Loose Cannon
Dec 24, 06, 2:17 am
Got a call from one company I contract with stating that there were trucks in the Denver area that needed to be moved to the Port of Miami. I got on the net and booked an air ticket on AA LAX-DEN for total of $64.30. I even booked return ticket on Ted and United PBI-IAD and IAD-LAX for $312.10. The return was booked for Friday the 22nd of December which I thought would be more than enough time. I got to LAX, checked in at the kiosk, checked bags and spent about 11 minutes in line for security. I was not selected for secondary and my carry-ons were not inspected.
American #1458 LAX-DEN MD-80 Seat 25A Cruising altitude 33,000' Estimated flying time 1:56, actual 1:53 Scheduled departure 12h40, actual 12h58 Scheduled arrival 16h00, actual 16h09 Ticket cost: $64.30
Plane was late getting in. Y was boarded by rows; there were a few empty seats. Configuration was 2-3 in coach and I was on the "2" side. We sat quite awhile after the door closed and pushback was 18 minutes late. Taxi/hold was 12 minutes followed by takeoff to west over the ocean, slight left turn then farther out over the ocean a "u-turn" toward the northeast. Landfall was around LAX. I saw Malibu and the San Fernando Valley, Glendale, Pasadena, the San Gabriel Mountains and the Antelope Valley. Later I saw Barstow. Just after that the seatbelt sign went off at 0:20. I saw Ft. Irwin, Las Vegas then clouds developed.
There was a drink run and I got the whole can of soda. Also a small bag of Premium Snack Mix (blend of pretzels, honey roasted sesame sticks and chedder corn bites) was served. I saw Pink Coral Sand Dunes and various canyons in southern Utah followed by the northern part of Lake Powell. Later I saw Montrose, CO (with snow cover) and perhaps Mesa Verde then more cloud cover. Some breaks in the clouds revealed snowcapped peaks. Descent started at 1:33 and the seatbelt sign went on a minute or two later. I saw Dillon Lake out the left window and Pikes Peak out the right. There were some bumps during descent and we landed south to north. Taxi was 6 minutes and we arrived 9 minutes late.
It took awhile to deplane and get to baggage claim and my bags were waiting for me when I got there at 16h39. I took a shuttle to a nearby motel and spent the night.
Next morning I went back to the airport, met up with another driver and we both took a taxi to where the trucks were. The driver took a long route and ended up getting lost so the ride cost $85. After more delay with checking out the truck and getting some things in order I got rolling.
Trip: Brighton, CO to Miami, FL 2,074 miles Routes: US85 to E470 to IH70 to
IH670 back to IH70 to IH170 to IH64 to IH57 to IH24 to IH75 to IH285 back to IH75 to Florida Turnpike to IH595 to Florida 84 to IH95 to IH395 to US1
Maximum elevation: 5,280 feet
Weather in the Denver area was fine when I was there clear to partly cloudy about 60F or so. Next day the wind picked up and the temperature dropped. It was windy about 45F for part of the trip going through Kansas. I attended Sunday morning church at Calvary Baptist in Junction City, KS. I got some drizzle or heavy mist soon after I entered Missouri and that continued off and on. I got to the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Boonville, MO and expected to attend evening service but ended up crashing the Christmas party instead. I did get all the Beef Brisket I could handle.
Following day I continued and that evening got more heavy mist or drizzle in extreme southern Illinois and parts of Kentucky. When I went through the weigh scale in Kentucky I got pulled in and my logbook and drivers licence and medical card were checked then I was free to go. The next day the weather was warming up as I proceeded through Tennessee and Georgia. It got even warmer as I entered Florida.
