Day 27 & 28: Dallas, TX - Shootout at the O.K. Corral

Day 27 & 28: June 26th and 27th, Dallas, TX. On these two days, I would have the opportunity to reconnect with a good friend and former classmate at RPI. We were roommates from 1986-1988 and hadn't seen each other in over a decade. Scott Lowden is originally from North Carolina and we use to refer to him as Rapper, not because he was into rap music, but because he loved to rap or just talk about anything and everything. The nickname rings true to this day, and I always enjoy hearing what Scott has to say. When at RPI, he was in the Navy's ROTC program, and went into active service immediately after graduation. He told me that few are given orders so soon, but he ended up being called to his ship days after receiving his diploma and began his Navy career. After serving in the Navy, he found his calling in computers and has worked for SAP, a large software company based in Germany that develops corporate business solutions for Fortune 500 companies. This company was founded in Mannheim, Germany by five former IBM employees back in 1972. Today, they are the third largest independent software vendor with over 12 million users. Scott has moved up the ranks and is now in charge of government sales, meaning that he ends up flying to Washington, DC often.

I spent the 26th visiting Scott at his home in Flower Mound, TX. The moment I asked Scott how the city got its name, we just happened to be driving by the actual flower mound. Scott described its origins, and Wikipedia explains it as follows: "The town derives its name from the prominent 12.5-acre mound located in the southern portion of the town which is covered by wild flowers. The most widely accepted explanation for the mound is that it was a sacred ceremonial ground of Wichita Indians in the early 1800s. Though surrounded by commercial and residential development, the mound is privately owned so as to be protected from further development."

I met Scott's lovely wife Carol and their two children Hope and Emily. The kids arrived back from the pool with a friend and I proceeded to dazzle them with magic tricks. It turned out that they had some magic tricks of their own to show me! Since they were fellow magicians, I shared some of my secrets. Scott and I then went out to pick up some takeout. That's right, you guessed it: Tex/Mex! Here, Scott and I enjoyed a beverage at the bar while we waited for our order.

On the 27th, Scott had scheduled some time at the DFW Gun range in Dallas. He is an avid shooter, something I remember from college. An amusing story I recall from that period is when Scott purchased a shotgun and decided to saw off part of the barrel. It was sawed just above the legal length, but it was a rough cut. I actually kept the portion he sawed off as a souvenir and still have it to this day. When Scott opened his gun safe to show me his arsenal, there was the shotgun. He had a variety of guns, but the most striking were two guns that would be illegal in New York: a fully automatic Mac 10 machine gun and a .223 machine gun. The federal ban on fully automatic weapons had been lifted, but not in New York state. Scott is very well versed in the law and obtained all of the appropriate permits and certificates needed to possess such weapons. Of note was the $200 federal stamp that must appear on the documentation. It looks like a postage stamp, but is federally issued for this purpose. The history of the $200 goes all the way back to the days of the Tommy gun. In order to make it more difficult to obtain these guns, the Federal government imposed this $200 tax, which was very expensive at the time. They have never raised the fee.

We spent the afternoon target shooting both with the fully automatic guns and several handguns that Scott brought along. My favorite handgun was his Beretta. Not having shot in quite some time, I was actually very pleased my accuracy at 10 and 15 yards. I had some very good groupings. I had a good instructor back in New York who taught my the sight picture, body posture, breathing, and how to pull the trigger. He said that pulling the trigger should not be a jerky motion but very smooth. The actual firing of the gun should almost be a surprise. I was shooting the handguns with just one hand and naturally there will be a little motion or swaying, but if you wait and fire at that moment when the site picture is correct, you can shoot very accurately. We had a lot fun at the gun range and Scott enjoyed our time together because he doesn't often find the time to go shooting.

Here are some Quicktime movies of Scott and I shooting the fully automatic Mac 10:
Scott movie
Joel movie


Upon returning to the car, I was reminded that I was in the south, where I had experienced 100 degree temperatures since Miami. The digital thermometer in his car read 105 degrees! Northerners like me are just not used to this oppressive heat. I was counting the days when I would begin my journey northbound towards cooler weather.

It was truly great to see Scott. As is the case with many of the people I am visiting on this trip, it had been many years since we had last seen each other, so there was much catching up to do. You learn about all the new things in each other's lives, but realize that deep down we are the same people we were 20 years ago. Reconnecting, it is almost as if that time never passed. You end up just picking up where you left off, and that's what I am enjoying most about this trip. By reconnecting with an old friend like Scott, I've bridged the gap of a decade of silence and reinvigorated a friendship, something I place a very high value on.

