Howdy. How’s everybody doin’ this evening? Good. Greetings from Athens, Georgia. I left Fort Worth Tuesday morning and shot an ILS into Athens about seven flight hours later. Memorable moments on the flight included a bright orange conflagration of the Appalachian Mountains caused by the setting sun behind me. A radio call from Steve, the pilot who I replaced, was also a pleasant surprise. He was flying cargo in a Baron when he heard his old tail number. Shooting the ILS in Athens down to 500 feet at night was good fun too.
It sort of sucked to leave. I really felt like I had a family in Fort Worth. I can’t express how grateful I am to Erin and Ryan (for putting up with my appropriation of the angel room), to Patrick and Tina (for introducing me to Babe’s Chicken and Rob Lumbard), to Tiffany (for introducing me to “Amelie”-one of my new favorite movies), to Shaina (for reminding me how much fun it is to roll one’s self down a grassy hill), to Rhonda (for the couch and the writing advice), to Chris and Jaimee Harris aka “Better Off Dad” (for being supportive of my playing and letting me crash their shows), to Josh and Maria (for the de facto intro to philosophy… check out www.contenttrucker.blogspot.com), and to Badger, Carma, Jason, Chris, and Snowflake (for making Panther City such a great temporary home- I hereby vow to use my “Close Friend of the Owner 10% discount card” again someday…).
I hope I didn’t miss anyone. Everyone down there was great. I don’t think I’ll be able to stand this job if I make such strong connections in every new town as I did in Fort Worth. I don’t think that’s probable though.
That said, I think I could really enjoy Athens. The University of Georgia is here, and the requisite “bar/coffee/music/book” district here has a great atmosphere. The first night I was here, I happened upon an open mic night at “Whisky Dick’s.” After listening to some talented local musicians, I borrowed a guitar and played a couple songs. Good times. One guy gave me a list of places that had open mic nights. I could play different places Monday through Thursday. Been feelin’ kinda crummy today, though. Maybe I’ll do that next week if I’m still here.
There is free wi-fi throughout the downtown area. It seems like the local business organization supports it as a draw for business and also as a way to get people to check out local events and activities on their bulletin board. I think it’s a great idea. More places should consider doing something like it. Check it out.
http://athenscloud.nmi.uga.edu/athens/inside.php
I did a little exploring this afternoon; resisted the temptation to buy a Pee –Wee Herman ventriloquist doll at a comic book/record store. Just think of the fun a person could have! I could use the box he came in as a tip receptacle for when “he” makes fun of passers by on the street. He’d be a great co-pilot/scapegoat. “Roger, I’ll have Pee-Wee recycle that transponder and squawk 4635…” There’s still time.
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