Florida Fiasco
I had problems getting good directions to where I was to deliver the truck at the Port of Miami. My attempts to get directions burned up enough time I was unable to deliver on Thursday the 21st. So I spent that night in Ft. Lauderdale (cheaper and probably safer than downtown Miami) then proceeded next morning into Miami. I encountered a lot of construction on Biscayne Blvd. Though I made it to the Port I ended up in the wrong place at first. So I had to exit the Port, make a u-turn and return and I went to where I was supposed to go. First my ID was checked and I was given a pass as well as a sticker to put on my shirt. Then I went to another booth which was Customs/Homeland Security and my drivers licence was checked again. I was directed to a Dade County Sheriff car where my licence was run yet again. Finally I saw another security guard and was told where to park the truck and where to go. I had to wait for a checker to come and sign for the truck and there was some wait then I was taken to the front where I waited for cab. Finally I was taken to the Tri-Rail station. The Tri-Rail is an inexpensive way to get around South Florida. The one-way ticket from Miami to Palm Beach cost $5.50. I experienced some Miami Heat: the weather in the day was warm and muggy around 80F and it did not get much below 75F at night and I did experience some discomfort.
I caught the next northbound train to Palm Beach where I was going to disembark and catch a shuttle to PBI where I was goint to catch a Ted flight for IAD and connect from there to a United nonstop B-777 to LAX. However when I looked at the train schedule I realised I was NOT going to make it to PBI with anywhere near enough time for me to catch my flight which was scheduled to depart at 13h40 and yes, I did call UA and found out that flight was operating on time. So I rang UA again and after 38 minutes I canceled that reservation so I would not lose the entire value of the $312.10 ticket. As it is I am going to have to eat a $100 change fee and I am on the hook to fly UA again at some point. UA did not have any space on any other flights back to LAX.
I rang Southwest and got a courtesy hold on the last seat on a flight from FLL to LAX with one stop in STL. I then disembarked from the northbound train before reaching Palm Beach and caught the next southbound train and got off at the FLL station and caught the free van to FLL.
I got to FLL and started checking around other airlines and what availability ther was had too high a price (i.e. $833 on CO, $600-900 range on AA) so I went to the Southwest counter and after queueing I used my voucher to purchase the ticket and got a "B" boarding pass. I was told that the flight was overbooked. Then I went downstairs and rang some of the hotels that had courtesy shuttles and settled on the Econo Lodge in Hollywood and thanks to my AAA membership the room cost me only about $90 instead of $100.
Next day I got the shuttle back to FLL and there were long queues to check baggage but it looked worse than it was so I checked my bags and spent less than 15 minutes queuing for security. I cleared security with no hassle; no secondary screening and my carry-ons were not given a hand inspection.
I got in the "B" line after purchasing bottled water and a wrap. The scheduled time for departure came and went and no one was called for boarding. There was some heavy rain while we waited.
Southwest #732 FLL-STL B-737-700 Seat 21A Cruising altitude 40,000' Estimated flying time 2:25, actual 2:15 Scheduled departure 12h10, actual 12h52 Scheduled arrival 14h15, actual 14h23 Ticket cost: $342.60
Boarding was finally called and I do not know the reason for the delay as the plane did not arrive from elsewhere but was towed to the gate. After boarding an announcement that four volunteers would be needed to take later flight as the plane was overfueled and there was too much weight. Finally enough people volunteered and the doors were shut and pushback was 42 minutes late followed by taxi/hold of 12 minutes followed by takeoff to the west. I saw IH95 then the Florida Turnpike and the Everglades. Then there were clouds for awhile. Seatbelt sign went off at 0:20.
No peanuts were served as someone with a peanut allergy was on board. "Plane Snacks" were served, crackers in the shape of airplanes. There was one drink run, I just got the cup. I ate my chicken caeser wrap.
Later in the flight the weather cleared and I saw the Birmingham, AL area and after that the Tennessee River. Later I saw the Mississippi River. Seatbelt sign went on at 1:36 due to bumps, off again at 1:48. Descent started at 1:51 and seatbelt sign went back on at 1:53. It was announced it was 48F at STL. There were some bumps during descent and on final I had a nice view of downtown and the Gateway Arch. I snapped several pictures then the batteries on the camera went out. Landing was east to west followed by taxi of 3 minutes and we arrived 8 minutes late.