About 7 years ago, I suffered from some serious health problems. While not a physical ailment, I suffered from a debilitating anxiety condition which some would refer to as a "nervous breakdown". I couldn't work or drive at the time and it felt like I would never get better. At that moment in my life, I truly had an epiphany. I realized that my priorities were misaligned and that this was what had led me to my nadir. In an instant, I set out my new priorities: #1 - Health, #2 - Friends and Family, #3 - Everything else. I am not defined by my career or how much money I make. My happiness is derived through the relationships I maintain with my amazing network of friends and family. I treasure my connection to them, and herein lies the purpose of this trip, to rekindle old friendships and strengthen those that have been ongoing. None of this is possible with priority #1 which is my own health. Having lost that for a while, I can safely say that without that, none of the other priorities are possible and true happiness is more difficult to accomplish. It amazes me how many have not discovered these three simple priorities and end up chasing the dollar instead, sacrificing the more important aspects of life - health and relationships.

Day 26: Dallas, TX

Day 26: June 25th, Dallas: Today, my gracious hosts George and Susan Smith would take me around to see some of the sites. Unfortunately, the day was to again peak over 100 degrees, which is unusual for Dallas this early in the summer. George and Susan had the perfect solution: head to the Gaylord Texan. There are only four Gaylord hotels in the United States: Opryland, Orlando, Dallas, and DC. They are known for their opulence and grandiose scale. Their tagline is "Everything in One Place", and this was indeed the case for the Gaylord Texan. Not only do they have hotel rooms, restaurants, clubs, and shopping all under one roof, they present the whole state of Texas to you as well in lifesize diorama. Each portion of the hotel represents a different part of Texas, which saves you from having to visit every corner of this enormous state. Here, you will find a lifesize replica of the Alamo, an operating cafe at the edge of San Anonio's Riverwalk, and many other representations of the best Texas has to offer.

Immediately, as you enter the compound, you can tell that something amazing awaits. Everything is bigger in Texas. As we entered, the first thing I noticed was that it appeared I was looking through a darkened dining area into a huge sunlit atrium. I thought that would be wonderful, except for the fact that it was over 100 degrees outside. Well, the atrium isn't really outdoors, although it is fully bathed in sunlight. An enormous glass ceiling allows sunlight to flow in, but keeps everyone chilled in air conditioned comfort. This is a pretty amazing engineering feat and would allow us to explore Texas and stay cool. One of the first structures you see upon entering this enclosed atrium is the facade of the Alamo. It is a full-sized replica, representing every detail of the crumbling stone that comprises the top of the wall. Here, you can see Raymond, George, Susan, and I posing in front of the Alamo. It sure beats being out in the scorching sun at the real Alamo. OK, perhaps I'd like to visit the real deal someday, but not when it is over 100 degrees!





Next, we headed to San Antonio's Riverwalk. Here, they have reproduced an outdoor cafe along the river, but once again, you are actually inside of a full enclosed structure, keeping the environment at a cozy 75 degrees. I was told that the temperature at the actual Riverwalk is unbearable at this time of year. Thank god for the Gaylord and their ability to pay their air conditioning bill.






One of the owners of the Gaylord must be a train enthusiast, because the hotel is lined with model train tracks running through very realistic towns and scenery. One little item I noted was a man whitewashing a billboard in miniature. His arm was moving up and down with a roller running along the billboard. Model cars and miniature restaurants and stores lined the city streets as the train cars whisked along, some puffing smoke.





What visit to Texas would be complete without your picture next to a longhorn steer. This steer was preserved from the dinner table so that visitors to the Gaylord could pose and have their picture taken with him. Well, actually, this steer was so well preserved that he didn't actually MOOOOOOve.







In order to be a real Texas cowboy, one has to procure some cowboy boots and a big old Stetson. I really started getting in to the Texas spirit here, until I saw the Texas-sized price tags. But I looked good as a cowboy, good enough that a sketch artist put together a wonderful caricature of me flying my plane over Texas.







I was impressed, as the likeness is stunning. I'll treasure that sketch as a memento of my visit to Texas. Unfortunately, it got left behind in a mailing tube, but Susan is sending it back to Albany for me.









After visiting the Gaylord, the next stop was La Hacienda Ranch for some good old Tex/Mex. I swear, that's all anybody eats down there! Before you are seated, your cardiac health is put to the test as you must endure an attack by a large bear at the front door.
Inside, it is all Texas. Some of the bar stools are actually saddles!! Too many drinks and you are liable to get saddle sores. You can eat in the main dining room, or if you prefer, in the trophy room, which is lined with the taxidermist's best mounts. We enjoyed a fajita for 4 dish that provided almost double the food we would eat that evening. The leftovers would be a meal in itself for the next day.

The Smith's were wonderful hosts and truly made me feel at home. I would end up spending a few nights at their house in Keller, TX. The next day, however, it was time to connect with a friend from RPI, Scott Lowden. We hadn't seen each other in many years, but we each looked forward to reconnecting.

Day 25: Austin and Dallas, TX

Day 25: June 24th, Austin and Dallas, TX. Firstly, I want to mention that I am doing my best to catch up on the blog. I am several days behind, but I am making other things a priority, such as spending time with friends and carefully planning my flights. Also, I want to thank everyone who has been sending me emails about my health. I am now feeling much better and have gotten past whatever sickness was getting in the way of the trip. Sure, I'm exhausted on some days, because sometimes I fly 9 hours in a day, but I'm otherwise feeling great now.

