Loose Cannon
Jul 29, 08, 1:54 am
Tour of Duty 11th July to 28th July 2008
I got transport to LAX Terminal 7 and there was a considerable line when I checked in at United. The line moved fairly quickly and I was not able to use the kiosk and needed the assistance of an agent to check in. Perhaps that was because the first flight was a codeshare with US (on UA metal) and the second and third flights were on NW. I finally got checked in and received the boarding pass for the first flight which had SSSS. That meant I was selected for secondary screening. My carry-ons were swabbed and I exercised the option to request a private room and I was patted down then sent on my way.
Ted for United #1548 codeshare with US Airways #5813 LAX-LAS A-320 Seat 15B Cruising altitude 25,000 feet Estimated flying time 0:45, actual 0:47 Scheduled departure 11h29, actual 11h31 Scheduled arrival 12h44, actual
12h36
Plane was full or nearly full and I was stuck in a middle seat. Announcement was made it may be a bumpy ride and it was 92F at LAS. Pushback from Gate 70A was 2 minutes late followed by taxi/hold of 12 minutes and takeoff to the west over the ocean. There was a quick turn south then circle to the northeast. I saw the San Fernando Valley on climb. Seatbelt sign went off at 0:14. I felt descent begin at 0:19. Seatbelt sign went on at 0:20 as the F/A came around with a drink run. I got cup of ginger ale. We made turns and landed east to west. Taxi was 5minutes and we arrived at gate D35 8 minutes early.
Northwest # 776 LAS-MSP B-757-200 Seat 18A Cruising altitude 35,000 feet Estimated flying time 2:36, actual 2:37 Scheduled departure 14h20, actual 14h23 Scheduled arrival 19h29, actual 19h28
After layover at LAS I switched to Northwest which was also in Terminal D. There was a gate change from D9 to D7. Boarding was through door
2L and the plane was full or nearly full. Pushback was 3 minutes late followed by taxi/hold of 18 minutes. Takeoff was to the east. This was the first time I recall an eastbound takeoff at LAS. At 0:26 we reached cruise altitude but the captain announced the seatbelt sign would remain on for now due to weather and possible bumps and he announced the weather was 91F at MSP. The route was announced as going over Grand Junction, CO, north of Denver, O'Neill, NE and Ft. Dodge, IA before approaching the Twin Cities from the south.
There was a drink run and I got entire can of Pepsi. I also purchased a bag of M & M's for $3. There were lots of clouds and we were not over all the clouds even at 35,000 feet. At 1:03 the seatbelt sign went off. At 1:57 there was a water run and I got cup of water. I saw some thunderheads over the Plains. Seatbelt sign went on at 2:08 and descent was announced. It was still 91F and scattered clouds and gusty winds 25-30mph from the south at MSP. On approach I saw clouds building and saw downtown Minneapolis. We landed from the west northwest on a dry runway and taxi/hold was 8 minutes. We arrived at gate G13 1 minute early.
During my layover at MSP some major thunderstorms moved through. Announcements were made for people to stay away from the windows as winds were expected to gust as high as 65mph. The storms moved out and the rain quit before the next flight was scheduled to depart.
Northwest #354 MSP-DLH A-320 Seat 7A Cruising altitude 19,000 feet Estimated flying time 0:25, actual 0:30 Scheduled departure 22h31, actual 23h07 Scheduled arrival 23h16, actual 23h57
Plane was not totally full and I had an entire row to myself. The crew was late from the previous flight. Announcement was made that the weather has passed through Duluth. Pushback was 36 minutes late followed by taxi/hold of 14 minutes. Takeoff was to the east then turn to north. At 0:07 announcement was made we were at cruising altitude of 19,000 feet. Announcment was made we would be landing to the east and there was some fog and low visibility so we would not see the ground until we touch it. I felt descent begin at 0:11. I saw the lights of cities then a cloud/fog bank. Landing was west to east followed by taxi of 4 minutes. We arrived at the gate 41 minutes late and deplaned through jetway and immediately went exited the secure area by going downstairs. I got bags 17-20 minutes after arrival.