Through Passengers (70 in all) were instructed to remain seated until a count was made then I changed to 12F the best seat in the house. Passengers boarded for the next flight and every last seat was filled.
Southwest #732 STL-LAX B-737-700 Seat 12F Exit Row Cruising altitude 38,000' Estimated flying time 3:30, actual 3:27 Scheduled departure 14h45, actual 14h50 Scheduled arrival 17h00, actual 16h30
Pushback was 5 minutes late and takeoff was to the west followed by a turn to the south and another turn to a more southwesterly direction. I saw the Missouri River. Seatbelt sign went off at 0:25. A Snack Pack consisting of Tropical Dried Fruit Mix, Honey Maid Cinnamon Crisps and Kraft Handi-Snacks was served along with peanuts on this segment. There was a drink run and I just got the cup of soda. I was offered more and accepted then the seatbelt sign went on at 1:05 due to bumps. I saw the Arkansas River and saw some snow on the ground. The bumps got bad enough F/A's were asked to take their seats. I saw Pikes Peak in the distance as well as other peaks in the Rockies. Then I saw the San Luis Valley in Colorado followed by Monument Valley and Lake Powell in the distance. I saw the Grand Canyon then more bumps. Seatbelt sign went off at 2:41. I saw Kingman, Arizona, the Colorado River and Laughlin, NV/Bullhead City, AZ. I finally got the second soda I accepted earlier this time with the whole can. The F/A apologised for not bringing it earlier. Seatbelt sign went on again at 3:04 and descent started at 3:08 as we were passing Big Bear Lake. LAX weather was announced at 64F. I saw the San Bernardino Mountains followed by the San Bernardino Valley. Later I saw the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds and some of the San Gabriel Valley and Mountains. I saw downtown Los Angeles and the landing gear went down at 3:25. On final I saw the Baldwin Hills and Century City in the distance. Landing was east to west followed by taxi of 4 minutes and we arrived at the gate 30 minutes early.
I went to baggage claim and there was a wait for my bags. I got my last bag at 17h02 and caught a shuttle van home.
American #1458 LAX-DEN MD-80 Seat 25A Cruising altitude 33,000' Estimated flying time 1:56, actual 1:53 Scheduled departure 12h40, actual 12h58 Scheduled arrival 16h00, actual 16h09 Ticket cost: $64.30
Plane was late getting in. Y was boarded by rows; there were a few empty seats. Configuration was 2-3 in coach and I was on the "2" side. We sat quite awhile after the door closed and pushback was 18 minutes late. Taxi/hold was 12 minutes followed by takeoff to west over the ocean, slight left turn then farther out over the ocean a "u-turn" toward the northeast. Landfall was around LAX. I saw Malibu and the San Fernando Valley, Glendale, Pasadena, the San Gabriel Mountains and the Antelope Valley. Later I saw Barstow. Just after that the seatbelt sign went off at 0:20. I saw Ft. Irwin, Las Vegas then clouds developed.
There was a drink run and I got the whole can of soda. Also a small bag of Premium Snack Mix (blend of pretzels, honey roasted sesame sticks and chedder corn bites) was served. I saw Pink Coral Sand Dunes and various canyons in southern Utah followed by the northern part of Lake Powell. Later I saw Montrose, CO (with snow cover) and perhaps Mesa Verde then more cloud cover. Some breaks in the clouds revealed snowcapped peaks. Descent started at 1:33 and the seatbelt sign went on a minute or two later. I saw Dillon Lake out the left window and Pikes Peak out the right. There were some bumps during descent and we landed south to north. Taxi was 6 minutes and we arrived 9 minutes late.
It took awhile to deplane and get to baggage claim and my bags were waiting for me when I got there at 16h39. I took a shuttle to a nearby motel and spent the night.
