02.18.10

Flight to Chicago

Just flew to Chicago Tuesday morning and drove a truck back for a friend’s business here in NC.  Tuesday was a nice day for flying, sunny in Raleigh for take-off, overcast and winter upon arrival in Chicago.

I hadn’t flown since 1992, so I didn’t know what to expect with all the changes since 9/11. Airport security did check everyone out rather thoroughly, and if the inspection cubicle was open and you were the next in line, you were the random choice for a detailed search. And those folks have a lot of power, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that they were polite and friendly.

The Southwest 737 was the smallest plane I’ve been on since taking a puddler jumper from Atlanta to Gulfport, MS in Dec, 1992. It was tight and full. The ride was bouncy, but the crew was professional and also friendly. I must confess after the crash landing in the Hudson, I was glad to see our captain looked like an older gentleman with a lot of experience.

Tuscany: Excellent Italian Cuisine!

Tuscany

Fred Dolche, a friend Tim Glasson’s met the 3 of us at the airport.  Fred invited us to a fine Italian restaurant right across the street from the University on Taylor St. called Tuscany.  I asked which university and was informed it was the University of Chicago. Tuscany is the best Italian food experience I’ve had!  Wow was it good.  That alone made it worth the trip!

I’ve been to Chicago, but I’ve never been to the U of C.  Prior to WWII, U of C was in the Big Ten and has even won the Rose Bowl! During the years when Robert Maynard Hutchins (also the first Director of the Ford Foundation) was president of the university, the U of C eliminated sports, became involved in the Manhattan Project, and since WWII, the U of C has evolved into one of the World’s premier research universities.

I liked driving the Hino

Hino

We picked up 3 Hino box trucks at Penske to take back to NC.  They ran well, had lots of power, and handled nicely even when the roads were slippery.

The Drive Back

Began to snow as we were leaving Chicago.  Snowed all the way to Beckley, WV.

The worst snows were near Indianapolis and Beckley. When it began to pile on the roads north of Indianapolis, we stopped for a late dinner— just after 2100 (9:00 pm).  When we started out again, the expressway had been cleared, but not before a few vehicles had spun out— mostly semis and other vehicles with trailers.

Expressway kept clear in Beckley

The worst snow fell up around Beckley, WV.  The surface streets were deep in snow,  but the highway department was keeping the expressway open.

Snow covered the ground completely all the way to the big hill on south I-77 down to Mt. Airy, NC.  And we had snow on the ground along east I-74 and I-40 all the way to Greensboro.

Total drive time was just about 15 hours: 5.5 the first day, and nearly 10 the second.  Was the first time I had to keep one of those new driver’s logbooks required by DOT.

Nice to be back in Raleigh where it is sunny and 50° and there is no snow on the ground.  Robins are singing in the yard and the early flowers are blooming.  Feels just like spring has sprung in the Sandhills!

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