Today started out with me catching the Metro to College Park Station. From there, I caught the H bus to Laurel, MD. When I got downtown, I transferred to another bus that was supposed to drop me off at Brockbridge Rd and 198 so that I could walk the rest of the way to Suburban Airport (W18). But Brockbridge Road passed before I could get off and the next thing I knew, I was on a freeway and the bus had no intention of turning around for me.
When it dumped me off, stranded for 2 hours, at Arundel Mills, I decided to go charge my phone in the shopping center. While I was disappointed that this was going to make me an hour late for the event, a canyon blue SWA jet appeared in the sky, taking off to one of Southwest Airlines 67 destinations. It cheered me up.
After charging my phone inside, I returned to my awful fate of riding the bus back to Laurel, but a taxi driver BEGGED me to let him give me a ride- name my price. I said I could do $15. But when I realized I had to stop at an ATM, I upped it to $20 and gave him a five dollar tip for dropping me off at the entrance of W18 (Suburban Airport).
The party was off to a slow start, In the meantime, I greeted Carl, the airport manager and Brian (one of of the pilots who flies an experimental Cub). Soon the pilots were giving Young Eagles rides in their Cubs and helicopters. I had a delicious hamburger and was granted permission to cross the airport and runway to check out the airplanes in the hangers on the other side. I saw a Long EZ make three fast passes over the runway a little later, and met the pilot when he landed.
When all the Young Eagles had their rides, I was invited to change altitude in the Cubby. They called me a "Young-at-Heart" Eagle, and Brian said I qualified because I was a little bit knowledgeable and extremely enthusiastic! Yay!
We made two circles of the airport because the helicopter was in the way after the first circuit. I didn't mind. I enjoyed the feeling of flying and felt the air on lifing the wings. I tried to picture it as if the air was visible. I spent too much time taking pictures though, and upon realizing that, I put the camera away and focused on the instruments.
Then Brian, my air race pilot friend, and I visited Doug's hangar where he was building a Challenger II with Dan's help. It was very interesting. I did get distracted by a ground hog that scampered into a hole near the hangar. I was fascinated by the metal work and recalled the time when I was able to build the control surfaces of a Progressive Aerodyne Sea Rey.
Brian had offered to give me a ride to work after a visit to Clopper Lake and a ride in the canoes, but we got there late, having to take a detour to my storage unit to get my work uniform. Since we couldn't ride the canoes, Brian presented me with an early Christmas present, a colorful Spitfire glider. We threw it around and I let Brian adjust the wings for a more straight and level flight after each attempt. Then, as we returned to Germantown, we missed a turn and ended up at Brink Road.
While we were were on the Brink, Brian remembered a friend that lived nearby. We circled for a while and finally found the house tucked away in a densely wooded neighborhood. The house was dark, but Brian went ahead and knocked on the door and visited with a friend he hadn't seen a while, while I remained in the car. Then as we were leaving, he shined his headlights on the backside of the house and right there before my eyes was a V-Witt! I only knew this because he had shown me examples in some books I bought from the CGS Aviation Museum. It was quite a sight, as I had learned about Steve Wittman who designed them and Brian said that he got to fly this particular one.
That had to be the highlight, other than the Cub ride. We checked out the movie theater, but nothing impressed us, so we went to Cold Stone Creamery for ice cream, and then Taco Bell for Cheesy Gordita Crunches. Then he dropped me off at work.
Showing posts with label Clopper Lake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clopper Lake. Show all posts
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sunday, 19 July 2009- UA232, Kayaking, Winning the Warplanes Contest
Sunday, 19 July 2009- UA232, Kayaking, Winning the Warplanes Contest
Today marks 20 years since United Airlines Flight 232 crashed in Sioux City. Ever since I first heard about it, shortly after deciding I wanted to be a flight attendant, I have held Captain Al Haynes and his crew in the highest esteem. I saw a re-enactment of the crash on TV, Captain Al Haynes spoke briefly, along with Senior Flight Attendant Jan Brown Lohr. They became heroes to me- it became important to me to recognize their accomplishments on this day, and throughout the week on twitter. Although I did get little feedback, I appreciated hearing others express the same respect for the crew of that ill-fated flight.
