Airport Chow, Madrid

Typical airport food can be awful. I don’t know, maybe it’s the security x-ray machine that ruins it. However, I must say that at the end of my recent journey through Spain, I found decent eats at the Madrid airpot. This was outside the secure area, but still in the terminal. I returned the rental car, went inside, and there was a cafeteria-style operation. They had pre-made sandwiches, salads, and even champagne. Opting for one of each, here’s how it turned out.

Despite being pre-assembled, those sandwiches were darn good. The salad was all fresh ingredients and tasty. The champagne, well, what better way to celebrate an awesome venture through a foreign land than popping the cork on a bottle of bubbly? So, it’s all good, especially when you go looking for it, even in the airport food court. Enjoy the journey.

Published in: on October 4, 2010 at 1:41 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Posada del Duratón, Spain

Posada del Duratón is located in a rural area approximately an hour’s drive from Segovia.

There are nearby hunting preserves and a natural park for the outdoor minded guest. It surely is quiet here. There is an on-site restaurant for supper and breakfast. I would go with the breakfast and skip the supper. Here’s a look at the dining room.

There are a number of pleasing outdoor spaces including these balconies and cloisters.

Once in your room, you’ll find plenty of amenities, too.

The toilet was located in a separate space with no sink, but coming out and to the other end of the room, you’ll find the sink…

and a shower/tub…

There was no curtain or glass door for the tub which made showering tricky. Someday, I’ll have to find someone to show me the proper way of using this type of installation without getting water on the floor. Anyway, my stay was comfortable and interesting as I used the posada as a base to explore nearby Segovia and some small spots along the way. You’ll also find some trinkets for sale in the lobby, ones that are actually made by local artisans. They are worth the time to check them out. As mentioned before, Spain is a wonderful country to explore, especially the places a little further afield.

Published in: on October 3, 2010 at 1:05 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Tilt Rotor Incoming

The V-22 Osprey is an impressive hybrid machine. It’s part helicopter, part airplane. I had the good fortune to see one come in for a landing at my local airport as photographed here.

It truly is an amazing machine. Surprisingly, it’s not as noisy as a helicopter, but the downdraft is wicked. The pilot brought it in along the runway then set down in the field beyond the trees seen above. It must take a steady hand on the controls because the craft is floating in the air and susceptible to any breeze or disturbance. That’s why pilot training, and continued training, is critical. I only wish the same was done for people who drive cars. More and better training would lower the number of collisions and generally improve road safety.

Published in: on October 2, 2010 at 9:56 am  Leave a Comment  
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In A Big Country…

…you can fly forever. Well, almost. I took a nice flight to Sullivan County International Airport in Monticello, NY. The sky was mostly clear along the way, with a thin layer of clouds at 3,500 and 5,500. On the way north, I stopped at Mount Pocono (KMPO). Here’s a look at the first airport.

Runway 31-13 has just been repaved making for a smooth touchdown and rollout. After resetting the instruments I took off for Sullivan County (KMSV) which can be seen below.

That’s a long runway for a little plane like the Cessna 172 that I’m flying. And check out the trees. The leaves have just started to turn. On the way south, I passed by this big reservoir.

Yeah, in a big country you can fly a long while in small plane. Sure beats driving, too. The view is better, there’s less traffic, and it’s just plane fun. Don’t forget to watch your airspeed and always do your checklist.

Published in: on October 1, 2010 at 10:56 am  Leave a Comment  
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