Montana Trip: SOAPA Convention August 2016
Aug 26, 2016, 12:26 am
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Join Date: Aug 2004
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Posts: 2,350
Montana Trip: SOAPA Conference August 2016; Scenic Flights; Security Alarm
This is an unusual Trip Report because almost all of my air travel is in connexion with my work delivering new and used trucks. There are rare occasions when I travel by air for personal reasons and this is one of them. Months ago I received word of the SOAPA Conference to be held in Kalispell, Montana. SOAPA originally meant Southeast Open Air Preachers Association as the Conferences started in Atlanta. Now that SOAPA Conferences are held elsewhere SOAPA now means Street and Open Air Preachers of America. I used miles to book my air tickets to/from FCA Glacier Park International Airport Kalispell, Montana and I used Wyndham Rewards points to book my hotel. This conference restricted my availability for work so after my trip from Bakersfield, California to Alvarado, Texas there was no suitable trip for me to do that was short enough yet allow me time to get home and decompress then repack for the trip to Montana so after I delivered my last truck in Alvarado, Texas I ended up flying home on an American Airlines Boeing 777-200 jumbo jet nonstop from DFW to LAX. Details of that tour of duty are in a previous Trip Report.
Wednesday the 17th of August arrived and the Super Shuttle came to pick me up and take me to LAX. Traffic was bad on the 405 even though we were outside the morning commute period so my arrival at LAX was delayed and I arrived with an hour and a little change before scheduled departure. I checked in and checked only one bag rather than the usual two bags I check when travelling for work. The bag weighed 40.5lbs and I paid the fee and self-tagged the bag and got my boarding pass then cleared security after a queue. I opted out and was patted down. When I arrived at the gate early stages of boarding were underway with elites being called.
Alaska #557 B-737-400
Seat 29F Cruising altitude 34,000 feet Estimated flying time 2:00, actual 1:57
Depart: Gate 66 Scheduled 13h05, actual 13h00 Taxi: 12 minutes
Arrive: Gate C1 Scheduled 15h20, actual 15h16 Taxi: 5 minutes
Pictures of this segment can be found on: https://www.facebook.com/dale.parkes...4008435&type=3
We boarded via jetway and the load was 117/144. The 737-400 is one of the older models in Alaska's fleet so I was glad for an opportunity to fly this model before it is retired. It was announced PDX was experiencing fair weather. Pushback was 5 minutes early followed before takeoff to the west and we were overwater real quick. I saw Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey and Playa del Rey as well as Ballona Creek where it emptied into the ocean. We made a right turn to head in a more northerly direction and we made landfall over the Malibu area at 0:04. To the east I saw smoke from the fire that was burning in the area of the Cajon Pass, the one that shut down Interstate 15 for a period of time. Then I saw the San Fernando Valley, Chatsworth (I was not able to make out the Cowboy Palace Saloon), Santa Clarita, Lake Castaic and Interstate 5.
I saw the east side of Bakersfield at 0:16. Seatbelt sign went off and cruise was announced at 0:19 over the south San Joaquin Valley. I saw Porterville, CA and the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at 0:21. We passed over Visalia, CA at 0:25. At 0:37 I saw what appeared to be Yosemite Half Dome with Mono Lake to the distance. I saw some clouds and at 0:45 I saw Lake Tahoe partly blocked by clouds. At 0:53 we crossed Interstate 80 over the Sierra Nevada Mountains. I got pretzels at 1:03 and at 1:04 I got a cup of soda.
I saw Alturas, CA at 1:17 then we were over Goose Lake and into Oregon airspace at 1:20. I saw Crater Lake at 1:25. At 1:27 I got can of soda and I saw the Three Sisters at 1:33. I thought I felt descent at 1:35 parallel to the Three Sisters. Seatbelt sign went on at 1:37 and I saw Mt. Jefferson. I got first glimpse of Mt. Hood at 1:40. We turned east then north and west and I saw the Columbia River and the opening of the Columbia Gorge followed by Troutdale, OR on approach. We went over the Columbia River, crossed Interstate 205 and landed east to west. We arrived at gate 4 minutes early and deplaned via jetway. I took current record number of 650 pictures on this flight.
