snoozing for a bit through the speedbumps before the big drop, but I don't remember thinking we were going to die. One person even was even saying she thought she was in a WWII plane that had United painted on the side (not too far from the truth) and she thought the plane was getting hit with gunfire.
Oh the drama...just another day in the air.
Mr. Smith
Sunday, February 27, 2011
The Sierra Nevada - King's Canyon, Mammoth Mtn., Mono Lake, Yosemite.
The Midwest
Off to the Midwest again for some chilly weather. Many from the Midwest would argue that 32F is not really chilly. True, it could be worse. This time I am flying into CID via DEN. I am hoping I don't have to deal with any ice tonight on my drive to Dubuque - driving tonight since I have a 9am meeting with a customer. I expect to get in tonight at around 10:45 Central time, then drive about an hour into the middle of Iowa.
I did get one First Class upgrade on my last leg going into CID.
This week looks to be good for driving in Iowa and Nebraska - not too many temps below 32 and no precipitation until around Wednesday - at least that's what my weather service tells me.
If you didn't know this about me - I am a NASCAR fan, and NASCAR season just opened last week with the Daytona 500. My Father-in-law and I both do Fantasy NASCAR on Yahoo Fantasy Sports. We have a lot of fun with it. I got to catch a bit of the race this weekend (Avondale Raceway in AZ) during my lunch layover in SFO. Wouldn't you know 2 of my 4 drivers got caught up in the big crash, which means less points. But, we had picked some of the same drivers this week, so he lost as many points as I did on one of those guys. And I had picked Kyle Busch early on but switched last minute. Oh well, I still have him in points going into week three.
I hope to have a safe and hassle free trip this time through, weather seems to be participating fairly well. I took a few pictures over the Sierra - I will send it to the blog a little later. The snow was amazing.
I am getting excited about camping with the kids. We have started talking about it, although it is a bit cold to start camping since we still have lots of snow in the upper elevations. My son and I talked about finding some places to camp that we have to canoe into. I like the sound of that. Minimalist camping.
I am going to sign off for now. Getting ready for my next flight. Hope my luggage makes it.
Mr. Smith...
I did get one First Class upgrade on my last leg going into CID.
This week looks to be good for driving in Iowa and Nebraska - not too many temps below 32 and no precipitation until around Wednesday - at least that's what my weather service tells me.
If you didn't know this about me - I am a NASCAR fan, and NASCAR season just opened last week with the Daytona 500. My Father-in-law and I both do Fantasy NASCAR on Yahoo Fantasy Sports. We have a lot of fun with it. I got to catch a bit of the race this weekend (Avondale Raceway in AZ) during my lunch layover in SFO. Wouldn't you know 2 of my 4 drivers got caught up in the big crash, which means less points. But, we had picked some of the same drivers this week, so he lost as many points as I did on one of those guys. And I had picked Kyle Busch early on but switched last minute. Oh well, I still have him in points going into week three.
I hope to have a safe and hassle free trip this time through, weather seems to be participating fairly well. I took a few pictures over the Sierra - I will send it to the blog a little later. The snow was amazing.
I am getting excited about camping with the kids. We have started talking about it, although it is a bit cold to start camping since we still have lots of snow in the upper elevations. My son and I talked about finding some places to camp that we have to canoe into. I like the sound of that. Minimalist camping.
I am going to sign off for now. Getting ready for my next flight. Hope my luggage makes it.
Mr. Smith...
Friday, February 11, 2011
Many legs, no delays...
So I am going to do this quickly, because I have no delays today. Somewhat crazy to have 4 legs to get home from FSD to RDD. I had to go through DEN and SAN. You may ask, why SAN? Well, it was much cheaper because the same flight number and flight crew flew from FSD to DEN to SAN - like a through flight, only switching planes. Well, I did get two 1st Class complimentary upgrades, and my last leg I will be in a small plane but in seat 9C, which is just about the same as 1st Class on a little EMB120. Those of you that fly know exactly what I am talking about. I must have outranked alot of travelers today.
Had some pretty crazy weather experiences while in South Dakota. It was well under freezing for most of my trip, with exception of today when I went out to the car at 7:30am and it was a balmy 24 degrees. When I left FSD, it was 40 degrees. There was still wind chill, but it was like "shorts" weather. DEN was still pretty cold, but SAN was 71 degrees. SFO is 61 degrees, and I hope it will be warm over the weekend in RDD. Home sweet home.