I had problems getting a room. A lot of places were full. I finally was able to secure a room in nearby Superior, WI for $70 all in. I shared a taxi with two other parties and was the last one dropped off and spent what was left of the night in Superior, WI.
Late next morning I got taxi to the truck. This was my first time in the Duluth/Superior area and I saw Lake Superior from the ground for the first time ever.
Trip: Duluth, MN to Pomona, CA 2,062 miles Routes: Interstate 35 to Interstate 35E to Interstate 694 back to Interstate 35E back to Interstate 35 to Interstate 80 to Interstate 215 to Interstate 15 to Interstate 10 Maximum elevation: 8,640 feet at Sherman Summit on Interstate 80 about 10 miles east of Laramie, WY Permits needed: AZ trip permit
The truck was a 2009 International with an automatic shift and was a utility truck called a derrick digger. I made the pickup and had to get fuel. Diesel was $4.659 per gallon in Duluth, MN. It was quite windy with gusts as high as 35mph though the temperature was quite pleasant in the 70's F. I got as far as Albert Lea, MN before shutting down.
Sunday morning I was picked up and taken to Faith Baptist Church in Albert Lea, MN. The sermon was on Acts 13:1-12 Paul's first missionary journey. The weather was pleasant but warmed up as I proceeded south in Iowa. A little north of Des Moines I noticed the hood was loose. I found a safe pull-out area and investigated and found that the hard plastic latch that secures the hood on the driver's side was broken. I secured it with a strap temporarily and notified the company. I was told to take it to a shop Monday.
Monday I took the truck to the International dealer in Omaha and in a short time the plastic latch was replaced and I got rolling. There was no charge due to the warranty. I shut down temporarily in Lexington, NE due to due to a severe thunderstorm warning and thunderstorms came through and there was heavy rain but no hail. I heard there was a tornado about 6 miles from where I was. I fueled at the Flying J in North Platte, NE and diesel was $4.739 per gallon. There were more storms and some rain west of North Platte to around Paxton or Sutherland. I spent the night in Big Springs, NE.
Tuesday I elected to stay on Interstate 80 into the Salt Lake City area rather than take Interstate 76 to Denver and Interstate 70 west from there. The terrain is very unfavourable on Interstate 70 west of Denver and though the route is very scenic it is not at all truck friendly. I pulled into the Port of Entry in Wyoming and was told no trip permit was needed due to the weight of the truck. Diesel was $4.619 per gallon at Love's in Cheyenne, WY. I ended up spending the night in Wamsutter, WY due to lodging costs and availability. Cost in Wamsutter was $42.20 all in. Farther west lodging in Evanston and Rock Springs was either a lot more expensive or unavailable. This was not only due to the summer tourist season but also construction season and the oil boom and many work crews take up lodging.
Next day I continued and saw some raindrops between Rock Springs and Little America, WY. Diesel was $4.579 at the Flying J in Evanston, WY. There was a traffic jam due to police activity in Spanish Fork, UT and I saw a rainbow over the Wasatch south of Payson, UT. I spent night in Nephi, UT.
Following day I continued south and paid $4.659 per gallon for diesel in St. George, UT and $4.959 per gallon at the Petro in North Las Vegas, NV. There were a few raindrops as I entered Arizona but no rain in Nevada. I spent the night at the Gold Strike in Jean, NV for $25.02 all in.
Next day I did not make good time due to construction zones between the state line and Baker, CA. I got word of a trip from Frederick, MD to Pomona, CA. I fueled up at the TA in Ontario, CA for $5.099 per gallon. I met another driver from the same company there delivering to the same place and we headed over to Pomona and made delivery there. We shared a cab to the Motel 6 in Ontario, CA where we got separate rooms each for $60.33 all in. The other driver was also flying on the same flight as I was the next morning as he had a pickup in the same place.
Wakeup came at 04h00 all too early the next morning and I got ready and shared a cab ride with the other driver to ONT. I checked in and checked bags. There was no fee to check bags thanks to flying on Southwest. Bags weighed 47.0 lbs and 44.5 lbs. I cleared security after a line and there was no secondary screening and no hand searches. We met up with a third driver who was also flying to Baltimore and making pickup in Frederick.
