For someone who focuses so much on the world of flying, it may seem funny to hear that I absolutely love road trips. I used to drive across the country to go back and forth between my parents’ house in the West and college out East. But these days, it’s hard to find time to actually put a road trip together. Fortunately, that’s all changing as I embark on a long road trip today.
How is this possible? Well, I didn’t announce it here, but I was actually laid off by PriceGrabber last month. Since that time I’ve been working on the blog and looking into other opportunities as well. But I’m in no hurry to jump into anything too quickly, and I’m going to take my time to figure things out.
One thing I know I want to do is focus on getting better, more unique content for the blog so I can attract more readers like all of you. So, this month I found myself invited to several different events around the country that, combined with personal commitments, make for an excellent road trip. I leave tomorrow and I’ll be making the following stops (and more):
- I’m an official judge for the Southwest Halloween costume contest at their headquarters in Dallas
- I’ll be visiting LiveTV (makers of the seatback TV systems you find on JetBlue and others) to see their labs and learn more about what they’re working on next.
- I’ve been given the chance for a sneak peak at the new Indianapolis Airport terminal before it opens for business on Nov 11/12
- I will be attending the PhoCusWright conference right after I return home.
So as you can see, I’m really working hard to bring you some unique and hopefully interesting content. While I’m on the road, I expect to continue to post regularly, though the time of day might be a bit more erratic depending upon what time zone I’m in.
As I continue to work on ways to improve Cranky, there are a few things you can do to help:
- Make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss a post. (It’s 100% free.) You can get a daily email or sign up via RSS.
- Tell your friends about Cranky. The more people that come visit, the more time I’ll be able to devote to bringing you better content.
- Advertise. If you have a business that you’d like to advertise, send me an email and let’s talk. I’m working on a redesign that will allow me to create more advertising spots at various pricepoints.
As always, let me know if you have any feedback. You know where to find me. I’ll speak with you again tomorrow from the road.
20 comments on “Road Trip!”
Uhh, nice wedding gift from Pricegrabber, it seems :(
I love road trips, too. And I miss those days when I had time to travel around the west for two or more weeks. With work and limited vacation days, nowadays I always have to “air-drop” into a location, spend a few days, then jet back.
Good luck with your future plans. I know I’ll be enjoying the content you’ll put up; hopefully you’ll be able to find a way to make it worthwhile for you, too.
Man, I’m jealous! I wish I could do all that!
whatever you do…do NOT stop in Lordsburg, NM.
By the way, sorry about PriceGrabber. :(
Ya, i agree whith oliver. great present from the folks at PriceGrabber.
Sorry to hear about your layoff, but hopefully we’ll be seeing you much more around Southwest! ;-)
Sucks about the PriceGrabber… But the road trip sounds like fun..
I had a great time driving across the country with two cats on my lap/randomly wandering the car when I moved out to Seattle.
Safe travels, can’t wait to hear the updates!
Safe travels and best wishes for future opportunities…
I love road trips. I always make a stop at the library for a couple books on tape. Makes the time go faster while watching the mile markers count up or down.
Yeah, I’m a road trip junkie too. With your connections think you could get into the boneyards of old planes that all over the Southwest? I’ve been told the public isn’t allowed to just go “explore” around those old 747’s and DC-10’s basking in the desert sun. That sounds like the perfect road trip stop to me. I’d be jealous.
Man, I love roadtrips, and the price of gas has come down too. Unlike some people, I would willingly drive through Lordsburg, NM. So Brett, tell us what tunes are gonna be in the changer for this trip? BTW if you drive through Arkansas, be sure and eat at the former SWA 737-200.
Brian
Hey Brett:
I know you have heard this a million times, but in my experience, when a door closes a new one opens up. You are a bright guy and you have a passion even though it is..uh..well, DORKY!
Keep doing what you love and we will stay with you.
Enjoy the road trip and keep posting for your loyal family of airline / aircraft dweebs and dorks.
Agree with Mark, I’m sure that many positive things will come out of this. I’d better sign up. Best of luck with building up Cranky.
Brian do you have a link to this 732? What I really wanna know is when I can have dinner in a SWA 722!
I’ve got family who live near Lordsburg, N.M., and if you do have to stop there, they’ve got an awesome little Mom & Pop Mexican restaurant that’s been a favorite with the locals for 40+ years. It’s right by the train station.
I’ve got family who live near Lordsburg, N.M., and if you do have to stop there, they’ve got an awesome little Mom & Pop Mexican restaurant that’s been a favorite with the locals for 40+ years. It’s right by the train station. Oh, and have fun judging the Southwest costume contest! Safe travels!
There was a boneyard outside of PHX but its mostly gone, DC 4’s, 6’s and 7’s all there for 20 years, rotting in the desert.
As for the Marana boneyard, no chance at all of getting in, they keep it locked tight.
Go see The Thing! That is all.
Thanks for all the comments, guys. No need to be hard on PriceGrabber here. I had three very good and productive years there. Sadly, once we shut the travel site down last year, I figured that my days were numbered (whether due to my interests or theirs). So, it’s really ok.
Paula and everyone else – I thought about stopping in Lordsburg, but I didn’t need gas so I kept moving until I got to Deming. I’m spending tonight in El Paso before pushing on to Dallas in the morning.
james – I’ve got a couple of books on tape including one from my favorite – Bill Bryson. I’m traveling with my dad for the first few days, but after that I’ll have plenty of time to listen to my books.
A – I’ve actually been to the boneyard at Mojave twice (anyone can go and ask for a tour – I think it cost $5). I’ve tried to get into Pinal (Marana) but never was successful. I did do a touch and go on the runway there with a friend once. I should try to pull those pictures out and post them some time.
Brian – I’m sad to say that the Parachute Inn is too far north for me this time around. Bummer.
NotJustin – Oh, I saw the Thing . . . from the freeway. But I didn’t stop. I didn’t want to ruin the mystery.
Nicholas,
see CF’s comment above for the link. There was also an article in Airways about a year ago.
Brian