This was a really good trip for the business. The FA Office people in South Dakota are so friendly and warm, with such frigid temps outside. I did get to visit Aberdeen by car. It was an "ice road" for 70 miles. You just have to keep it slow around the wide corners. On my way back down to Brookings, I started struggling with the winds on I-29 for a good 40 miles. When I got to my hotel and turned on the news, I found out that they closed that freeway not more then an hour after I was off of it. I guess the week before, over 150 vehicles got stranded on that highway because of a blizzard and high winds. The temps were around -17, with an added wind chill it felt more like -35 outside the car. Thank Hertz for seat warmers and All Wheel Drive. Thank God for getting me off the highway safely.
I have to get ready to board now, so until next time (late Feb), happy travels...
Mr. Smith
Had some pretty crazy weather experiences while in South Dakota. It was well under freezing for most of my trip, with exception of today when I went out to the car at 7:30am and it was a balmy 24 degrees. When I left FSD, it was 40 degrees. There was still wind chill, but it was like "shorts" weather. DEN was still pretty cold, but SAN was 71 degrees. SFO is 61 degrees, and I hope it will be warm over the weekend in RDD. Home sweet home.
This was a really good trip for the business. The FA Office people in South Dakota are so friendly and warm, with such frigid temps outside. I did get to visit Aberdeen by car. It was an "ice road" for 70 miles. You just have to keep it slow around the wide corners. On my way back down to Brookings, I started struggling with the winds on I-29 for a good 40 miles. When I got to my hotel and turned on the news, I found out that they closed that freeway not more then an hour after I was off of it. I guess the week before, over 150 vehicles got stranded on that highway because of a blizzard and high winds. The temps were around -17, with an added wind chill it felt more like -35 outside the car. Thank Hertz for seat warmers and All Wheel Drive. Thank God for getting me off the highway safely.
I have to get ready to board now, so until next time (late Feb), happy travels...
Mr. Smith
Monday, February 7, 2011
Once again - into the frozen tundra
I am on my way again to Beautiful South Dakota. Some would say there isn't much there, well, there isn't. And the winters can be pretty harsh. "They" also say that Minnesota can be colder, which I'm sure it can, but this week I am in for much colder weather then last week in Minnesota. Someone told me that at least in MN, we have trees to block the wind. So True! Not many trees in SD. Therefore the wind chill factors in right away. I believe the high for Tuesday is slated to be around 0 degrees - without the wind chill. Well that would be splendid if I were in Sioux Falls for the day, but instead I plan on driving up through Watertown to Aberdeen - about 3 hours North. By the time I get up there in the early afternoon, I think it will be -3 (they were forecasting -21 for 6am). Glad I am staying in Sioux Falls Monday night.
So let's just say I am in for some cold weather. I talked to a guy on the plane into SFO that was heading to Siberia - I thought people only went to places like that in the movies. He was preparing for highs around -25F.
I guess it is supposed to be cold in Redding, CA also - looks like 30F is forecasted for Thursday morning - brrrr.
Safe travels - until next time.
So let's just say I am in for some cold weather. I talked to a guy on the plane into SFO that was heading to Siberia - I thought people only went to places like that in the movies. He was preparing for highs around -25F.
I guess it is supposed to be cold in Redding, CA also - looks like 30F is forecasted for Thursday morning - brrrr.
Safe travels - until next time.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Flying into the Great Storm!
So my Mom was really worried that I was heading to the Midwest during the BIGGEST Storm of the year. But when I look at Minnesota weather, it doesn't look any worse then it was a few weeks back - really cold. After all, isn't that how Minnesota rolls - really cold in the winter. I noticed a commercial lately that they are testing Acura vehicles in MN because of the harsh winters. They say if your winter is colder, then you need to move.
I ended up getting a little warmer clothing to wear back there this week. Remember a few weeks ago when my friend Scott chuckled at the coat I was wearing to South Dakota? Well, hint taken. I now have a base-layer, a mid-layer, and a down outer layer. Also picked up some glove liners for under my heavy gloves, a neck gaiter, a Green Bay colored handmade beanie cap with ears, and all the other warm stuff you can think of.
Hoping the weather will not be too brutal. I am 90% over the pneumonia, I think. I will be driving the roads of MN while there, maybe 300-400 miles, so I will have to get some pictures to share of what the roads look like, if you can see them.
Back to airports - I am flying out of SMF today because it was hundreds of dollars cheaper to drive 2 hours to a larger airport, this time. Normally I can get pretty good rates out of RDD, but this time it wasn't so. I also get to take advantage of First Class today, thanks to a frequent traveler friend - read a few posts back. Scott had a left over upgrade he decided to give to me since it expired in January. Thanks Scott!!! So SMF to DEN to MSP today. Foggy at SMF, but only a 15 minute delay. Snowing in DEN and probably snowing in MSP by the time I get there tonight.
Looking forward to meeting with clients the next several days. Next week I will be back to FSD, but my flight just happens to take me via SAN, why? I have no idea, but I'll take it since it gets me an extra leg toward my 1k status.
