Thursday, September 18, 2008

Tuesday, 9/16--Travel Day

All packed and ready to go on Monday night, finished up work and last minute details in the morning, trusty Groome was in the driveway right at 12:30. Airport, check in – yes – I am STILL on that darn watch list – will someone PLEASE tell Homeland Security I am not Cat Stevens! – concourse, security, gate – and it’s not even 1:30 yet. Had our bon voyage cocktail at the bar on Concourse A – then waited patiently for our 2:37 flight to arrive. Got off the ground ½ late, but didn’t no worries in Charlotte. We had plenty of time between connections there.

On the plane – we toyed with buying a drink or coffee – but it’s so irritating. Ed talked to the precious flight attendant, and once he found out the coffee was really strong, declined it. A few minutes later, here the FA comes down the aisle with coffee and a bottle of water – in case it was too strong! What a doll! So – Ed has his coffee, I have water…..of course I enjoyed my water more, because I actually got to drink it. Ed’s coffee ended up in his lap – think McDonald’s only not so hot! What a mess. Fortunately he had on coffee colored pants – and you would not believe this – but you can not tell he dumped a full cup of black coffee on himself. Even though he says they feel crusty, those pants look like the day they were bought!

Charlotte was a zoo as usual. Walked from the end of terminal E (then end of the world!) to B – got our afternoon exercise, and had a quick bite to eat at Chilis. Love their burgers! Down to the gate – boarded on time, but then sat there, and sat there. This is the flight that is always late into Phoenix and we only had 33 minutes to connect to the only flight to Anchorage. Needless to say we were sweating it. Finally pushed back only 15 minutes late, but then took 45 minutes to taxi and then sit on the tarmac in line to take off.

Good flight – just long – and we were worrying about the connection. I went back and talked to the FA’s and they said not to worry. Operations knew we were coming and they would hold the plane because “they really want you that plane just as much as you want to be on that plane!” Well, makes sense. They don’t want to pay for hotel, meals, etc. if we miss it. And – we made up so much time in the flight, that it didn’t matter.

Had to haul down to another concourse – so we got our evening exercise – great running with my 10 pound backpack! Made it on the plane with 10 minutes to spare. Took off, no head winds, made it in record time to Anchorage – 12:15 pm Anchorage time. Watched Made of Honor – cute chick flick. Even managed to snooze a bit on the plane – well I did – Ed……you know…..

Raining and 47 degrees in Anchorage, but boy did it feel good after 96 and 80% humidity. Long House hotel came to get us in the van – nice gal – talked our ear off, lots of information. Gave us a room right behind the office so we didn’t have to haul all our stuff around and up stairs. Hit the hay – and never looked back. Wow – up for 24 hours! It was nice to lay down and sleep.

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