Southwest #3616 ONT-LAS B-737-700 Boarding Pass B4 Seat 22A Estimated flying time 1:00, actual 0:37 Scheduled departure 06h40, actual 06h46 Scheduled arrival 07h45, actual 07h34
Load was 118 passengers. Captain announced it was 88F at LAS. Pushback from gate 404 was 6 minutes late followed by taxi of 7 minutes and takeoff to the east. This was unusual as takeoffs are usually to the west at ONT. We went into then over clouds and circled around to the right. I saw the Santa Ana Mountains sticking out above the cloud layer. We headed northwest and over the San Gabriel Mountains then made a turn to the northeast. I saw the Antelope Valley. We flew over Pinon Hills and I saw the junction of California 18/138 and the California Aquaduct. I saw Adelanto and the former George AFB and the dry Mojave River. Then I saw Interstate 15 and Barstow.
I felt descent begin at 0:19. There was a drink run a minute later. Coffee and Orange Juice were offered. I chose the OJ. There was a turn north then east and I saw Mt. Charleston followed by the Las Vegas Metro area, the 215 Belt Route and the Strip. We overflew LAS, looped around and landed east to west. Taxi was 3 minutes and we arrived 11 minutes early at gate C4.
Southwest #3725 LAS-BWI B-737-700 Boarding Pass B8 Seat 21A Cruising altitude 37,000 feet Estimated flying time 4:00, actual 4:10 Scheduled departure 09h25, actual 09h31 Scheduled arrival 17h15, actual 16h57 Ticket cost: $394.50
Plane was totally full. Pushback from gate C11 was 6 minutes late. Taxi/hold was 12 minutes followed by takeoff to the west. I saw the junction of Interstate 15/215 and the Metro area. Seatbelt sign went off at 0:26. I saw Lake Powell and some scenery in southern Utah.
At 0:40 F/A's offered a choice of Oreos, Wheat Thins or Ritz Crackers. I chose the latter. There was no snack pack I was used to on the longer flights. There was a drink run and I got cup of ginger ale. Shortly later I got a refill. At 1:09 I saw Colorado Springs. There was a water run at 2:48. Seatbelt sign went on at 3:09 due to bumps and I thought I felt descent begin at 3:34. Descent was announced at 3:44. Announcement was made it was 93F at BWI. I felt some bumps during descent. I saw Interstate 695 then we swung out over Chesapeake Bay and we landed from the east. Taxi was 3 minutes and we arrived at gate A4 18 minutes early. I got bags 23-28 minutes after arrival.
I shared a rental car with the two other drivers and we all went to the same place in Frederick, MD.
Trip: Frederick, MD to Pomona, CA 2,602 paid miles Routes: Interstate 70 to Interstate 81 to Interstate 40 to Interstate 640 back to Interstate 40 to Tennesee 155 (Briley Parkway) back to Interstate 40 to Interstate 15 to Interstate 10 Maximum elevation: 7,335 feet at Arizona Divide on Interstate 40 about 5 miles west of Flagstaff, AZ Permits needed: NM and AZ trip permits
This truck was a 2006 Ford F-350 pickup automatic shift with a cherry-picker bucket on the back. I needed to fuel so I found a filling station in Frederick where diesel was $4.999 per gallon. I got on Interstate 70 then south on 81 and exited in Martinsburg, WV and had a very late dinner at Hoss's Steak and Sea House. I spent the night in Winchester, VA near the top of Virginia.
Sunday morning I attended service at Emmanuel Baptist in Winchester, VA. The pastor was starting a series on the book of Hebrews and the sermon was on Hebrews 1:1-3. The temperature and humidity were both high enough I felt considerable discomfort when outside. I proceeded and stopped in Raphine, VA where I had a couple of BBQ sliced Beef Brisket sandwiches. I continued south on 81 and attended evening service at Temple Baptist in Salem, VA. I had to go up a steep hill to get to the church and saw a couple of deer. A church member who was going to Bible College but home on summer break gave the message and the subject was on the Power, Persecution and Purpose of Christ. I continued south and spent the night in Max Meadows, VA. After I shut down I saw lightning to the distance.