Next morning I went back to the airport, met up with another driver and we both took a taxi to where the trucks were. The driver took a long route and ended up getting lost so the ride cost $85. After more delay with checking out the truck and getting some things in order I got rolling.
Trip: Brighton, CO to Miami, FL 2,074 miles Routes: US85 to E470 to IH70 to
IH670 back to IH70 to IH170 to IH64 to IH57 to IH24 to IH75 to IH285 back to IH75 to Florida Turnpike to IH595 to Florida 84 to IH95 to IH395 to US1
Maximum elevation: 5,280 feet
Weather in the Denver area was fine when I was there clear to partly cloudy about 60F or so. Next day the wind picked up and the temperature dropped. It was windy about 45F for part of the trip going through Kansas. I attended Sunday morning church at Calvary Baptist in Junction City, KS. I got some drizzle or heavy mist soon after I entered Missouri and that continued off and on. I got to the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Boonville, MO and expected to attend evening service but ended up crashing the Christmas party instead. I did get all the Beef Brisket I could handle.
Following day I continued and that evening got more heavy mist or drizzle in extreme southern Illinois and parts of Kentucky. When I went through the weigh scale in Kentucky I got pulled in and my logbook and drivers licence and medical card were checked then I was free to go. The next day the weather was warming up as I proceeded through Tennessee and Georgia. It got even warmer as I entered Florida.
Florida Fiasco
I had problems getting good directions to where I was to deliver the truck at the Port of Miami. My attempts to get directions burned up enough time I was unable to deliver on Thursday the 21st. So I spent that night in Ft. Lauderdale (cheaper and probably safer than downtown Miami) then proceeded next morning into Miami. I encountered a lot of construction on Biscayne Blvd. Though I made it to the Port I ended up in the wrong place at first. So I had to exit the Port, make a u-turn and return and I went to where I was supposed to go. First my ID was checked and I was given a pass as well as a sticker to put on my shirt. Then I went to another booth which was Customs/Homeland Security and my drivers licence was checked again. I was directed to a Dade County Sheriff car where my licence was run yet again. Finally I saw another security guard and was told where to park the truck and where to go. I had to wait for a checker to come and sign for the truck and there was some wait then I was taken to the front where I waited for cab. Finally I was taken to the Tri-Rail station. The Tri-Rail is an inexpensive way to get around South Florida. The one-way ticket from Miami to Palm Beach cost $5.50. I experienced some Miami Heat: the weather in the day was warm and muggy around 80F and it did not get much below 75F at night and I did experience some discomfort.
I caught the next northbound train to Palm Beach where I was going to disembark and catch a shuttle to PBI where I was goint to catch a Ted flight for IAD and connect from there to a United nonstop B-777 to LAX. However when I looked at the train schedule I realised I was NOT going to make it to PBI with anywhere near enough time for me to catch my flight which was scheduled to depart at 13h40 and yes, I did call UA and found out that flight was operating on time. So I rang UA again and after 38 minutes I canceled that reservation so I would not lose the entire value of the $312.10 ticket. As it is I am going to have to eat a $100 change fee and I am on the hook to fly UA again at some point. UA did not have any space on any other flights back to LAX.
I rang Southwest and got a courtesy hold on the last seat on a flight from FLL to LAX with one stop in STL. I then disembarked from the northbound train before reaching Palm Beach and caught the next southbound train and got off at the FLL station and caught the free van to FLL.
I got to FLL and started checking around other airlines and what availability ther was had too high a price (i.e. $833 on CO, $600-900 range on AA) so I went to the Southwest counter and after queueing I used my voucher to purchase the ticket and got a "B" boarding pass. I was told that the flight was overbooked. Then I went downstairs and rang some of the hotels that had courtesy shuttles and settled on the Econo Lodge in Hollywood and thanks to my AAA membership the room cost me only about $90 instead of $100.
