Arrived safely in Denver, CO earlier tonight. What a change in weather — from 90s and sunny in Raleigh (though it was beginning to drizzle when we were taking off so I hope we got some needed rain) to what feels like an early October evening. Stiff breeze and temperatures in the 60s had us grabbing for the light coats we brought.
We woke up early this morning and did a bit of work as well as some packing. Michelle’s dad drove us to the airport and we had plenty of time before our 4:45p flight. Michelle and the kids got some ice cream while I just fretted over the upcoming travel. We were in group A, positions 53 through 56, for boarding on 1275 to Denver on Southwest Airlines.
The flight itself was great. We’re pleased with Southwest so far. It was kind of odd just walking on the plane and choosing seats. Kind of liberating in a way, though. Addison and Genetta got window seats, Michelle the middle next to Addison and I the aisle. Complimentary drinks and snacks (and oddly they said we could take as much as we want and kept coming back and offering more drink and snacks). Some funny commentary by the staff (a “yay” on landing, a “wooo fun” response on learning that the trip to Oakland, CA would continue on a different plane, and a funny song: “We love you / you love us / we’re much faster than a bus” and something about marrying one of them would mean free travel). Anyhow, a very enjoyable experience, even with a number of younger kids on the flight.
It was cloudy most of the way but they broke somewhere over eastern Colorado allowing us to see just how treeless that area is. Landed and got to take a neat tram from terminal C to baggage claim. They had a cool statue of Anubis (of Egypt fame, celebrating the arrival of a Tut exhibit to Denver) labeled “King Tut” and a statue of a blue horse with red eyes that I thought celebrated the Broncos (but I was wrong, it turns out — not the first time!). The airport itself looked like a series of tents or something. Nifty. Rented a Ford Explorer and set out.
I still can’t get over the lack of trees. Just brown grass everywhere and in the far distance the towering Rockies. That was particularly beautiful as the setting sun cast rays through the clouds that were partially obscured by the peaks. Despite Denver being very flat and very grid-like on the western edge of town the mountains just rise up steeply.
Checked in to our hotel and ate at this Sporting News grill. Michelle had a salad with chicken that turned out to be too spicy and the rest of us had burgers. It was good, but honestly by that time I would’ve eaten a prairie dog or whatever other critters they have out here (they did have Bison fajitas on the menu)!
Hopefully I’ll get better at this blogging stuff as time goes on and tomorrow’s at least should have pretty pictures (as we journey through southeastern Wyoming and into Nebraska and visit Scotts Bluff and Carhenge) to distract from the crappy writing.