Next day I continued south then caught Interstate 40 westbound. There is a long term construction project where Interstate 40 is shut down in downtown Knoxville, TN so I had to take 640 as an alternate. It was quite hot. I fueled up at Flying J on the west side of Knoxville, TN for $4.569 per gallon. West on Knoxville around Kingston, TN I experienced thunderstorms with cloud to ground lightning and heavy rain at times. The rain quit before Crossville. I stopped in Cookeville, TN where I had a BBQ Brisket sandwich at General Lee's. I rang up a friend who moved from California to a town in TN north of Nashville and told him I was coming through. I took the Briley Parkway and exited at Music Row and parked near the Texas Troubadour Theatre and met up with my friend and his wife and we visited for about an hour or so. Then I proceeded and ended up spending the night in Dickson, TN. I did not enjoy the heat and humidity.
Tuesday I continued west and crossed the Mississippi into Arkansas. I filled up at the Flying J in West Memphis, AR and fuel was $4.559 per gallon. I noticed a bulge on the driver's side front tyre. I notified the company and was told to wait there and a service truck would be out to replace the tyre. The service truck arrived but did not have the correct size tyre and I was told they could not help me until the next day. I drove very carefully and slowly to a nearby motel where I shut down for the night.
Wednesday morning I rang the company that was to send out the service truck. Though i told that company where I was not located (at motel not truckstop) the service truck went to the truckstop. Then the driver of the service truck got lost. Finally the service truck came and the tyre was replaced and I got rolling west. When out of the truck I felt considerable discomfort due to the heat and humidity. There were thunderstorms nearby but not over me as I proceeded west. I stopped at Bible Baptist Church in Russellville, AR to attend midweek service but caught only the tail end as midweek service there started earlier than most Baptist churches. Then I continued and spent the night in Roland, OK.
Thursday I continued west in Oklahoma. Fuel was $4.449 per gallon at Love's in Webber's Falls, OK and $4.369 per gallon at Love's in Oklahoma City. I stopped by for a brief visit at the Southwest Radio Church in Oklahoma City. I got as far as Conway, TX before calling it a night.
Friday I had lunch at the Midpoint Cafe and Gift Shop in Adrian, TX. Adrian is the midpoint of old Route 66. Diesel was $4.539 per gallon at Love's in Amarillo, TX and $4.449 per gallon at Love's in Albuquerque, NM. I got as far as Grants, NM and saw lightning as I exited.
Saturday I encountered thunderstorms starting in Gallup, NM and continuing into Arizona. There were some heavy downpours a little east of Holbrook, AZ. Then the rain quit. Diesel was $4.489 per gallon at Love's in Gallup, NM and $4.469 at Love's in Kingman, AZ. I spent the night in Kingman, AZ.
Sunday I attended morning service at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Kingman, AZ. The message was on First John 3:1-3. I then headed west into Needles, CA where I stopped for lunch. It was hot but not too uncomfortable due to low humidity. I continued west and attended evening service at Barstow Baptist Temple. The message was on Exodus 14:15 and the topic was not retreating but advancing. I elected to spend the night at the Motel 6 in Barstow due to higher costs of lodging farther on my intended route. I've spent nights there before without problems but this time somebody's car alarm kept going off at frequent intervals during the night and that disrupted my sleep greatly. I rang the front desk twice to complain and the second time I was told there was nothing they could do.
Monday I started out late due to poor sleep and headed south on Interstate 15. I filled the tank at the TA in Ontario, CA and diesel was $4.939 per gallon. I made delivery in Pomona, CA and got a taxicab. I had to ask the driver to swing back where I made the delivery as I forgot to leave the keys with the truck! After I gave the keys to the customer I went to the Metrolink station in Claremont where I got the Metrolink train to Union Station in Los Angeles for $7.75 one way. From Union Station I caught the Red Line to the 7th Street station where I connected with the Blue Line to the Imperial/Wilmington station where I connected with the Green Line to the Norwalk station. My Metrolink ticket allowed me to ride the Metro as well at no additional charge. From Norwalk I took a taxicab home.