Next day I got the shuttle back to FLL and there were long queues to check baggage but it looked worse than it was so I checked my bags and spent less than 15 minutes queuing for security. I cleared security with no hassle; no secondary screening and my carry-ons were not given a hand inspection.
I got in the "B" line after purchasing bottled water and a wrap. The scheduled time for departure came and went and no one was called for boarding. There was some heavy rain while we waited.
Southwest #732 FLL-STL B-737-700 Seat 21A Cruising altitude 40,000' Estimated flying time 2:25, actual 2:15 Scheduled departure 12h10, actual 12h52 Scheduled arrival 14h15, actual 14h23 Ticket cost: $342.60
Boarding was finally called and I do not know the reason for the delay as the plane did not arrive from elsewhere but was towed to the gate. After boarding an announcement that four volunteers would be needed to take later flight as the plane was overfueled and there was too much weight. Finally enough people volunteered and the doors were shut and pushback was 42 minutes late followed by taxi/hold of 12 minutes followed by takeoff to the west. I saw IH95 then the Florida Turnpike and the Everglades. Then there were clouds for awhile. Seatbelt sign went off at 0:20.
No peanuts were served as someone with a peanut allergy was on board. "Plane Snacks" were served, crackers in the shape of airplanes. There was one drink run, I just got the cup. I ate my chicken caeser wrap.
Later in the flight the weather cleared and I saw the Birmingham, AL area and after that the Tennessee River. Later I saw the Mississippi River. Seatbelt sign went on at 1:36 due to bumps, off again at 1:48. Descent started at 1:51 and seatbelt sign went back on at 1:53. It was announced it was 48F at STL. There were some bumps during descent and on final I had a nice view of downtown and the Gateway Arch. I snapped several pictures then the batteries on the camera went out. Landing was east to west followed by taxi of 3 minutes and we arrived 8 minutes late.
Through Passengers (70 in all) were instructed to remain seated until a count was made then I changed to 12F the best seat in the house. Passengers boarded for the next flight and every last seat was filled.
Southwest #732 STL-LAX B-737-700 Seat 12F Exit Row Cruising altitude 38,000' Estimated flying time 3:30, actual 3:27 Scheduled departure 14h45, actual 14h50 Scheduled arrival 17h00, actual 16h30
Pushback was 5 minutes late and takeoff was to the west followed by a turn to the south and another turn to a more southwesterly direction. I saw the Missouri River. Seatbelt sign went off at 0:25. A Snack Pack consisting of Tropical Dried Fruit Mix, Honey Maid Cinnamon Crisps and Kraft Handi-Snacks was served along with peanuts on this segment. There was a drink run and I just got the cup of soda. I was offered more and accepted then the seatbelt sign went on at 1:05 due to bumps. I saw the Arkansas River and saw some snow on the ground. The bumps got bad enough F/A's were asked to take their seats. I saw Pikes Peak in the distance as well as other peaks in the Rockies. Then I saw the San Luis Valley in Colorado followed by Monument Valley and Lake Powell in the distance. I saw the Grand Canyon then more bumps. Seatbelt sign went off at 2:41. I saw Kingman, Arizona, the Colorado River and Laughlin, NV/Bullhead City, AZ. I finally got the second soda I accepted earlier this time with the whole can. The F/A apologised for not bringing it earlier. Seatbelt sign went on again at 3:04 and descent started at 3:08 as we were passing Big Bear Lake. LAX weather was announced at 64F. I saw the San Bernardino Mountains followed by the San Bernardino Valley. Later I saw the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds and some of the San Gabriel Valley and Mountains. I saw downtown Los Angeles and the landing gear went down at 3:25. On final I saw the Baldwin Hills and Century City in the distance. Landing was east to west followed by taxi of 4 minutes and we arrived at the gate 30 minutes early.
I went to baggage claim and there was a wait for my bags. I got my last bag at 17h02 and caught a shuttle van home.