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!
Monday, August 22, 2011
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)