I got transport to LAX Terminal 7 and there was a considerable line when I checked in at United. The line moved fairly quickly and I was not able to use the kiosk and needed the assistance of an agent to check in. Perhaps that was because the first flight was a codeshare with US (on UA metal) and the second and third flights were on NW. I finally got checked in and received the boarding pass for the first flight which had SSSS. That meant I was selected for secondary screening. My carry-ons were swabbed and I exercised the option to request a private room and I was patted down then sent on my way.
Ted for United #1548 codeshare with US Airways #5813 LAX-LAS A-320 Seat 15B Cruising altitude 25,000 feet Estimated flying time 0:45, actual 0:47 Scheduled departure 11h29, actual 11h31 Scheduled arrival 12h44, actual
12h36
Plane was full or nearly full and I was stuck in a middle seat. Announcement was made it may be a bumpy ride and it was 92F at LAS. Pushback from Gate 70A was 2 minutes late followed by taxi/hold of 12 minutes and takeoff to the west over the ocean. There was a quick turn south then circle to the northeast. I saw the San Fernando Valley on climb. Seatbelt sign went off at 0:14. I felt descent begin at 0:19. Seatbelt sign went on at 0:20 as the F/A came around with a drink run. I got cup of ginger ale. We made turns and landed east to west. Taxi was 5minutes and we arrived at gate D35 8 minutes early.
Northwest # 776 LAS-MSP B-757-200 Seat 18A Cruising altitude 35,000 feet Estimated flying time 2:36, actual 2:37 Scheduled departure 14h20, actual 14h23 Scheduled arrival 19h29, actual 19h28
After layover at LAS I switched to Northwest which was also in Terminal D. There was a gate change from D9 to D7. Boarding was through door
2L and the plane was full or nearly full. Pushback was 3 minutes late followed by taxi/hold of 18 minutes. Takeoff was to the east. This was the first time I recall an eastbound takeoff at LAS. At 0:26 we reached cruise altitude but the captain announced the seatbelt sign would remain on for now due to weather and possible bumps and he announced the weather was 91F at MSP. The route was announced as going over Grand Junction, CO, north of Denver, O'Neill, NE and Ft. Dodge, IA before approaching the Twin Cities from the south.
There was a drink run and I got entire can of Pepsi. I also purchased a bag of M & M's for $3. There were lots of clouds and we were not over all the clouds even at 35,000 feet. At 1:03 the seatbelt sign went off. At 1:57 there was a water run and I got cup of water. I saw some thunderheads over the Plains. Seatbelt sign went on at 2:08 and descent was announced. It was still 91F and scattered clouds and gusty winds 25-30mph from the south at MSP. On approach I saw clouds building and saw downtown Minneapolis. We landed from the west northwest on a dry runway and taxi/hold was 8 minutes. We arrived at gate G13 1 minute early.
During my layover at MSP some major thunderstorms moved through. Announcements were made for people to stay away from the windows as winds were expected to gust as high as 65mph. The storms moved out and the rain quit before the next flight was scheduled to depart.
Northwest #354 MSP-DLH A-320 Seat 7A Cruising altitude 19,000 feet Estimated flying time 0:25, actual 0:30 Scheduled departure 22h31, actual 23h07 Scheduled arrival 23h16, actual 23h57
Plane was not totally full and I had an entire row to myself. The crew was late from the previous flight. Announcement was made that the weather has passed through Duluth. Pushback was 36 minutes late followed by taxi/hold of 14 minutes. Takeoff was to the east then turn to north. At 0:07 announcement was made we were at cruising altitude of 19,000 feet. Announcment was made we would be landing to the east and there was some fog and low visibility so we would not see the ground until we touch it. I felt descent begin at 0:11. I saw the lights of cities then a cloud/fog bank. Landing was west to east followed by taxi of 4 minutes. We arrived at the gate 41 minutes late and deplaned through jetway and immediately went exited the secure area by going downstairs. I got bags 17-20 minutes after arrival.