On this morning, I tried to get a relatively early start, but I knew that my friend in Austin would be working until the late afternoon and the weather would not be a factor, so I didn't have to rush out at 7am. The cab came to the hostel where I was staying and took me to the Lakefront airport in New Orleans. I had already fueled up a few days earlier, so I would only need to preflight, hop in the airplane, and activate my IFR flight plan. I had filed to land at Lakeway Airpark, a public-use airpark lined with private homes on the southern shoreline of Lake Travis in Austin, TX. It was to be about a 4 hour flight. I believe I planned well, in terms of the departure time. I didn't want to depart too early, otherwise, I would be left waiting at Lakeway in Austin; however, I didn't want to leave New Orleans too late, because the temperature would be soaring to over 100 degrees. I left at about 10am, when the temperature was just a chilly 90 degrees. Before departing, I went back into the FBO in New Orleans and used their phenomenal pilot briefing room. They had 4 computer workstations, each with huge widescreen monitors. The computers were very fast, which made planning a breeze. Also, they had a laser printer, where I could print out the approach plates and STARs (Standard Terminal ARrival procedures) that I would need.

I have been using the powerful flight planning tools at FltPlan.com and because of this, I seem to be able to nail the preferred IFR routing. I usually get an "As Filed" clearance, which is very convenient. If they give you a new reroute, you have to reprogram the GPS, look up the new navaids, and replan your route in the air when you possibly could be trying to concentrate on flying in instrument conditions (in the clouds). For this flight, the routing took me south of Lafayette and Lake Charles, LA and then over Beaumont and near Houston, TX. I did indeed receive the "As Filed" clearance because I had seen other pilots get this routing, however, I got rerouted just before approaching Houston. For some reason, controllers seemed to have lost my flight plan as I crossed into the great state of Texas. They asked me if I was IFR and who had given me this routing. I explained to them that I had filed IFR and received my clearance in New Orleans. They next rerouted me to the north of Houston, explaining to me that I was not allowed to fly over Houston for some reason. There were no restrictions on the map, nor was I briefed about any temporary flight restrictions there, but, nonetheless, controllers did not want me flying over Houston.

I passed by Austin's International airport and located the Lakeway Airpark along the southern shoreline of Lake Travis. As I entered the traffic pattern, I could see that this public-use airport was lined with private homes on either side, each one with their own hangar with taxiways that led to the runway. Each home there is clearly a pilot's dream house. After landing, I taxied in to the self-service fuel pump and filled my tank. It was over 100 degrees on the ground and the black tarmac served as a thermal radiator making it feel even hotter. Sweat was dripping off my forehead as I fueled the airplane and pushed it into position at a tiedown spot. Next, I was hoping to cool off at the FBO, but the only problem was that there was no FBO here, only a private clubhouse. You could sit in the shade just in front of the clubhouse, but the door indicated that it was for Members Only and you needed a code to enter. I was really suffering in the heat and needed to cool off, so I walked up to an enormous mansion with an enormous hangar which housed an enormous Malibu airplane. I explained my situation to the owner and he graciously gave me the code to the door and offered me some cold soda. I sat in the clubhouse for a few hours waiting for an old friend from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) to arrive with his son. Interestingly enough, once in the private clubhouse, I read a note on the inside of the door which admonished members to never give out the code. In this 100 degree heat, I was sure that someone would have a little compassion and override that rule.

Kevin Keller pulled in and we were off to a well-known Austin favorite right on Lake Travis, the Oasis! It is a very eclectic restaurant replete with the style of off-beat and avant garde art and architecture that Austin is known for. There, I found my new aircraft, the Oasis spaceship. I'm not sure this craft is airworthy, but it makes for a nice conversation piece. This was my first time in Texas and I proceeded to dine on Tex/Mex, the first of many such meals. I drank lots of fluids to overcome my dehydration and we took in the view of Lake Travis. Kevin and I were able to catch up and I noted how interesting it was that even after not seeing a person for 20 years, one is able to quickly pick up where you left off, as if 20 years was a few months.

Kevin returned me to the airport, and I was on to my next stop, Northwest Regional airport in Dallas, TX. I again had an IFR flight plan, which greatly simplifies navigating complicated airspace like Dallas's Class B airspace. Once you've determined your routing, you follow Air Traffic Control's lead and don't necessarily have to worry about the boundaries of different kinds of airspace. I landed at Northwest Regional at sunset and caught this beautiful photograph just before touchdown. I taxied up to the self-service fuel pump and could see a pickup truck driving towards me. I flashed my lights as Susan Smith, her husband George, and her son Raymond welcomed me to Dallas, TX! Despite being late in the day, it was still quite hot, so sweat was dripping from my forehead as we pushed the airplane into its parking spot, drove tiedown stakes into the grass, and put the cover on the airplane. I was so happy to hop in their air conditioned pickup and head back to their house for a little rest and relaxation. The Smith's were very gracious hosts and made me feel right at home. I would spend the next several days with them and later, I would connect with another old friend from RPI, Scott Lowden.