Home from Phoenix

Posted Thu Sep 3, 2009 in Travel

Yesterday was a travel day. I rose early and got started on some work on a couple of papers I have in progress. I also thought quite a bit about another paper that needs some development work and then a write up. It was one of those days.

I finished what needed to be done before noon, made the final pass through my room to ensure nothing would be left behind, and closed my travel bag. I still had some time, so I puttered on the computer a bit, then packed my work kit for the trip home. I really like to get to the airport early, because you never know what the process will be like — especially at an unfamiliar complex. So, by 1230 I was at the front door and requested a ride to the airport.

The ride to the airport was uneventful, traffic was moderate, and I arrived about 1330, plenty early. The Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is big. I don’t know if it is a large as Denver International, but it’s big. I rode the escalator to the second floor and was greeted by a large food court. I was hungry, so a small Burger King hamburger and a drink were called for. I chatted with Wife and watched people as I ate my snack.

I walked toward my part of the terminal and noticed a museum of images. I stopped to look at the archival prints of Jay Dusard on display in the airport. They are of working cowboys and cowgirls in their environments made with a large format view camera (8×10 negatives). Dusard also does landscapes of the west. He has a good eye and I enjoyed the respite from engineering and science.

Did I say the airport is large? The Phoenix Police detachment working security at the airport rode bicycles. I continued toward my part of the terminal (Terminal C) and took the people mover along the sides of the skyway. I arrived at my gate far before I needed to be there, but at least I was relaxed. I wrote in my journal for awhile, then napped while I waited for my aircraft to arrive.

Of course it was a full flight. At least with a boarding number of B19 I knew I would get a window or aisle seat so I wasn’t too worked up. When we boarded, I actually found a seat near the front that had enough overhead space adjacent to it to hold my carry-on bag. So, I dropped myself into the seat, plugged in my earbuds, and listened to music while I waited and then on the 2-hour ride home.

The image is one I captured at the Westin Kierland of the golf course and patio area. I thought it was pretty, even if hellishly hot this time of year.