I had problems getting a room. A lot of places were full. I finally was able to secure a room in nearby Superior, WI for $70 all in. I shared a taxi with two other parties and was the last one dropped off and spent what was left of the night in Superior, WI.
Late next morning I got taxi to the truck. This was my first time in the Duluth/Superior area and I saw Lake Superior from the ground for the first time ever.
Trip: Duluth, MN to Pomona, CA 2,062 miles Routes: Interstate 35 to Interstate 35E to Interstate 694 back to Interstate 35E back to Interstate 35 to Interstate 80 to Interstate 215 to Interstate 15 to Interstate 10 Maximum elevation: 8,640 feet at Sherman Summit on Interstate 80 about 10 miles east of Laramie, WY Permits needed: AZ trip permit
The truck was a 2009 International with an automatic shift and was a utility truck called a derrick digger. I made the pickup and had to get fuel. Diesel was $4.659 per gallon in Duluth, MN. It was quite windy with gusts as high as 35mph though the temperature was quite pleasant in the 70's F. I got as far as Albert Lea, MN before shutting down.
Sunday morning I was picked up and taken to Faith Baptist Church in Albert Lea, MN. The sermon was on Acts 13:1-12 Paul's first missionary journey. The weather was pleasant but warmed up as I proceeded south in Iowa. A little north of Des Moines I noticed the hood was loose. I found a safe pull-out area and investigated and found that the hard plastic latch that secures the hood on the driver's side was broken. I secured it with a strap temporarily and notified the company. I was told to take it to a shop Monday.
Monday I took the truck to the International dealer in Omaha and in a short time the plastic latch was replaced and I got rolling. There was no charge due to the warranty. I shut down temporarily in Lexington, NE due to due to a severe thunderstorm warning and thunderstorms came through and there was heavy rain but no hail. I heard there was a tornado about 6 miles from where I was. I fueled at the Flying J in North Platte, NE and diesel was $4.739 per gallon. There were more storms and some rain west of North Platte to around Paxton or Sutherland. I spent the night in Big Springs, NE.
Tuesday I elected to stay on Interstate 80 into the Salt Lake City area rather than take Interstate 76 to Denver and Interstate 70 west from there. The terrain is very unfavourable on Interstate 70 west of Denver and though the route is very scenic it is not at all truck friendly. I pulled into the Port of Entry in Wyoming and was told no trip permit was needed due to the weight of the truck. Diesel was $4.619 per gallon at Love's in Cheyenne, WY. I ended up spending the night in Wamsutter, WY due to lodging costs and availability. Cost in Wamsutter was $42.20 all in. Farther west lodging in Evanston and Rock Springs was either a lot more expensive or unavailable. This was not only due to the summer tourist season but also construction season and the oil boom and many work crews take up lodging.
Next day I continued and saw some raindrops between Rock Springs and Little America, WY. Diesel was $4.579 at the Flying J in Evanston, WY. There was a traffic jam due to police activity in Spanish Fork, UT and I saw a rainbow over the Wasatch south of Payson, UT. I spent night in Nephi, UT.
Following day I continued south and paid $4.659 per gallon for diesel in St. George, UT and $4.959 per gallon at the Petro in North Las Vegas, NV. There were a few raindrops as I entered Arizona but no rain in Nevada. I spent the night at the Gold Strike in Jean, NV for $25.02 all in.
Next day I did not make good time due to construction zones between the state line and Baker, CA. I got word of a trip from Frederick, MD to Pomona, CA. I fueled up at the TA in Ontario, CA for $5.099 per gallon. I met another driver from the same company there delivering to the same place and we headed over to Pomona and made delivery there. We shared a cab to the Motel 6 in Ontario, CA where we got separate rooms each for $60.33 all in. The other driver was also flying on the same flight as I was the next morning as he had a pickup in the same place.
Wakeup came at 04h00 all too early the next morning and I got ready and shared a cab ride with the other driver to ONT. I checked in and checked bags. There was no fee to check bags thanks to flying on Southwest. Bags weighed 47.0 lbs and 44.5 lbs. I cleared security after a line and there was no secondary screening and no hand searches. We met up with a third driver who was also flying to Baltimore and making pickup in Frederick.