I learned my connecting flight was delayed an estimated 21 minutes. The flight was late incoming from RNO. I stopped at Capers Café for midday rations. I had a plain bagel with cream cheese, capers and lox.
Alaska/Horizon #2276 PDX-FCA Dash 8-400 Turboprop
Seat 17E Cruising altitude 25,000 feet Estimated flying time not given, actual 1:15
Depart: Gate A10 Scheduled 16h20, actual 16h50 Taxi: 6 minutes
Arrive: Gate 1A Scheduled 18h46, actual 19h14 Taxi: 2 minutes
Reclaim checked bag 11 minutes after arrival
Pictures of this segment can be found on: https://www.facebook.com/dale.parkes...4008435&type=3
We went outside via door J and walked across the Tarmac and I used stairs to board via the rear door. This aircraft had a single-class cabin and the load was 58/76. Pushback was 30 minutes late followed by takeoff to the west. I saw the Columbia River. Almost immediately we turned north then east northeast over Washington airspace. At 0:12 I saw Hood River, OR, Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. At 0:15 I saw The Dalles, OR to the distance. I saw US97 at 0:22 and we crossed Interstate 82 near Yakima, WA at 0:26 and I saw Toppenish, WA. At 0:32 we crossed the Columbia River once again and I saw the Tri-Cities (Richland, Kennewick and Pasco, WA) to the distance. At 0:33 I got pretzels. At 0:34 I got can of soda. At the same time cruise was announced and seatbelt sign went off at 0:34. We crossed US395 over eastern Washington at 0:36. By 0:45 it appeared we were over the Palouse. I saw Interstate 90 over Northern Idaho at 0:54 and I saw Kellogg and Wallace, ID at 0:56.
I felt descent at 0:59 but was unsure of exact location. I saw smoke from fires. Descent was announced at 1:01 and it was announced it was 93F and clear with winds out of the north northeast at FCA. I saw more smoke and also part of Flathead Lake as well as Kalispell on approach. We landed to the north and arrived at gate 28 minutes late. I deplaned via the rear stairs and went inside to collect my checked bag.
After I got my checked bag I went outside to wait for my ride and after a wait I was picked up and taken to the Conference Centre which was a gymnasium behind a church building. I had evening rations which consisted of a slice of Prime Rib. I heard some Testimonies from a few people then I was taken to hotel to check in and spend the night.
Thursday early in the morning I was picked up and taken back to the Conference Centre. This was the official beginning of the Conference. The Conference was hosted by Philip Klevmoen (www.gods10.com). To begin the day at the Conference Centre, I had morning rations. After that there was some singing, followed by prayer then someone read a section from a book called Martyrs Mirror. This was the pattern to start each day of the Conference. People came from southern California; Portland, Oregon; Bellingham, Burlington and Spokane, Washington; Las Vegas, Nevada; Phoenix, Arizona; Lafayette, Indiana; Cincinnati area, Ohio; Quakertown, Pennsylvania; Ft. Myers, Florida; Calgary, Alberta; as well as Barrie and Toronto, Ontario. I was glad to meet numerous people, some of whom I have known via Facebook.
More information about the Conference can be found on: www.officialstreetpreachers.blogspot.com and www.soapasn.com
The theme of the Conference was "A Peculiar People" based on I Peter 2:9-10 which says, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." Boldface mine for emphasis.
After the reading came the speakers. There were a few speakers then midday rations then more speakers in the afternoon then evening rations. Evening rations consisted of burgers and hot dogs. Afterward there was more singing and prayer then more speakers. I spoke that evening and the topic I chose was "A Peculiar People in an Age of Apostasy". Notes for my message are available on http://www.facebook.com/notes/dale-p...98200406914284 and after a couple more speakers I was taken back to hotel for the night. I found out there was some rain while I was inside but I don't know how hard and there must not have been a lot for the ground was mostly dry though there were some drops on vehicles. This was the only rain during the entire trip.
