Very little of Jan. 31 was spent in Texas. I had returned the car the previous morning so all I had to worry about was the airport shuttle. My suitcase checked in at 49.5 pounds(!) and I figured out security a little more smoothly this time. The most interesting part of the morning on the ground was a correction in the Austin American-Statesman apologizing for incorrect punctuation of the word “y’all”. My second flight was delayed 40 minutes and then restored before I even left Austin.
The conditions were so good the plane arrived in Phoenix before the ground crew was expecting it. It didn’t help me any, though, since I had a long layover ahead. I was thankful for the power outlets and comfortable seats.
Phoenix from the air looks like a real-life SimCity. Build flat and straight right up to the mountains, then stop.
Takeoffs and landings in Phoenix always give a good view of downtown. The pair today made PHX my most-visited airport of the 21st Century.
Somewhere over Colorado, the clouds filled in and the sun set.
Final arrival in Omaha was also ahead of schedule. Unlike both 2000 and 2010, the return to the Midwest wasn’t nearly as much of a weather shock with above-normal temperatures here.
The two hours back to Des Moines weren’t a problem at all. I was nearly back when I tuned in to hear Iowa State beat Kansas State.
Coming later: Miscellaneous observations and notes.