Southwest #3616 ONT-LAS B-737-700 Boarding Pass B4 Seat 22A Estimated flying time 1:00, actual 0:37 Scheduled departure 06h40, actual 06h46 Scheduled arrival 07h45, actual 07h34
Load was 118 passengers. Captain announced it was 88F at LAS. Pushback from gate 404 was 6 minutes late followed by taxi of 7 minutes and takeoff to the east. This was unusual as takeoffs are usually to the west at ONT. We went into then over clouds and circled around to the right. I saw the Santa Ana Mountains sticking out above the cloud layer. We headed northwest and over the San Gabriel Mountains then made a turn to the northeast. I saw the Antelope Valley. We flew over Pinon Hills and I saw the junction of California 18/138 and the California Aquaduct. I saw Adelanto and the former George AFB and the dry Mojave River. Then I saw Interstate 15 and Barstow.
I felt descent begin at 0:19. There was a drink run a minute later. Coffee and Orange Juice were offered. I chose the OJ. There was a turn north then east and I saw Mt. Charleston followed by the Las Vegas Metro area, the 215 Belt Route and the Strip. We overflew LAS, looped around and landed east to west. Taxi was 3 minutes and we arrived 11 minutes early at gate C4.
Southwest #3725 LAS-BWI B-737-700 Boarding Pass B8 Seat 21A Cruising altitude 37,000 feet Estimated flying time 4:00, actual 4:10 Scheduled departure 09h25, actual 09h31 Scheduled arrival 17h15, actual 16h57 Ticket cost: $394.50
Plane was totally full. Pushback from gate C11 was 6 minutes late. Taxi/hold was 12 minutes followed by takeoff to the west. I saw the junction of Interstate 15/215 and the Metro area. Seatbelt sign went off at 0:26. I saw Lake Powell and some scenery in southern Utah.
At 0:40 F/A's offered a choice of Oreos, Wheat Thins or Ritz Crackers. I chose the latter. There was no snack pack I was used to on the longer flights. There was a drink run and I got cup of ginger ale. Shortly later I got a refill. At 1:09 I saw Colorado Springs. There was a water run at 2:48. Seatbelt sign went on at 3:09 due to bumps and I thought I felt descent begin at 3:34. Descent was announced at 3:44. Announcement was made it was 93F at BWI. I felt some bumps during descent. I saw Interstate 695 then we swung out over Chesapeake Bay and we landed from the east. Taxi was 3 minutes and we arrived at gate A4 18 minutes early. I got bags 23-28 minutes after arrival.
I shared a rental car with the two other drivers and we all went to the same place in Frederick, MD.
Trip: Frederick, MD to Pomona, CA 2,602 paid miles Routes: Interstate 70 to Interstate 81 to Interstate 40 to Interstate 640 back to Interstate 40 to Tennesee 155 (Briley Parkway) back to Interstate 40 to Interstate 15 to Interstate 10 Maximum elevation: 7,335 feet at Arizona Divide on Interstate 40 about 5 miles west of Flagstaff, AZ Permits needed: NM and AZ trip permits
This truck was a 2006 Ford F-350 pickup automatic shift with a cherry-picker bucket on the back. I needed to fuel so I found a filling station in Frederick where diesel was $4.999 per gallon. I got on Interstate 70 then south on 81 and exited in Martinsburg, WV and had a very late dinner at Hoss's Steak and Sea House. I spent the night in Winchester, VA near the top of Virginia.
Sunday morning I attended service at Emmanuel Baptist in Winchester, VA. The pastor was starting a series on the book of Hebrews and the sermon was on Hebrews 1:1-3. The temperature and humidity were both high enough I felt considerable discomfort when outside. I proceeded and stopped in Raphine, VA where I had a couple of BBQ sliced Beef Brisket sandwiches. I continued south on 81 and attended evening service at Temple Baptist in Salem, VA. I had to go up a steep hill to get to the church and saw a couple of deer. A church member who was going to Bible College but home on summer break gave the message and the subject was on the Power, Persecution and Purpose of Christ. I continued south and spent the night in Max Meadows, VA. After I shut down I saw lightning to the distance.
