Day 1 - Norfolk to Portland

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Starting at the Norfolk International airpot, our journey began. The kids took us to the airport at 5:30 in the morning to be sure we made it through the MASSIVE security line in time for our 7 am flight. All went well, and after a brief stop at Starbucks (I'm predicting the first of many) David, Karen, Patty and Bill all boarded a Delta airplane headed for the great northwest.

The fires in the Great Dismal Swamp were an amazing sight as we headed north and west to eventually go south to Atlanta. The high pressure in the the area held the smoke in a think blanket over Hampton Roads. It was clearly delineated in layers and appeared to be very small from our vantage point - but the impact was tremendous! I hope they are able to get them extinguished soon.

On to Atlanta - usual delays and red tape, but all went as designed. Our Boeing 757 1st class cabin provided comfortable seating with individual TV screens in each seat. Movies and live TV through satellite transmission were available for one's individual viewing pleasure. All aboard our plane enjoyed the added attraction of Patty's uproarious laughter during her two movie selections.

On approach to Portland we were treated to a magnificent view of the Cascades. Mts. Adam, Helens, Randier and Baker were clearly visible to the north. Mts. Jefferson, Sisters, Three Fingered Jack, Bachelor and McLaughlin were all visible to the south below Mt. Hood who sat majestically right under the left wing of the plane. Patty, who has never been to the morthwest, has never seen snowcapped mountains in the summer. It just didn't compute for her!

We landed safely in Portland and were met by Karen's parents. After claiming bags we headed home to begin preparations for our long trip. Then after a scrumptious meal prepared by Karen's parent's, the exhausted travelers headed to bed. - Karen

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Photos

Airport
Paparazzi Patty at the Norfolk airport

ORF
The four of us at the airport.

Hood
Mt. Hood and southern Cascades from the aircraft.