Let's hope the skies are friendly today!
Rob
I ended up getting a little warmer clothing to wear back there this week. Remember a few weeks ago when my friend Scott chuckled at the coat I was wearing to South Dakota? Well, hint taken. I now have a base-layer, a mid-layer, and a down outer layer. Also picked up some glove liners for under my heavy gloves, a neck gaiter, a Green Bay colored handmade beanie cap with ears, and all the other warm stuff you can think of.
Hoping the weather will not be too brutal. I am 90% over the pneumonia, I think. I will be driving the roads of MN while there, maybe 300-400 miles, so I will have to get some pictures to share of what the roads look like, if you can see them.
Back to airports - I am flying out of SMF today because it was hundreds of dollars cheaper to drive 2 hours to a larger airport, this time. Normally I can get pretty good rates out of RDD, but this time it wasn't so. I also get to take advantage of First Class today, thanks to a frequent traveler friend - read a few posts back. Scott had a left over upgrade he decided to give to me since it expired in January. Thanks Scott!!! So SMF to DEN to MSP today. Foggy at SMF, but only a 15 minute delay. Snowing in DEN and probably snowing in MSP by the time I get there tonight.
Looking forward to meeting with clients the next several days. Next week I will be back to FSD, but my flight just happens to take me via SAN, why? I have no idea, but I'll take it since it gets me an extra leg toward my 1k status.
Let's hope the skies are friendly today!
Rob
Thursday, January 20, 2011
cold just got colder...
Well greetings there weary travelers. Cold just got colder in South Dakota. I ended my trip there with pneumonia last Saturday morning after 5 days of succumbing to the cold. I arrived in South Dakota ready to conquer the cold, instead it took control of my body.
I had a very good time with coworkers during my time there, but always just felt a little cold, never quite warm enough. I spent very little time in airports on my trip back - or at least what I remember. I took some Nyquil at FSD, and slept takeoff to touchdown to DEN. I had a small bowl of soup in DEN, then slept from there to SFO. SFO to RDD was more of the same - sleep. And since I have been home - sleep.
So I met with the Doc Monday morning, had a fever of 102, my resting heart rate was 93, and half of my right lung was full. Bad news. Well, back to the Doc on Thursday, temperature normal, RHR back to around 53 and my lungs still have a bunch of junk in them. So I guess it takes a while to get rid of the fluid in the lungs. Doc says I can't really do much exercise for probably a month or so. Not easy to hear that being an endurance athlete. All the muscle memory I have will be gone in a month, I suppose I will just have to start over.
My next trip will take me back to the great frozen tundra of Northern Minnesota. I just hope within a few weeks I will be healthy enough that the cold won't get to me this time. I will definitely be dressing more warmly this go round. I hope to have better news about my travels the next time we talk. Until then, see you in the air...
I had a very good time with coworkers during my time there, but always just felt a little cold, never quite warm enough. I spent very little time in airports on my trip back - or at least what I remember. I took some Nyquil at FSD, and slept takeoff to touchdown to DEN. I had a small bowl of soup in DEN, then slept from there to SFO. SFO to RDD was more of the same - sleep. And since I have been home - sleep.
So I met with the Doc Monday morning, had a fever of 102, my resting heart rate was 93, and half of my right lung was full. Bad news. Well, back to the Doc on Thursday, temperature normal, RHR back to around 53 and my lungs still have a bunch of junk in them. So I guess it takes a while to get rid of the fluid in the lungs. Doc says I can't really do much exercise for probably a month or so. Not easy to hear that being an endurance athlete. All the muscle memory I have will be gone in a month, I suppose I will just have to start over.
My next trip will take me back to the great frozen tundra of Northern Minnesota. I just hope within a few weeks I will be healthy enough that the cold won't get to me this time. I will definitely be dressing more warmly this go round. I hope to have better news about my travels the next time we talk. Until then, see you in the air...
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
traveling friends with more miles then me...
Well, I guess Tuesday is commuter day at RDD. Saw 3 regular travelers, one that is a friend from church, we'll just say his name is Scott to protect the innocent. Scott shared with me that he traveled over 200k miles last year, needless to say, I did not get into the 9b or 9c seat on my commuter flight today. 9b&c is like First Class on the EMB120. It is an exit row, and normally open unless 1k flyers are on the flight - they know and have access to book those seats. So Scott and another friend (we'll call her Annie) were in 9b&c. With only a slight delay out of RDD for a malfunctioning fuel indicator, we landed at SFO with plenty of time to spare to move over to our next flight - Scott just happened to be traveling East today as well.