Friday in addition to the usual routine there was a video shown that was a composite of various videos of open air preachers rebuking Target's bathroom policy. Some preachers went into the stores and were escorted out, preaching as they went and others stood outside to do their preaching either outside the store or on a nearby public sidewalk. Evening rations consisted of sloppy joes.
Saturday was a little different as after the morning rations, singing, prayer and reading we got into vehicles and went through Kalispell then proceeded to the Ten Commandments Park in nearby Columbia Falls, MT which is on the road to Glacier National Park. After some time there we returned to the Conference Centre for midday rations. After midday rations was some singing and prayer followed by the debate. The topic of the debate was "Salvation Freewill vs. Election" Jesse Morell of Open Air Outreach (www.openairoutreach.com) represented the "Freewill" position and Matt Slick of Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry (www.carm.org) also (http://www.carm.org/matt-slick-jesse...lection-debate) represented the "Election" position. The debate can be viewed on
and after the debate there was a Question and Answer period. The vast majority of the audience was in favour of the "Freewill" position though I was not.
After the debate we had evening rations which consisted of Chicken. Then there was more singing and prayer followed by Rick Nelson, a Christian Free Speech Attorney from Florida. Rick Nelson gave some tips on how street preachers could (hopefully) stay out of trouble while open air preaching. There was a Question and Answer period afterward then I was taken back to hotel for the night.
Sunday there was the morning rations followed by singing, prayer and reading then there were three speakers then midday rations then two more speakers then the host closed the Conference. Sunday was a hot day and it was at least 90F in Kalispell. I had evening rations then turned in early for the night as I had an early rise for a very early flight the following day.
I awoke at a very unsocial hour to get ready and I was picked up at 04h00 and taken to FCA to catch my outbound flight. I checked in and checked my bag and paid the fee. After a very short queue I put my items through the X-ray and opted out and was patted down but instead of being cleared as has always been the case there was an alarm and I was escorted into a private room along with my belongings. My belongings were examined and I was given another patdown and the back of the hands was not used over any areas. I had to sit down and lift each leg so my feet could be inspected. There was no alarm this time and I was cleared; otherwise I don't know what would have happened.
Alaska/Horizon #2289 FCA-SEA Dash 8-400 Turboprop
Seat 20A Cruising altitude 24,000 feet Estimated flying time 1:33, actual 1:21
Depart: Gate 1A Scheduled 05h45, actual 05h38 Taxi: 6 minutes
Arrive: Gate C2 Scheduled 06h13, actual 06h11 Taxi: 6 minutes
Pictures of this segment are available at: https://www.facebook.com/dale.parkes...4008435&type=3
I boarded via the rear stairs. The plane was almost full but the seat next to me was empty. I was in the last row but seats on this aircraft did not recline. It was announced it was dark, overcast and 57F at SEA. Pushback was 7 minutes early followed by takeoff to the south and I saw dawn's early light. I felt some bumps during climb. At 0:14 I got cup of soda and Biscoff. Seatbelt sign went off at 0:26 and at 0:27 I saw the lights of Coeur d'Alene, ID. I saw the lights of Spokane, WA and vicinity at 0:33. At 0:58 we crossed the Columbia River and I saw the lights of what may have been Wenatchee, WA. At 1:01 I got first glimpse of the Cascades and clouds increased. Seatbelt sign went on at 1:04 and I felt descent begin. I saw Mt. Rainier sticking above the clouds at 1:09. Descent was announced at 1:11 and we went into then under the clouds at 1:18. I saw Lake Washington and Boeing Field on final and we landed north to south and we arrived at the gate 2 minutes early. I deplaned via the rear stairs and we walked into the terminal.
Between flights I went to Ivar's and got a bagel with salmon cream cheese which I took on the next flight.
