So I get to the airport bright and early, check in and score exit-row seats for both flights, go through security, grab a bagel, and find a nice place to settle in and wait an hour to board my Spokane to Minneapolis flight. A short time later came word that the flight was canceled and we (me and the five other Baltimore flight passengers) would be moved to a 9:30 flight instead. This would also mean that my 4:30 PM arrival in Baltimore would now be moved back to 7:00 pm instead. Annoying? A little sure, but overall not too bad. I read some magazines to kill time, then once on the plane, I was fast asleep. (For some reason, planes have evolved into some kind of strong sedative for me. They put me right out.)
At some point during the flight, the captain came on to tell us that our arrival was going to be delayed due to the arrival of Air Force One in Minneapolis (typical late-inning campaigning). Because of this we'd need to circle the airport for at least 45 additional minutes. No guidance on its effect to my connecting flight's schedule. Since there was really nothing I'd be able to do about it, I did the only thing I could do... go back to sleep.
Once we set down in Minneapolis, I was pleased to see that I still had time to easily make my connection. I made another follow-up call to Bob to make sure he wouldn't try to pick me up any sooner than necessary. Luckily it wouldn't be a problem for him.
After a quick lunch, I boarded my flight where I once again wasted no time in falling directly asleep. I even managed to sleep though takeoff.
After a smooth landing in Baltimore, Bob was right there to pick me up. Back at his house I got to meet his oldest daughter and son for the first time. I also experienced my first full vegetarian meal (pretty good I must say). The rest of the evening was spent hanging out talking under the stars (it was in the low S) and seeing a live demonstration of poi by Bob's daughter. Bob and I closed the night talking college football and planning for the game.
All things considered, not a bad day at all. It certainly could have been worse given the way it started. I did learn a couple of interesting things today though...
- Seeing Air Force One was cool, but most impressive was the huge fleet of support aircraft along with it.
- It's easy to find Packer fans in the Minneapolis airport.
- Gas is expensive in Bethesda.
- Vegan food doesn't have to be bland and tasteless
- No mini-Tootsie Roll left unattended on a kitchen counter is safe from me.
What will I learn tomorrow?
Go Pack!