Redmond, WA (USA)

Woke up early and finished packing. After checking out of the Navy Gateway Inn, I reluctantly left Whidbey Island (0815).  I had an early afternoon flight but had forgotten how much time it took to drive back to Seattle (hence, my early departure). Had no traffic all the way down WA-20 to I-5 and made good time to Everett. Took I-405 around the east side of Seattle and took the opportunity to stop at Microsoft Headquarters (they call it "The Campus") in Redmond. Kind of a disappointing visitors center, but I did find out that they are hiring... After getting gas at a Chevron station in Renton (1055), I followed I-405 to the SeaTac Airport.  Before returning my rental car, I picked up some lunch at a Vietnamese noodle soup restaurant called Pho-Tai.  On the airport property, I returned my rental car to Hertz (1150) and headed inside the Terminal.  This was a fortunate decision, since the TSA line at the airport was as long as any I've ever seen (at least since 2002). While waiting, I met a lady from Idaho Falls who told me how I needed to bring my family there to explore that beautiful part of the country. At the gate (by 1315), I spent some time on the internet (free Wi-Fi) and watched the start of a snow storm... A window cleaner from El Salvador started to talk to me - it was an interesting conversation (he had 16 grand-kids!). Boarded on time but then had to sit and wait for de-icing (seemed kind of silly after the sun came out right as they started). Once we departed (1420, just after the scheduled time), the flight to DFW took about four hours again.  Put another way, I had enough time to finish nearly all the puzzles in the USA Today... I arrived in Texas just after 2000L but then had to wait for 45 minutes for my bags. Fortunately, the parking shuttle was right outside the door when I exited - I was able to get out of the parking garage by 2100 and made it home before 2130L. Great trip but I'm very glad to see Nicky and the kids!