I went to Seneca Creek State Park and borrowed a kayak. At first, it looked like the bus 61 didn’t run on Sunday, but it does! The first kayak I was given was new and was very unstable. Since I had my new BlackBerry, I was taking a GREAT RISK! A couple layers of Ziploc bags didn’t make me feel anymore secure. I returned to new kayak and requested one more stable. I could tell a huge difference. I didn’t see any turtles this time. I concluded that that made last week’s sighting even more special.
Later tonight, I joined my twitter friends in the third day of attempting to win a model airplane from www.warplanes.com . This time I won! What was laughably ironic was that the second winner for today… HATES MY GUTS!
Today marks 20 years since United Airlines Flight 232 crashed in Sioux City. Ever since I first heard about it, shortly after deciding I wanted to be a flight attendant, I have held Captain Al Haynes and his crew in the highest esteem. I saw a re-enactment of the crash on TV, Captain Al Haynes spoke briefly, along with Senior Flight Attendant Jan Brown Lohr. They became heroes to me- it became important to me to recognize their accomplishments on this day, and throughout the week on twitter. Although I did get little feedback, I appreciated hearing others express the same respect for the crew of that ill-fated flight.
I went to Seneca Creek State Park and borrowed a kayak. At first, it looked like the bus 61 didn’t run on Sunday, but it does! The first kayak I was given was new and was very unstable. Since I had my new BlackBerry, I was taking a GREAT RISK! A couple layers of Ziploc bags didn’t make me feel anymore secure. I returned to new kayak and requested one more stable. I could tell a huge difference. I didn’t see any turtles this time. I concluded that that made last week’s sighting even more special.
Later tonight, I joined my twitter friends in the third day of attempting to win a model airplane from www.warplanes.com . This time I won! What was laughably ironic was that the second winner for today… HATES MY GUTS!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Friday, 10 July 2009- Staring Contest With A Red-Eared Slider and Trouble Because I Stripped (the Bed)
Friday, 10 July 2009- Staring Contest With A Red-Eared Slider and Trouble Because I Stripped (the Bed)
When I arose this morning, someone walking by my bed told me to strip the blanket and sheet and put them in the dirty laundry pile. I then went on my merry way to Germantown.
It was a beautiful day outside, and I wasn’t packing that much with me, so I decided to visit Clopper Lake. I anticipated taking the kayak out on the lake for 2 hours, but one hour ended up being long enough. I was even treated to a special bonus as I explored a random cove. From a distance of about 50 feet, I spotted a turtle sunning itself on a log. I thought it might be one of those Mississippi Mud Turtles (why, I don’t know, except I didn’t know what the native species were). I stopped the kayak and slowly paddled near the turtle. As I neared it, it looked more and more like a red-eared slider. With some careful periodic paddling, I was able to drift within 10 feet of the turtle. I was awed when I confirmed it was indeed a red-eared slider.
It was likely planted there by an owner who could no longer care for it. I’m sure a wild turtle wouldn’t have let me get this close, no matter how careful I was. We had a staring contest for about 20 minutes. Then the turtle slid into the water when the kayak drifted so that the tip came within 6 inches it. I definitely miss my little guys, this turtle was full sized, and weighed at least 10 lbs. Of all my turtles’ names, I decided to name this one in the memory of Captain Jupiter.
After returning the kayak, I headed to the shelter. I ate a Lunchable and drank a Red Bull while standing in line on the sidewalk for Intake. I couldn’t help but feel stared at and judged by all the passersby. Riff Raff. I learned earlier today that that is what Sir Richard Branson wanted to call the Economy Class of his Virgin Airlines brand. I LOL’ed upon learning that.
When I got inside the shelter, I noted that the staff was in a light hearted mood. None of the clients were causing trouble. This time the potato concoction was cold. I had dinner next to a lady who had an animal companion, a tiny dog, slightly bigger than a Chihuahua. She was a nice lady and friends with a former US Army soldier also named Lee, who slept in the bunk next to the one I would be assigned for a second night. I didn’t have to wait long for word on whether I had a bed. The same lady was on work release, so again, her bed was available. I did get in trouble for stripping the bed. I tried to explain that someone instructed me to do it, with a voice of authority. I felt very intimidated by the scolding, but was told they’d let me off easy this time because I was new to the program, and that only the staff member behind the desk has the authority to tell me what to do with my bedding.
I had a nice conversation with Lee and found out she always wears “Life is Good” shirts, and goes to the VA every day. She had joined the Army during peace-time, just 6 months after the end of the Vietnam War and was stationed at Fort Benning, GA. As we chatted, I told her about my kayak ride and was about to invite her to join me sometime, but she said she wasn’t an outdoorsy type of person.