Alaska #506 SEA-SNA B-737-800
Seat 30A Cruising altitude 35,000 feet Estimated flying time 2:15, actual 2:14
Depart: Gate C3 Scheduled 07h45, actual 07h42 Taxi: 13 minutes
Arrive: Gate 6 Scheduled 10h30, actual 10h19 Taxi: 10 minutes
Reclaim checked bag 15 minutes after arrival
Pictures of this segment can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/dale.parkes...4008435&type=3
We boarded via jetway. The plane was full with all 163 seats taken. It was announced it was partly cloudy and 68F at SNA. Pushback was 3 minutes early and takeoff was to the south. It was not long before the clouds started to break. At 0:06 I saw Mt. Rainier. At 0:12 I saw Mt. Adams. At 0:17 we crossed the Columbia River into Oregon airspace somewhere east of Portland, OR. At 0:27 seatbelt sign went off and I saw Redmond, OR and RDM. At 0:30 we proceeded directly over Bend, OR. I got Biscoff at 0:39 and at 1:04 I got cup of soda only after ringing the call button as the flight attendant missed me. At 1:08 seatbelt sign went on and I felt bumps. Clouds blocked the view below but at 1:17 the clouds started to break. I thought I saw Yosemite at 1:21 and I saw the far eastern part of the Fresno area at 1:28 and it was very hazy outside.
I got second cup of soda at about 1:30 and at 1:31 we crossed California 99 south of Fresno. At 1:33 we crossed California 198 west of Visalia. At 1:39 we crossed Interstate 5 somewhere in Kern County. I saw Taft, CA at 1:43. I felt descent begin at 1:44 over the Tehachapi Mountains. I saw Lake Castaic to the distance at 1:49 and Piru, CA at 1:59. We crossed California 118 and I saw Simi Valley at 1:51 then I saw the San Fernando Valley and we crossed US101 at 1:52. We went overwater at 1:53 and I saw Malibu, CA then Santa Monica and LAX followed by the Palos Verdes Peninsula and part of the Los Angeles Basin. It was hazy and I saw the marine layer offshore as much of the descent was overwater. At 2:00 we made turn toward shore and made landfall at 2:07 over Huntington Beach. I saw the 405 and 22 and the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base. Then I saw the Anaheim Convention Centre and Disneyland and we turned east then southwest and I saw the former Marine Corps Helicoptor Base in Tustin. We crossed Interstate 5 then the 405 and landed toward the ocean and arrived at gate 11 minutes early. We deplaned via jetway and I got my checked bag. Note: Alaska Airlines has a guarantee in which checked bags will arrive at baggage reclaim no later than 20 minutes after arrival otherwise the passenger is entitled to either additional frequent flyer miles or a voucher good for a discount on the next flight. On both the outbound and inbound itineraries my bags arrived in a timely fashion so no additional miles or voucher. Either way it is all good provided there is no lengthy delay or loss of checked bags. I got the Super Shuttle and came home.
Wednesday the 17th of August arrived and the Super Shuttle came to pick me up and take me to LAX. Traffic was bad on the 405 even though we were outside the morning commute period so my arrival at LAX was delayed and I arrived with an hour and a little change before scheduled departure. I checked in and checked only one bag rather than the usual two bags I check when travelling for work. The bag weighed 40.5lbs and I paid the fee and self-tagged the bag and got my boarding pass then cleared security after a queue. I opted out and was patted down. When I arrived at the gate early stages of boarding were underway with elites being called.
Alaska #557 B-737-400
Seat 29F Cruising altitude 34,000 feet Estimated flying time 2:00, actual 1:57
Depart: Gate 66 Scheduled 13h05, actual 13h00 Taxi: 12 minutes
Arrive: Gate C1 Scheduled 15h20, actual 15h16 Taxi: 5 minutes
Pictures of this segment can be found on: https://www.facebook.com/dale.parkes...4008435&type=3
We boarded via jetway and the load was 117/144. The 737-400 is one of the older models in Alaska's fleet so I was glad for an opportunity to fly this model before it is retired. It was announced PDX was experiencing fair weather. Pushback was 5 minutes early followed before takeoff to the west and we were overwater real quick. I saw Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey and Playa del Rey as well as Ballona Creek where it emptied into the ocean. We made a right turn to head in a more northerly direction and we made landfall over the Malibu area at 0:04. To the east I saw smoke from the fire that was burning in the area of the Cajon Pass, the one that shut down Interstate 15 for a period of time. Then I saw the San Fernando Valley, Chatsworth (I was not able to make out the Cowboy Palace Saloon), Santa Clarita, Lake Castaic and Interstate 5.
