I am traveling to San Antonio on Delta Airlines. I started my day at 6AM for a flight that boarding starts at 9:45. I put the robe and other last-minute laundry in the dryer from the previous night. I added it to my one bag and closed up the Black Nike luggage bag. I made coffee and made a light breakfast of an apple and yogurt. I rushed that, next in the shower, shaved, dressed, and headed out at 7AM in Air Volvo. I removed a bunch of board games to have better room for my luggage. I have a short connection, so I paid the $30 for the privilege. Later, I learned I could have checked it as a carry-on for free.
Traffic was slow but light on Friday morning. My fellow drivers made lane changes, often two or more at a time. Big, tired pickups weaved in and out of the no-reason-to-be-slow PDX traffic. Upon arrival, I went for overpriced long-term parking and discovered I could only park on level 7, which was almost full. Yeah, those who will use it for holidays are thusly warned!
After a bit, I reached Delta without issues and managed to print the tag for my bag (having paid the $30 instead of getting it free). I used to scan my passport but used the locator code, which worked. I dropped off my bag and then found the lines long at security, but soon I passed it without incident, a surprise as I usually trip something.
After getting my belt and shoes back on (I selected pants that fit well for today’s trip, as I did not want them to fall while they scanned me–but I did pick my nicest and loudest stripped briefs, just in case), I headed to my gate. I was headed to D, which meant a long walk down a connecting hallway (why they make these in airports is another mystery). A Mexican-style breakfast was recommended by the less-than-caring waiter in a place next to my gate. I had it with ginger ale as I had drank all the coffee at the house and in Air Volvo in an insolated cup (now safely sleeping in long-term parking). Other than a small bag of chips, that would be all the food I would get until I reached Zerida’s place.
The flights were good, and I had window seats in the back of the main cabin. I had only thirty minutes to reach my second flight in Salt Lake, but it was four gates away, so that was not an issue, except I had no chance to get food. I did get a drink and chips on the second flight (I had nodded off on the first flight and missed my chance). I tried to watch some movies but could not concentrate as I got tired just sitting there. I spent the last hour nodding off for the last hour or so. I put on quiet, classic music as I had noise-reducing earbuds with me today.
Also, between flights, I remember to load the Kindle app on my phone while I had a good connection. I read on the plane, having also downloaded a book. I was again reading about murders in Canada–excellent. So far I am enjoying
We arrived after two hours and change, and it was a shortish walk to baggage claim. I missed that the rent-a-cars are not in ground transportation but on the third floor. It took me half an hour to find it. I got a smaller SUV from Thirfty: a Ford EcoSport. I spent more time trying to connect my phone–no go.
The agent suggested I find Saltgrass for dinner, and I set the Navigation for that. I had trouble driving the way Texas roadways are set up in the dark, using the new vehicle (now called Air Ford), and understanding when the Nav wanted me to turn. I also managed to miss with Air Ford the Texian who slammed their breaks after reaching 70 (the speed limit here).
I finally got the location, but nothing was there, damn. I am sure it would have been great. I will see if we can try one of the evenings.
Zorida was home, so I set the Nav there and, with some difficulty, reached Zorida’s gated community. It is dark, and the lighting was poor for some house numbers. But I finally found it–I was on the wrong street, and Zorida offered me an excellent smoked turkey sandwich. We talk for a while. I am tired but happy to be here.
It was fun, and I enjoy travel. Just to pop on a plane and grab a car. Excellent.
Discovered that this screen does not quite fit in airplane seats and me. Rajani told me that he sticks to 12″ to work on planes–oops. I still like the extra screen. I seldom work on planes anyway.
The forecast has changed, and rain is out for Saturday. We will hit the Alamo then on Saturday morning.
Thanks for reading.
Alohawild (Michael Wild's) Website 