McKinney, TX (USA)

I'd heard about an Oktoberfest event on the north side of Dallas and, with the Twins off at a birthday party, I decided to head over for the day. Mollie actually came with me, which made it more fun. We had to drive over an hour on Farm-1171 until we came to TX-121 (nice toll road!). Made it there around 1000 - early enough to look around town before the Keg got tapped. Mollie and I talked with several people and learned that this was only the second annual event, but that it was already bigger than 2008. You had to pay to get in for beer - I think because public drinking is not allowed in town without joining a "club" (saw this in Fort Worth when we first moved here - see JUL 2008). We enjoyed some apple strudel and root beer and then watched the parade through town. Our kids have taken Irish dancing lessons - and I've heard of Greek dancing lessons - but I really didn't know that kids took German dancing lessons... They were part of the procession, along with half & half Texas and Bavarian flags and Polka band. At the rear was a Franconia Beer ("The Beer from Here") keg. After the Star Spangled Banner and Deutchland-uber-Alles (!), the Mayor ("Pro-temp") made several comments. This was followed by a boisterous keg tap - everyone made toasts and spirits were high. Had some good beer (a Dunkel and Oktoberfest) while the Alpine Village Band played great Polka songs. Mollie and I danced along with a big crowd to the Chicken Dance, Valderie Valdera, Beer Barrel Polka, etc. We explored later and found out there was a "weenie dog race." Mollie was getting tired by 1430 - and it had gotten up to 35C - so we left. Way home worked well along US-380 until we got to Denton. Traffic forced us onto some side roads and the next thing I knew we were in Flower Mound (NOT I-35W...). Found Farm-1171 and got home around 1600. Definitely a must-do for next year!

Colorado Springs, CO (USA)

Arrived early for another flight - knew it would be a LONG day! Actually got airborne early and had no problems getting to our first stop, Melbourne, Florida. Had some problems with fuel and the passengers, but got out of there close to the schedule. Weather was very nice in the area of the Space Coast - had great views of the beaches and Cape Canaveral. On our way to Colorado Springs next. Had to avoid some big thunderstorms by this point (~1200L) but made it through OK. Nice weather there, too, but windshear developing at the base of the mountains. Actually had a pretty quick stop. Wish we could have stayed, but we were still trying to stay on schedule... Next stop was Altus, Oklahoma. I had never been there before - was actually surprised there was anything in the area! Saw some big hills and good views of the Red River. Weather still good. On the way to San Antonio, we encountered the worst thunderstorms yet - but were able to avoid them all the way until just before landing. Rain and runway construction made this stop more challenging... On our way again just after sunset - dodging same weather all the way. Arrived to a pleasant evening in Fort Worth - what a relief. One of my guys came up and reported we landed "exactly on schedule" - it took a lot of work to make it happen! Lots of paperwork before I could go home. VERY tired...

Corpus Christi, TX (USA)

Planned for a pretty short day - with stops at Millington, Tennessee, and Corpus Christi. When I arrived at 0700, found out we would be delayed until noon (broken plane). Got some work done while I waited, but I was a little disappointed that we had to wait so long to go. Eventually got airborne and had a relatively easy trip over to Millington (the old NAS Memphis). Weather was getting to be a concern by this point, with lots of thunderstorms between Memphis and Corpus. Still, we managed to avoid nearly everything and arrived to some beautiful views of the Texas beaches. They apparently had a huge storm this morning, but that cooled things off a little. Had some aircraft problems, but eventually got in the air again by 1700. Dodged storms all the way home and landed in a downpour back in Fort Worth. With the storms and maintenance delays, the day turned out to be a lot of work - felt pretty drained on the drive home...