Tag Archives: Flying

Back Home

Posted on by
8

Today is my first day back after a being gone for a week of adventure out west. I flew to Casper, Wyoming and got in my friend’s Jeep so we could head up to the Cody/Yellowstone area.

Yes. In the middle of a government shutdown, I thought it was a good idea to fly AND go to a national park.

The security line in Columbus was long at 6:15 a.m. last Wednesday. TSA seemed to be running with a skeleton crew and then I slowed things down even more with the two metal pieces in my knee brace. My leg got scanned and patted down and my hands even got scanned for residue but they evidently decided I wasn’t a risk and let me go. Ha!

Johnna and I explored museums and thrift stores, went Jeeping in the back country, saw some wildlife, and had a wonderful time wandering around. I had an especially lovely gloomy afternoon in a wonderful bookstore.

I ate badly, didn’t get enough rest, and needed far stronger moisturizer than I had packed. Holy cow. My skin wasn’t prepared for the dry air and winds that are trademark of Wyoming. The 60 mph wind we drove through Sunday is what locals call “a breeze.”

Travel scares a lot of people but I find it exhilarating and fascinating. The more time you spend in places where you encounter people who look, sound, and think differently than you, the more clear it becomes that the world isn’t so scary at all. Leaving your comfort zone and exploring this big world of ours is one of the most amazing things you can do for yourself and for your understanding of your place in the world.

I learned a lot this trip and have much to think about in the near future and I’m grateful for this opportunity. Stay tuned. I have lots to share and a few stories that may take me a while to mentally unpack. We’ll get there.

Meanwhile, if you need me, I’ll be here with my industrial strength moisturizer, trying to coax my skin back to life.

Biaggi Magic

Posted on by
2

In the category I like to call “Easily Pleased,” I bought a new piece of luggage last week. My closet is cluttered with suitcases and bags that never quite are exactly what I need. Since I am flying soon, I was particularly susceptible to the aggressive and extremely effective marketing techniques of Biaggi.

They’ve been on my radar for a while because the bags are made with no wasted space, are often adjustable in size and fold down into a small container that requires little shelf space.

They’re also kind of expensive but Biaggi had a sale that put them squarely at the top of my price range. Lots of friends happily use their products so it seemed worth the investment.

A lot of luggage is bulky or the wheel/handle assembly eats up a lot of space. This bag has wheels but uses a strap instead of a pull-up handle. It can expand from an underseat bag to a carry on size with the simple pull of a zipper. It comes with a spacious packing cube to help contain everything too.

I am a reformed over packer and try hard to fly with only a carry on and a personal item. Checking a bag can be costly, time consuming and stressful. I never quite trust the airline to get me and my bag to the same location at the same time.

Last year, I spent 35 minutes standing at a dormant baggage carousel in Columbus, Ohio sometime after midnight. By the time it whirled to life and Southwest began dropping an endless train of bags, I was contemplating simply abandoning my possessions.

Southwest checks the first two bags for free but I’m determined to avoid that this trip which is where the new bag comes in to play.

It holds everything I need as an underseat bag. The only thing that doesn’t fit is a pair of hiking shoes I really want to take. They fit with room to spare when the bag is extended into the carry on size.

That’s pretty impressive, if you ask me. It’s almost like magic!

The order confirmation came with a coupon code which I used to purchase a backpack from their clearance sale. It is set to arrive next week and I’m excited to do a dry run with it too.

These are the two bags that I will carry to Colorado next month, providing some extra space for souvenirs. I hope they will replace most of the luggage in my closet. I could use the extra storage space.

Flying In The Age Of Covid

Posted on by
14

Going to Denver last month required flying. I normally enjoy flying but was apprehensive given the state of Covid in this country.

I am selective about where I go and who I spend my time with on a normal day. Travel is by car. Dining out is rare and typically in the car or outside. Shopping is mostly utilitarian now rather than entertainment.

I have found ways to travel around the region and even down to Virginia while being safe and feeling secure but it is always by myself in a car.

The thought of air travel – even a couple of weeks before the holiday rush- made me squeamish but my research was reassuring. Friends who fly regularly were able to provide some insight. What I had read about my airline was reassuring too.

Flying out of the John Glenn International Airport in Columbus on a Tuesday afternoon was a smart choice.

The place was a ghost town.

Some shuttle lots are closed, most businesses were closed or operating with limited hours, and there was no security line. Literally, friends, there was no line. I walked right through.

There were people cleaning and so few travelers it was easy to social distance.

Flying in and out of Denver was arguably a mistake.

This is one of our country’s busier airports. Getting off the plane and leaving was fine. The airport train wasn’t at all busy and I managed to get out the door without cause for concern.

Sadly, the flight out was a much different story. The TSA line was enormous. It moved quickly but most people were making no effort to social distance.

Once through security, there was plenty of space to spread out even though it was busy. Everything felt extremely clean and there is hand sanitizer available everywhere.

All the same, if I had known it would be this busy, I would have flown out of a smaller airport.

The experience made me grateful that I’m typically a road tripper and am not flying during the holidays.

Have you flown lately? I would love to hear your story.

Travel Makes You Humble

Posted on by
2

Travel makes you modest. It helps you realize what a small place you occupy in this world. Sometimes it helps you see how fortunate you are and occasionally you see how much better life can be.

I’m home now from an adventure and will start sharing some stories and pictures as soon as I can!

Enjoy this day, friends, and be safe out there.

Just Plane Art

Posted on by
7

I’ve been too busy to write these last few days but wanted to share a fun photo from my trip through the National Air Force Museum. I like planes but also enjoy art so it’s especially rewarding when the two intersect.

The one pictured above is just cute! Here’s another one for your viewing pleasure. Imagine seeing this fun artwork streaming through the sky!

Let’s not leave this day to a coin toss. Let’s all just try to enjoy it, shall we?

Going It Alone

Posted on by
Reply

IMG_7784I spend a lot of time by myself -partly by choice and partly by necessity. Sometimes it’s just to prove that I can. I’m happy to have company but am also happy to hike five miles alone, to eat alone in a restaurant or even go to a concert by myself. Solo road trips are actually a lot of fun because you don’t have to take into account someone else’s feelings and can just go where the wind blows you.

However, the one thing I had never done alone is fly.

I’m not really a seasoned air traveler and had never needed to go by myself. For some reason, this really had me psyched out when it came to planning my Utah trip. The thought of getting myself to the airport, through security and to the right place on time was intimidating. I’m not afraid to fly. I was just afraid of the rest!

Turns out, it was fine.  I flew out of Cincinnati rather than Columbus because airfare was significantly less and I was able to choose from several direct flights at different times of the day both coming and going. Think half the price for a direct flight that took a third the time as the ones offered from Columbus. 

I drove myself to the airport, found my way through the whole process and actually enjoyed my flight. Easy peasy.

Coming home wasn’t quite as easy. My flight was delayed and my bags heavier because I evidently am a champion packer who managed to fit a ton of stuff into a carry-on and personal item, making it tough to navigate the narrow aisles of an airplane and to drag through the airports.

Nonetheless, there was nothing to fear. In fact, I would be game to do it again soon if the opportunity arises.

What are you afraid to do alone? I can promise you, it won’t be nearly as scary as hiding from life and staying home all the time! Tell me all about it in the comments.