Flying to Nantucket, the first leg: Anchorage to Nantucket
Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 7:28AM 
On the first leg of my flight to Nantucket, I found myself in a middle "E" seat, enroute from Anchorage to Minneapolis. To my right, in the window seat, sat this very attractive young woman, who engaged herself in the task of photographing the right wing of the airplane.
;)
The fellow directly in front of me laid his head back and listened to whatever was playing on his Bose headset.
;)
The lady to my left read a book.
A young woman behind and to the right took a nap.
;)
And behind me were these people. As you can see, I did not get a chance to get a haircut and beard trim before I left. I will have to find a place in Nantucket and get it done there.
;)
The stewardesses came, pushing a cart with soft drinks, coffee and snacks, but no substantial food.
From time to time, I heard the squeals of a baby. It turned out to be this character. Not once did I hear this baby cry. The sounds of its squeals made me think of Jobe - and even of Kalib, not that long ago.
At one point, the lady reading the book got up and went wandering about the plane. Then I could clearly see the people across the aisle, which included this couple originally from Hyderabad, India. They have a son who lives in Anchorage.
;)
The lavatories were just ahead of the third row in front of me, so I could smell the chemicals all the way. A couple stood, arm in arm, waiting.
"Cookies or peanuts?" the stewardess shouted out to the gentleman in front of me. Then she cupped her ears to listen for his answer.
"Peanuts," he answered.
;)
Here we are, landing in Minneapolis. I believe this is a channel of the Mississippi.
I stepped out of the plane and found this dog, Sampson.
;)
Before boarding the next flight to Boston, I bought myself a burrito. A pilot came in and ate lunch nearby.
;)
I did not get my shoes shined, because they are shoes that were not made to shine.
Reader Comments (12)
Love it, keep up the good work.
Nantucket is one of my favorite places on earth. I hope you enjoy it.
PS - You look like a sea captain, do not cut your hair or trim your beard.
Hi Bill,
Great post and pictures as always. Thanks for taking the time to share your trip with us. The picture of the the Minnesota River, which is a tributary to the Mississippi River, joins the Mississippi shortly after passing under the Mendota Bridge. It's a great shot of a piece of my home town!
Did you say HI to my Dad as you flew over his house on your approach to runway 30R? He is a retired WWII Marine B26 Pilot and former Air Traffic Controller at the Minneapolis Tower. Before retiring, he also flew the DC3 for a number of years in the FAA’s Flight Inspection Division, certifying airways and approaches. If he still used his PC, he would enjoy your blog as much as I do!
BTW- Was thrilled to see your recent DC3 photo.
I look forward to your blog every morning.
As so many have said before me, thanks so much for sharing your life, family and wonderful perspective on the world around you.
Mike
Looks like you had a smooth flight? Whenever I fly back to MA I hate the Anc/Minn leg of the trip. It feels like I am on the plane forever and I start to feel very cooped up!
Today you were in our world for a short time. As you can see, spring is coming to Minnesota! Riana loves to go to Ikea, near the airport -- and she counts the airplanes that land and take off as we drive by, as she wonders where everybody is coming from and going to. She hasn't looked at the blog yet today -- I'm sure she will write when she does! Hope your trip is a wonderful one.
Welcome to the lower 48! You were close to my old stomping grounds...northern Iowa. Stay away from Colorado....still winter here...big one coming in again tomorrow. "Springtime in the Rockies"! Loved the pictures Think my flying daqys are over, but good memories. Hope Royce gets well while you are gone!!!!
safe travels mr. hess!
Well now you are loose in the lower 48. And with your camera, too.
Your airplane essays are always intriguing........the fellow behind you in the self portrait looks either curious or concerned........maybe nosey......couldn't imagine why.
Thanks for the post from the plane. You are reminding me how uncomfortable and cramped I am going to be next week on my 13 hour jaunt back to DC. I dread the plane trips only because space is a such a premium. Even first class doesn't make it that much better. Not that I have ever been in first class except by accidental overbooking :-)
Enjoy your stay and look forward to photos from a very lovely part of the world (but not as lovely as our little corner of Wasilla...) Have a safe trip.
Hope Minneapolis made you feel Welcome to the lower 48! Did their burrito measure up?
Great in-flight photos, especially liked the reflecting flight attendant image on the coffee pot.
Have fun with your upcoming slide presentations.
hi it's Riana. we live by Minneapolis. cool huh? lol bye i gtg to school> asome blog A+ =)