I saw the east side of Bakersfield at 0:16. Seatbelt sign went off and cruise was announced at 0:19 over the south San Joaquin Valley. I saw Porterville, CA and the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at 0:21. We passed over Visalia, CA at 0:25. At 0:37 I saw what appeared to be Yosemite Half Dome with Mono Lake to the distance. I saw some clouds and at 0:45 I saw Lake Tahoe partly blocked by clouds. At 0:53 we crossed Interstate 80 over the Sierra Nevada Mountains. I got pretzels at 1:03 and at 1:04 I got a cup of soda.
I saw Alturas, CA at 1:17 then we were over Goose Lake and into Oregon airspace at 1:20. I saw Crater Lake at 1:25. At 1:27 I got can of soda and I saw the Three Sisters at 1:33. I thought I felt descent at 1:35 parallel to the Three Sisters. Seatbelt sign went on at 1:37 and I saw Mt. Jefferson. I got first glimpse of Mt. Hood at 1:40. We turned east then north and west and I saw the Columbia River and the opening of the Columbia Gorge followed by Troutdale, OR on approach. We went over the Columbia River, crossed Interstate 205 and landed east to west. We arrived at gate 4 minutes early and deplaned via jetway. I took current record number of 650 pictures on this flight.
I learned my connecting flight was delayed an estimated 21 minutes. The flight was late incoming from RNO. I stopped at Capers Café for midday rations. I had a plain bagel with cream cheese, capers and lox.
Alaska/Horizon #2276 PDX-FCA Dash 8-400 Turboprop
Seat 17E Cruising altitude 25,000 feet Estimated flying time not given, actual 1:15
Depart: Gate A10 Scheduled 16h20, actual 16h50 Taxi: 6 minutes
Arrive: Gate 1A Scheduled 18h46, actual 19h14 Taxi: 2 minutes
Reclaim checked bag 11 minutes after arrival
Pictures of this segment can be found on: https://www.facebook.com/dale.parkes...4008435&type=3
We went outside via door J and walked across the Tarmac and I used stairs to board via the rear door. This aircraft had a single-class cabin and the load was 58/76. Pushback was 30 minutes late followed by takeoff to the west. I saw the Columbia River. Almost immediately we turned north then east northeast over Washington airspace. At 0:12 I saw Hood River, OR, Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. At 0:15 I saw The Dalles, OR to the distance. I saw US97 at 0:22 and we crossed Interstate 82 near Yakima, WA at 0:26 and I saw Toppenish, WA. At 0:32 we crossed the Columbia River once again and I saw the Tri-Cities (Richland, Kennewick and Pasco, WA) to the distance. At 0:33 I got pretzels. At 0:34 I got can of soda. At the same time cruise was announced and seatbelt sign went off at 0:34. We crossed US395 over eastern Washington at 0:36. By 0:45 it appeared we were over the Palouse. I saw Interstate 90 over Northern Idaho at 0:54 and I saw Kellogg and Wallace, ID at 0:56.
I felt descent at 0:59 but was unsure of exact location. I saw smoke from fires. Descent was announced at 1:01 and it was announced it was 93F and clear with winds out of the north northeast at FCA. I saw more smoke and also part of Flathead Lake as well as Kalispell on approach. We landed to the north and arrived at gate 28 minutes late. I deplaned via the rear stairs and went inside to collect my checked bag.
After I got my checked bag I went outside to wait for my ride and after a wait I was picked up and taken to the Conference Centre which was a gymnasium behind a church building. I had evening rations which consisted of a slice of Prime Rib. I heard some Testimonies from a few people then I was taken to hotel to check in and spend the night.
Thursday early in the morning I was picked up and taken back to the Conference Centre. This was the official beginning of the Conference. The Conference was hosted by Philip Klevmoen (www.gods10.com). To begin the day at the Conference Centre, I had morning rations. After that there was some singing, followed by prayer then someone read a section from a book called Martyrs Mirror. This was the pattern to start each day of the Conference. People came from southern California; Portland, Oregon; Bellingham, Burlington and Spokane, Washington; Las Vegas, Nevada; Phoenix, Arizona; Lafayette, Indiana; Cincinnati area, Ohio; Quakertown, Pennsylvania; Ft. Myers, Florida; Calgary, Alberta; as well as Barrie and Toronto, Ontario. I was glad to meet numerous people, some of whom I have known via Facebook.
