June 15, 2026 - Going to Minneapolis

 

Title: June 15, 2026 - Going to Minneapolis
Hike Info : Description

Hike Info:

Type:Plane

Description:

Today is the start of our twelve day trip to Minnesota. I have gotten most of my stuff together Friday night and then packed on Saturday. Rachel has been helping Sherri with her packing. I have gotten everything in my carry-on while Sherri has a checked back. I have been putting the last bits of stuff since then with the final few things this morning.

I got up at 4:00am and had my breakfast. Sherri got up around 4:30. We are all ready to go with Steven driving us to the airport, leaving our house at 5:10. We checked the bag and got through TSA by 5:40 without issue, except for being patted down. We had a minor faux pax finding the correct gate. Recently FAT opened a new terminal; we had headed off to the old terminal. Once we figured out that B2 was in the new place and back tracked to the new one, we sat down and waited 30 minutes to board.

Boarding started at 6:30 and we got on one of the first groups. Then sat on the plane for 20 minutes until take off. We left the ground promptly at 7. The flight was pretty calm. I was speculating that at least on our ascent, the fifteen seconds of turbulence may have been when we went through the inversion layer, At least that is my thought. Sherri slept about half the way.

Mt Hood

As far as what we saw,when we went by Yosemite, it was rather hazy. I recognized Half Dome and then El Capitan a bit late. Further update, there was a glimpse of Tahoe, but I did not see Lassen or Shasta. Then I think I saw Mt Hood was off to the east and then we crossed the Columbia River. After that Mt St Helens and Mt Adams seemed to line up . On the whole the scenery was nice.

We got into Seattle a few minutes early. Once we settled down, we decided to take a walk. When we were here last June and the plane was not going to leave that night, I bought Sherri some chocolates from Dilettante Chocolates. Sherri liked them then and wanted some on this trip. Off we went for a stroll through the airport and found them. Just as good as last year.

I noticed that our gate had changed in the meantime from the C concourse to the D. That is where we headed on our return trip. Sherri got herself situated-she has a foot which is bothering her and will affect her walking on this trip. I, on the other hand, walked for half an hour until getting close to boarding time.

Mt St Helens and Mt Adams

The boarding is about 10 minutes later than expected, but not bad. We have exit seats which I thought would be a bit roomier. Not so. While only two seats in the row, not much leg space and very narrow. Note to Gary: do not get row 17 on a 737-800. Sherri noted later on that the back row of this plane also has little leg room. The plane sits on the ground for a while. We finally got airborne at 12:19 close to half an hour after the advertised take off time.

Mt Ranier

Not a whole bunch to see as there are clouds for most of the way. Sherri watches one of the Toy Story movies. I read some more of Deborah Blum’s The Poisoner’s Handbook and made notes on Dorothy Sayer’s Gaudy Night. The seats after two plus hours are not very comfortable.

He plane lands in Minneapolis at a few minutes late, around 5:25. Turns out we will be doing some walking in this airport. The first order of business after going to the bathroom is to retrieve Sherri’s checked luggage. Right when we get there, it arrives. Good timing.

On the Metro

Then we start following the signs for Light Rail. This will eventually take us to terminal 2. If we were more aware, we would have found the station in terminal 1, but at least I got to stretch my legs. Poor Sherri and her foot, though. We see an information desk and ask about the Metro. They give us a map and answer our questions. Turns out we can be counted as seniors. We eventually made it to the light rail spot. But so far I have not seen any place to use our purchase. I would guess there will be someplace to use our pass. But nobody ever came by. We will have to find out how to the Metro works here in Minneapolis.

Anyway, we got off at the Government Plaza stop. From there it is only a three block walk to the Hotel Indigo. The check-in person, Sam, is very friendly and gives us all kinds of pointers. We are in room 1611. That’s right, the 16th floor. This is certainly a classy place. Our room is a corner room. We are able to see to the south and west. Rain clouds come in and the skies open up. Enjoyable watching, from inside.

After resting up a bit, we decided to try the hotel’s restaurant, the Star Bar and Bistro. I have a smash burger and Sherri mac and cheese. Both are very good. By the time we get back to the room, it is 9pm local time. It is still light. But I think we will be going to bed soon after 10.