Next day I continued south then caught Interstate 40 westbound. There is a long term construction project where Interstate 40 is shut down in downtown Knoxville, TN so I had to take 640 as an alternate. It was quite hot. I fueled up at Flying J on the west side of Knoxville, TN for $4.569 per gallon. West on Knoxville around Kingston, TN I experienced thunderstorms with cloud to ground lightning and heavy rain at times. The rain quit before Crossville. I stopped in Cookeville, TN where I had a BBQ Brisket sandwich at General Lee's. I rang up a friend who moved from California to a town in TN north of Nashville and told him I was coming through. I took the Briley Parkway and exited at Music Row and parked near the Texas Troubadour Theatre and met up with my friend and his wife and we visited for about an hour or so. Then I proceeded and ended up spending the night in Dickson, TN. I did not enjoy the heat and humidity.
Tuesday I continued west and crossed the Mississippi into Arkansas. I filled up at the Flying J in West Memphis, AR and fuel was $4.559 per gallon. I noticed a bulge on the driver's side front tyre. I notified the company and was told to wait there and a service truck would be out to replace the tyre. The service truck arrived but did not have the correct size tyre and I was told they could not help me until the next day. I drove very carefully and slowly to a nearby motel where I shut down for the night.
Wednesday morning I rang the company that was to send out the service truck. Though i told that company where I was not located (at motel not truckstop) the service truck went to the truckstop. Then the driver of the service truck got lost. Finally the service truck came and the tyre was replaced and I got rolling west. When out of the truck I felt considerable discomfort due to the heat and humidity. There were thunderstorms nearby but not over me as I proceeded west. I stopped at Bible Baptist Church in Russellville, AR to attend midweek service but caught only the tail end as midweek service there started earlier than most Baptist churches. Then I continued and spent the night in Roland, OK.
Thursday I continued west in Oklahoma. Fuel was $4.449 per gallon at Love's in Webber's Falls, OK and $4.369 per gallon at Love's in Oklahoma City. I stopped by for a brief visit at the Southwest Radio Church in Oklahoma City. I got as far as Conway, TX before calling it a night.
Friday I had lunch at the Midpoint Cafe and Gift Shop in Adrian, TX. Adrian is the midpoint of old Route 66. Diesel was $4.539 per gallon at Love's in Amarillo, TX and $4.449 per gallon at Love's in Albuquerque, NM. I got as far as Grants, NM and saw lightning as I exited.
Saturday I encountered thunderstorms starting in Gallup, NM and continuing into Arizona. There were some heavy downpours a little east of Holbrook, AZ. Then the rain quit. Diesel was $4.489 per gallon at Love's in Gallup, NM and $4.469 at Love's in Kingman, AZ. I spent the night in Kingman, AZ.
Sunday I attended morning service at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Kingman, AZ. The message was on First John 3:1-3. I then headed west into Needles, CA where I stopped for lunch. It was hot but not too uncomfortable due to low humidity. I continued west and attended evening service at Barstow Baptist Temple. The message was on Exodus 14:15 and the topic was not retreating but advancing. I elected to spend the night at the Motel 6 in Barstow due to higher costs of lodging farther on my intended route. I've spent nights there before without problems but this time somebody's car alarm kept going off at frequent intervals during the night and that disrupted my sleep greatly. I rang the front desk twice to complain and the second time I was told there was nothing they could do.
Monday I started out late due to poor sleep and headed south on Interstate 15. I filled the tank at the TA in Ontario, CA and diesel was $4.939 per gallon. I made delivery in Pomona, CA and got a taxicab. I had to ask the driver to swing back where I made the delivery as I forgot to leave the keys with the truck! After I gave the keys to the customer I went to the Metrolink station in Claremont where I got the Metrolink train to Union Station in Los Angeles for $7.75 one way. From Union Station I caught the Red Line to the 7th Street station where I connected with the Blue Line to the Imperial/Wilmington station where I connected with the Green Line to the Norwalk station. My Metrolink ticket allowed me to ride the Metro as well at no additional charge. From Norwalk I took a taxicab home.