More information about the Conference can be found on: www.officialstreetpreachers.blogspot.com and www.soapasn.com
The theme of the Conference was "A Peculiar People" based on I Peter 2:9-10 which says, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." Boldface mine for emphasis.
After the reading came the speakers. There were a few speakers then midday rations then more speakers in the afternoon then evening rations. Evening rations consisted of burgers and hot dogs. Afterward there was more singing and prayer then more speakers. I spoke that evening and the topic I chose was "A Peculiar People in an Age of Apostasy". Notes for my message are available on http://www.facebook.com/notes/dale-p...98200406914284 and after a couple more speakers I was taken back to hotel for the night. I found out there was some rain while I was inside but I don't know how hard and there must not have been a lot for the ground was mostly dry though there were some drops on vehicles. This was the only rain during the entire trip.
Friday in addition to the usual routine there was a video shown that was a composite of various videos of open air preachers rebuking Target's bathroom policy. Some preachers went into the stores and were escorted out, preaching as they went and others stood outside to do their preaching either outside the store or on a nearby public sidewalk. Evening rations consisted of sloppy joes.
Saturday was a little different as after the morning rations, singing, prayer and reading we got into vehicles and went through Kalispell then proceeded to the Ten Commandments Park in nearby Columbia Falls, MT which is on the road to Glacier National Park. After some time there we returned to the Conference Centre for midday rations. After midday rations was some singing and prayer followed by the debate. The topic of the debate was "Salvation Freewill vs. Election" Jesse Morell of Open Air Outreach (www.openairoutreach.com) represented the "Freewill" position and Matt Slick of Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry (www.carm.org) also (http://www.carm.org/matt-slick-jesse...lection-debate) represented the "Election" position. The debate can be viewed on
After the debate we had evening rations which consisted of Chicken. Then there was more singing and prayer followed by Rick Nelson, a Christian Free Speech Attorney from Florida. Rick Nelson gave some tips on how street preachers could (hopefully) stay out of trouble while open air preaching. There was a Question and Answer period afterward then I was taken back to hotel for the night.
Sunday there was the morning rations followed by singing, prayer and reading then there were three speakers then midday rations then two more speakers then the host closed the Conference. Sunday was a hot day and it was at least 90F in Kalispell. I had evening rations then turned in early for the night as I had an early rise for a very early flight the following day.
I awoke at a very unsocial hour to get ready and I was picked up at 04h00 and taken to FCA to catch my outbound flight. I checked in and checked my bag and paid the fee. After a very short queue I put my items through the X-ray and opted out and was patted down but instead of being cleared as has always been the case there was an alarm and I was escorted into a private room along with my belongings. My belongings were examined and I was given another patdown and the back of the hands was not used over any areas. I had to sit down and lift each leg so my feet could be inspected. There was no alarm this time and I was cleared; otherwise I don't know what would have happened.
Alaska/Horizon #2289 FCA-SEA Dash 8-400 Turboprop
Seat 20A Cruising altitude 24,000 feet Estimated flying time 1:33, actual 1:21
Depart: Gate 1A Scheduled 05h45, actual 05h38 Taxi: 6 minutes
Arrive: Gate C2 Scheduled 06h13, actual 06h11 Taxi: 6 minutes
Pictures of this segment are available at: https://www.facebook.com/dale.parkes...4008435&type=3
I boarded via the rear stairs. The plane was almost full but the seat next to me was empty. I was in the last row but seats on this aircraft did not recline. It was announced it was dark, overcast and 57F at SEA. Pushback was 7 minutes early followed by takeoff to the south and I saw dawn's early light. I felt some bumps during climb. At 0:14 I got cup of soda and Biscoff. Seatbelt sign went off at 0:26 and at 0:27 I saw the lights of Coeur d'Alene, ID. I saw the lights of Spokane, WA and vicinity at 0:33. At 0:58 we crossed the Columbia River and I saw the lights of what may have been Wenatchee, WA. At 1:01 I got first glimpse of the Cascades and clouds increased. Seatbelt sign went on at 1:04 and I felt descent begin. I saw Mt. Rainier sticking above the clouds at 1:09. Descent was announced at 1:11 and we went into then under the clouds at 1:18. I saw Lake Washington and Boeing Field on final and we landed north to south and we arrived at the gate 2 minutes early. I deplaned via the rear stairs and we walked into the terminal.