I began to hear Brendan Frasier’s voice in my head and realized that some of the ladies at the shelter were watching The Mummy Returns. I decided to join them, but the picture quality was so bad on the TV, it took away from any enjoyment of the movie I might have had. Instead, I called Marty and began to enjoy a pleasant conversation with him, until T-Mobile called. I had business to attend to, so I had to take the call.
The T-Mobile rep set up a replacement phone order for me and verified it could be received by the UPS store. Soon I will have a Blackberry again! I’m grateful that T-Mobile valued my 6 years as a loyal customer enough to give it a second try, I had only called to find out how much I was going to owe for not turning in the old phone.
I called Marty back and let him have the last of my battery juice. Charging cell phones isn’t allowed at the shelter, so I went to bed.
When I arose this morning, someone walking by my bed told me to strip the blanket and sheet and put them in the dirty laundry pile. I then went on my merry way to Germantown.
It was a beautiful day outside, and I wasn’t packing that much with me, so I decided to visit Clopper Lake. I anticipated taking the kayak out on the lake for 2 hours, but one hour ended up being long enough. I was even treated to a special bonus as I explored a random cove. From a distance of about 50 feet, I spotted a turtle sunning itself on a log. I thought it might be one of those Mississippi Mud Turtles (why, I don’t know, except I didn’t know what the native species were). I stopped the kayak and slowly paddled near the turtle. As I neared it, it looked more and more like a red-eared slider. With some careful periodic paddling, I was able to drift within 10 feet of the turtle. I was awed when I confirmed it was indeed a red-eared slider.
It was likely planted there by an owner who could no longer care for it. I’m sure a wild turtle wouldn’t have let me get this close, no matter how careful I was. We had a staring contest for about 20 minutes. Then the turtle slid into the water when the kayak drifted so that the tip came within 6 inches it. I definitely miss my little guys, this turtle was full sized, and weighed at least 10 lbs. Of all my turtles’ names, I decided to name this one in the memory of Captain Jupiter.
After returning the kayak, I headed to the shelter. I ate a Lunchable and drank a Red Bull while standing in line on the sidewalk for Intake. I couldn’t help but feel stared at and judged by all the passersby. Riff Raff. I learned earlier today that that is what Sir Richard Branson wanted to call the Economy Class of his Virgin Airlines brand. I LOL’ed upon learning that.
When I got inside the shelter, I noted that the staff was in a light hearted mood. None of the clients were causing trouble. This time the potato concoction was cold. I had dinner next to a lady who had an animal companion, a tiny dog, slightly bigger than a Chihuahua. She was a nice lady and friends with a former US Army soldier also named Lee, who slept in the bunk next to the one I would be assigned for a second night. I didn’t have to wait long for word on whether I had a bed. The same lady was on work release, so again, her bed was available. I did get in trouble for stripping the bed. I tried to explain that someone instructed me to do it, with a voice of authority. I felt very intimidated by the scolding, but was told they’d let me off easy this time because I was new to the program, and that only the staff member behind the desk has the authority to tell me what to do with my bedding.
I had a nice conversation with Lee and found out she always wears “Life is Good” shirts, and goes to the VA every day. She had joined the Army during peace-time, just 6 months after the end of the Vietnam War and was stationed at Fort Benning, GA. As we chatted, I told her about my kayak ride and was about to invite her to join me sometime, but she said she wasn’t an outdoorsy type of person.
I began to hear Brendan Frasier’s voice in my head and realized that some of the ladies at the shelter were watching The Mummy Returns. I decided to join them, but the picture quality was so bad on the TV, it took away from any enjoyment of the movie I might have had. Instead, I called Marty and began to enjoy a pleasant conversation with him, until T-Mobile called. I had business to attend to, so I had to take the call.
The T-Mobile rep set up a replacement phone order for me and verified it could be received by the UPS store. Soon I will have a Blackberry again! I’m grateful that T-Mobile valued my 6 years as a loyal customer enough to give it a second try, I had only called to find out how much I was going to owe for not turning in the old phone.