An uneventful flight to DEN, over the beautiful snow-covered Rockies. Scott offered to have me be a guest in the Red Carpet Club - free internet, coffee, and snacks while I wait for my flight to FSD. While Scott heads off to STL, I have a few minutes to get some emails out and type a short note to you - my loyal followers. I also need to make some phone calls, what a great place to work. Maybe I can talk my boss into letting me get a membership here at the RCC on the company (hmm).
South Dakota is supposed to be pretty cold this week. I think it should be around 0 degrees when I land - and then hoover between 10 and -10 for the week. Should have brought some cramp-ons to walk around in the ice.
Until next time... safe travels....
An uneventful flight to DEN, over the beautiful snow-covered Rockies. Scott offered to have me be a guest in the Red Carpet Club - free internet, coffee, and snacks while I wait for my flight to FSD. While Scott heads off to STL, I have a few minutes to get some emails out and type a short note to you - my loyal followers. I also need to make some phone calls, what a great place to work. Maybe I can talk my boss into letting me get a membership here at the RCC on the company (hmm).
South Dakota is supposed to be pretty cold this week. I think it should be around 0 degrees when I land - and then hoover between 10 and -10 for the week. Should have brought some cramp-ons to walk around in the ice.
Until next time... safe travels....
Saturday, January 1, 2011
airport downtime
Well - Greetings and Happy New Year 2011!
It has been a while since my last message to you - my loyal followers, that is because I have been grounded for the last few weeks. While working from home, I have also had the chance to enjoy a little bit of home life, and be here for Mrs. Smith's surgery on 12/27. She is doing very well - but it is a long recovery process to regrow those muscles.
While home, I was able to make a fun trip snowshoeing with my son.
We actually snowshoed for the first time, together, in a blizzard. What a rush, and fairly easy to do.
We had a great Christmas, fairly low-key, but fun times with family. As a family - we got a canoe - up cycled from a friends neighbor's backyard that I spied in a back yard while their fence was being rebuilt. Can't wait to see if it is seaworthy? or should I say lake worthy?
Little bit of snow on New Year's Day covering the boat on the back patio.
I really don't plan on taking it in the sea - or even any large rivers. We spent more on the PFDs then on the canoe itself. It is a pre-1977 Michi-craft aluminum 4-person 15'x3' canoe. I looked it up on the Internet, and this company is still in business, and their canoes have a lifetime warranty on their boats. I hope we get to make allot of memories in the canoe this year. The name is Uncle Milty's, but I suggested the kids rename it. Austin then informed me that it is "bad luck" to rename a boat. After the Titanic sank, all of the other boats in that fleet changed their names, and they all sank within a few years. I guess there is some superstition around all that. So maybe it will be Uncle Milty's forever - we shall see.
My next post will most likely be the week of Jan 11th - since I am bound for South Dakota for a Sales Meeting and Company Party. I expect it will be cold - so I am growing a beard. Maybe I should bring the snowshoes? I would really like to learn how to dogsled while I am up there, we shall see.
I wanted to let you know that I didn't give up on blogging, just didn't have any travel stories to share with you. Until my next airport stop... Mr. Smith signing out.
It has been a while since my last message to you - my loyal followers, that is because I have been grounded for the last few weeks. While working from home, I have also had the chance to enjoy a little bit of home life, and be here for Mrs. Smith's surgery on 12/27. She is doing very well - but it is a long recovery process to regrow those muscles.
While home, I was able to make a fun trip snowshoeing with my son.
We actually snowshoed for the first time, together, in a blizzard. What a rush, and fairly easy to do.
We had a great Christmas, fairly low-key, but fun times with family. As a family - we got a canoe - up cycled from a friends neighbor's backyard that I spied in a back yard while their fence was being rebuilt. Can't wait to see if it is seaworthy? or should I say lake worthy?
Little bit of snow on New Year's Day covering the boat on the back patio.
I really don't plan on taking it in the sea - or even any large rivers. We spent more on the PFDs then on the canoe itself. It is a pre-1977 Michi-craft aluminum 4-person 15'x3' canoe. I looked it up on the Internet, and this company is still in business, and their canoes have a lifetime warranty on their boats. I hope we get to make allot of memories in the canoe this year. The name is Uncle Milty's, but I suggested the kids rename it. Austin then informed me that it is "bad luck" to rename a boat. After the Titanic sank, all of the other boats in that fleet changed their names, and they all sank within a few years. I guess there is some superstition around all that. So maybe it will be Uncle Milty's forever - we shall see.
My next post will most likely be the week of Jan 11th - since I am bound for South Dakota for a Sales Meeting and Company Party. I expect it will be cold - so I am growing a beard. Maybe I should bring the snowshoes? I would really like to learn how to dogsled while I am up there, we shall see.
I wanted to let you know that I didn't give up on blogging, just didn't have any travel stories to share with you. Until my next airport stop... Mr. Smith signing out.
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