Between flights I went to Ivar's and got a bagel with salmon cream cheese which I took on the next flight.
Alaska #506 SEA-SNA B-737-800
Seat 30A Cruising altitude 35,000 feet Estimated flying time 2:15, actual 2:14
Depart: Gate C3 Scheduled 07h45, actual 07h42 Taxi: 13 minutes
Arrive: Gate 6 Scheduled 10h30, actual 10h19 Taxi: 10 minutes
Reclaim checked bag 15 minutes after arrival
Pictures of this segment can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/dale.parkes...4008435&type=3
We boarded via jetway. The plane was full with all 163 seats taken. It was announced it was partly cloudy and 68F at SNA. Pushback was 3 minutes early and takeoff was to the south. It was not long before the clouds started to break. At 0:06 I saw Mt. Rainier. At 0:12 I saw Mt. Adams. At 0:17 we crossed the Columbia River into Oregon airspace somewhere east of Portland, OR. At 0:27 seatbelt sign went off and I saw Redmond, OR and RDM. At 0:30 we proceeded directly over Bend, OR. I got Biscoff at 0:39 and at 1:04 I got cup of soda only after ringing the call button as the flight attendant missed me. At 1:08 seatbelt sign went on and I felt bumps. Clouds blocked the view below but at 1:17 the clouds started to break. I thought I saw Yosemite at 1:21 and I saw the far eastern part of the Fresno area at 1:28 and it was very hazy outside.
I got second cup of soda at about 1:30 and at 1:31 we crossed California 99 south of Fresno. At 1:33 we crossed California 198 west of Visalia. At 1:39 we crossed Interstate 5 somewhere in Kern County. I saw Taft, CA at 1:43. I felt descent begin at 1:44 over the Tehachapi Mountains. I saw Lake Castaic to the distance at 1:49 and Piru, CA at 1:59. We crossed California 118 and I saw Simi Valley at 1:51 then I saw the San Fernando Valley and we crossed US101 at 1:52. We went overwater at 1:53 and I saw Malibu, CA then Santa Monica and LAX followed by the Palos Verdes Peninsula and part of the Los Angeles Basin. It was hazy and I saw the marine layer offshore as much of the descent was overwater. At 2:00 we made turn toward shore and made landfall at 2:07 over Huntington Beach. I saw the 405 and 22 and the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base. Then I saw the Anaheim Convention Centre and Disneyland and we turned east then southwest and I saw the former Marine Corps Helicoptor Base in Tustin. We crossed Interstate 5 then the 405 and landed toward the ocean and arrived at gate 11 minutes early. We deplaned via jetway and I got my checked bag. Note: Alaska Airlines has a guarantee in which checked bags will arrive at baggage reclaim no later than 20 minutes after arrival otherwise the passenger is entitled to either additional frequent flyer miles or a voucher good for a discount on the next flight. On both the outbound and inbound itineraries my bags arrived in a timely fashion so no additional miles or voucher. Either way it is all good provided there is no lengthy delay or loss of checked bags. I got the Super Shuttle and came home.
Last edited by Loose Cannon; Aug 27, 2016 at 1:05 am
Aug 28, 2016, 10:44 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Let me check my Logbook
Programs: Southwest Rapid Rewards; AAdvantage; Alaska Mileage Plan; Wyndham Rewards; Choice Hotels
Posts: 2,350
Having driven throughout all of the lower 48 states and 9 of 10 provinces in Canada and consulting my Road Atlas I often have a picture of what a town and its road system looks like.