I called Marty back and let him have the last of my battery juice. Charging cell phones isn’t allowed at the shelter, so I went to bed.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Thursday, 2 July 2009- It’s Almost Like Day Camping
Thursday, 2 July 2009- It’s Almost Like Day Camping
After work, I returned to Seneca Creek and Clopper Lake. I stretched out my sleeping mat in the same area that I found yesterday. This time, I had ants invading my space, or perhaps more accurately, I was invading their space. It made it difficult to sleep. I was in the mood to go to a new place for dinner so I sent out a tweet which was answered by the Savvy Navigator. He recommended Ben’s Chili Bowl. Another reason I wanted to eat somewhere other than TGI Fridays was that it began closing at 8:30 pm. It was already getting late. I went to the storage unit to get my laptop and then headed to the U Street Metro Station for dinner. I had a half smoke (Bill Cosby’s favorite).
Afterwards, I looked for a bar. I picked Solly’s. They didn’t have Blue Moon in a bottle or any other form. When I asked what was available in a bottle, the bartender pointed to a dark corner 15 feet above me and about 30 feet away per my line of sight and walked away. He wasn’t gaining any points in my book as a new user friendly bartender. It made me wish I was at BWI’s bar. That bartender, I think Jeff was his name, was nice and social. I decided upon a Guinness that wound up being Draught- not as good as Stout.
After work, I returned to Seneca Creek and Clopper Lake. I stretched out my sleeping mat in the same area that I found yesterday. This time, I had ants invading my space, or perhaps more accurately, I was invading their space. It made it difficult to sleep. I was in the mood to go to a new place for dinner so I sent out a tweet which was answered by the Savvy Navigator. He recommended Ben’s Chili Bowl. Another reason I wanted to eat somewhere other than TGI Fridays was that it began closing at 8:30 pm. It was already getting late. I went to the storage unit to get my laptop and then headed to the U Street Metro Station for dinner. I had a half smoke (Bill Cosby’s favorite).
Afterwards, I looked for a bar. I picked Solly’s. They didn’t have Blue Moon in a bottle or any other form. When I asked what was available in a bottle, the bartender pointed to a dark corner 15 feet above me and about 30 feet away per my line of sight and walked away. He wasn’t gaining any points in my book as a new user friendly bartender. It made me wish I was at BWI’s bar. That bartender, I think Jeff was his name, was nice and social. I decided upon a Guinness that wound up being Draught- not as good as Stout.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Wednesday, 1 July 2009- Canoeing on Clopper Lake
Wednesday, 1 July 2009- Canoeing on Clopper Lake
With the intent to just sleep away the day under the sun and shadows of the tall trees, I returned to Seneca Creek State Park with my sleeping mat, only to discover the Boat Center was open. My plans changed and I rented a canoe for $7 for an hour. I was amazed they would let an inexperience person take a canoe out on the lake without another person with them. I paddled, meeyaddled the little canoe off to the right of the boat center and aimed it for the Earthen Dam. A kayaker led the way about 200 yards ahead of me. I kind of followed his track. The kayaker went into a little cove and just sat. When I got to the Earthen Dam, I turned around and paddled to the shore opposite of the Boat Center. I smiled when I could see fishes swimming beneath me in the somewhat clear water. There was also a plant growth that the fishes darted in and out of. When my hour was coming to an end I returned the canoe to the boat center rejuvenated and refreshed. Then I walked a trail that led to a grassy area I saw from the canoe earlier. I stretched out on my mat and slept for about 4 hours. Then it was time to get a bite to eat at Taco Bell and go to work.
With the intent to just sleep away the day under the sun and shadows of the tall trees, I returned to Seneca Creek State Park with my sleeping mat, only to discover the Boat Center was open. My plans changed and I rented a canoe for $7 for an hour. I was amazed they would let an inexperience person take a canoe out on the lake without another person with them. I paddled, meeyaddled the little canoe off to the right of the boat center and aimed it for the Earthen Dam. A kayaker led the way about 200 yards ahead of me. I kind of followed his track. The kayaker went into a little cove and just sat. When I got to the Earthen Dam, I turned around and paddled to the shore opposite of the Boat Center. I smiled when I could see fishes swimming beneath me in the somewhat clear water. There was also a plant growth that the fishes darted in and out of. When my hour was coming to an end I returned the canoe to the boat center rejuvenated and refreshed. Then I walked a trail that led to a grassy area I saw from the canoe earlier. I stretched out on my mat and slept for about 4 hours. Then it was time to get a bite to eat at Taco Bell and go to work.
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