Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
I’m currently in Phoenix, awaiting my connection to Portland, and enjoying a couple of Stellas.
This has been an interesting trip and I don’t think I’ll plan anymore visits to the East Coast in the middle of winter. The weather is too unpredictable and it seems there are always problems. If not outright cancellations, then at least delays.
Last night (Tuesday), I got stuck in Harrisonburg, Virginia. I had an appointment in northern West Virginia this morning but the snow started to come down hard and we decided to play it by ear. It became a dilemma because I had a flight out of Dulles in the afternoon.
When I got to my hotel and called US Airways, I learned that my flight had been canceled (not sure why Expedia didn’t notify me). They offered a flight out of Richmond on Friday, but I had no desire (or enough clothes) to spend another two nights and it was becoming increasingly clear that I wasn’t going to make it into WV. So I got my flight re-booked from Charlotte to Portland, via Phoenix.
That meant a 300-mile drive this morning and fortunately I made it! It was not pretty getting out on the freeway and the first two hours were miserable. A bit of adventure in February. I’m glad to be west of the Rockies. Almost home!
Posted in Travel | No Comments »
Sunday, February 7th, 2010
Great start to the second half of the Superbowl! I’m watching it from my hotel bed in Lincolnton, NC, after watching the first half at Mike’s house. He was kind to invite me over and enjoy the game with his family and friends. Lots of nice treats and I managed to stuff myself.
Today’s trip was about as perfect as they come. I was very nervous yesterday, with the reports of airport closures all over the Northeast. Looks like the snowstorm stayed away from both Chicago and Charlotte. Both flights were on time and arrived early.
The second leg (from Chicago to Charlotte) was particularly enjoyable, since I managed to upgrade to first class. To make it even better, the guy across the aisle from me looked familiar. When I saw him read a book on running, there was little doubt. Unfortunately, a woman to my right was blocking us, so I never had an opportunity to introduce myself.
As we left the airplane, I had to chase him down. Sure enough, it was Joe Friel, the well-respected triathlon coach and author. I’ve been a big fan of his ever since I started racing, and have used his training methods to improve every year. I admit that I was a bit start struck. Cool moment!
Posted in Travel | No Comments »
Saturday, April 4th, 2009
Having problems displaying more than the first 100 pictures from my SmugMug album via the RSS-feed. Click the image below to go the album for the rest of the SE Asia pictures.
Posted in Photos, Travel | No Comments »
Saturday, March 28th, 2009
I’m sitting in Narita airport and barely keep my eyes open, nodding off between key strokes. I could really use a 6-hour hotel right now. Unfortunately they don’t have that here. I did manage to squeeze in a shower upon arrival from KL, though.
Fortunately, Mike should be here soon to keep me company. But I think I’ll head down to the waiting soon to try a nap.
The flight from Portland is full and I was unable to get an isle or window seat, even though I checked in seven hours before the flight leaves. There’s something goofy about that.
Posted in Travel | No Comments »
Saturday, March 28th, 2009
I landed in Kuala Lumpur less than an hour ago and now I’m comfortably checked into KLIA’s Airside Hotel. This is a great way to spend a long layover. Complete privacy, bed, shower and internet connection. Hard to beat and it’s only 160 Ringits (approx $45) for a six hour block.
I’ll try to get some sleep now, then take a shower and get ready for the next flight.
Posted in Travel | No Comments »
Surfing in Bali.
