We came to see UVA so Rachel could decide if this was a possible location to hang for 4 years. CC and Rachel had visited briefly over the summer but I had never been.
On our arrival day we strolled campus somewhat aimlessly for 90 minutes. We did see the famed Rotunda and the lawn. I was taught that it is not a campus, they have grounds. The lawn is what we used to call a quad. It is surrounded by low residence halls built some time in the 1800s. They are sought after apparently. Why I have no idea. No air, no real heat, no running water, you have to walk outside for facilities and you use a wood burning heater. In Pitch perfect 2 when forced to camp one of the characters stated "we are voluntarily living like dogs". My feelings exactly, history is to be observed so we are not doomed to repeat it.
Our day started way too early and we headed off to check into the event. They were quite organized and soon we were by the Rotunda again. They had signs and chalk so you could find your way about. They provided tea and coffee and then kicked off. There were student dancers and even an acapella group. Just like pitch perfect, scary. The band played next, they should have been at the NCAA but... sorry too soon.
After this was an intro for all majors and we got to hobnob with the VIPs.
The rest of the day was taken up with info sessions, campus tours and stuff. While Rachel focused on scholarly pursuits, I explored the important stuff. The food. First stop was Bodos.
We had been tipped off to this local chain. Who knew you could get great bagels in VA? Not only that but they are insanely popular. You enter and the line is like Disney as in it snakes back and forth. The food is well priced making it a value with broke students. The taste was excellent too.
We did some walking and then went back to another place for dessert. As a parent you are not supposed to play favorites with your kids. When in Berkeley I went to Cream with Sam so at UVA I went to Insomnia Cookies (oops forgot to take Rachel). Cream is famous for ice cream between cookies. Insomnia is famous for cookies that are held apart by ice cream.
To be fair they have very different philosophies. Cream has better ice cream and more of it but Insomnia has incredible fresh baked cookies. Bottom line as a parent I will just have to treat them both equally and devour any combination of cookies and cream that come my way. It will be tough but I am up to the challenge. In the end we walked about 9 miles (really I have a pedometer), ate a bunch and Rachel made a decision. And the decision, you'll have to ask her.
The flight home was as easy as the flight up minus the kick butt tail wind. We actually averaged 10 on the nose but were sill moving 185 mph. As a pilot you must always be vigilant as to other aircraft. You must see and avoid. We have automated traffic detection that helps but keeping your head on a swivel is a must. Passing Columbia we had traffic pass over us 1000 feet above. This is normal separation and we were both talking with the controller. The picture above is just before we passed. Traffic is less than a quarter mile. Can you spot it? You might need to click the picture to see it. It is a big sky but you don't want to meet anyone up there.
On the way down we stopped for fuel and comfort in Allendale, SC. The staff was efficient, friendly and 20 minutes later we were on our way topped off and refreshed. We had great weather until the last 10 miles. On approach there were some low clouds and we were in them for a minute or so while being vectored for the airport. We broke out at 2500 feet and easily had a visual on the airport. In the end we spent 6 hours total in the air and maximized our time at UVA. The airplane can be a wonderful tool when circumstances and weather align properly.
I need to give the plane a good cleaning though. While everything went well, the two days outside gave the plane a nice yellow tint and a coating of pollen. Sunday is for washing and waxing because next week is a special event.
On our arrival day we strolled campus somewhat aimlessly for 90 minutes. We did see the famed Rotunda and the lawn. I was taught that it is not a campus, they have grounds. The lawn is what we used to call a quad. It is surrounded by low residence halls built some time in the 1800s. They are sought after apparently. Why I have no idea. No air, no real heat, no running water, you have to walk outside for facilities and you use a wood burning heater. In Pitch perfect 2 when forced to camp one of the characters stated "we are voluntarily living like dogs". My feelings exactly, history is to be observed so we are not doomed to repeat it.
Our day started way too early and we headed off to check into the event. They were quite organized and soon we were by the Rotunda again. They had signs and chalk so you could find your way about. They provided tea and coffee and then kicked off. There were student dancers and even an acapella group. Just like pitch perfect, scary. The band played next, they should have been at the NCAA but... sorry too soon.
After this was an intro for all majors and we got to hobnob with the VIPs.
The rest of the day was taken up with info sessions, campus tours and stuff. While Rachel focused on scholarly pursuits, I explored the important stuff. The food. First stop was Bodos.
We had been tipped off to this local chain. Who knew you could get great bagels in VA? Not only that but they are insanely popular. You enter and the line is like Disney as in it snakes back and forth. The food is well priced making it a value with broke students. The taste was excellent too.
We did some walking and then went back to another place for dessert. As a parent you are not supposed to play favorites with your kids. When in Berkeley I went to Cream with Sam so at UVA I went to Insomnia Cookies (oops forgot to take Rachel). Cream is famous for ice cream between cookies. Insomnia is famous for cookies that are held apart by ice cream.
To be fair they have very different philosophies. Cream has better ice cream and more of it but Insomnia has incredible fresh baked cookies. Bottom line as a parent I will just have to treat them both equally and devour any combination of cookies and cream that come my way. It will be tough but I am up to the challenge. In the end we walked about 9 miles (really I have a pedometer), ate a bunch and Rachel made a decision. And the decision, you'll have to ask her.
The flight home was as easy as the flight up minus the kick butt tail wind. We actually averaged 10 on the nose but were sill moving 185 mph. As a pilot you must always be vigilant as to other aircraft. You must see and avoid. We have automated traffic detection that helps but keeping your head on a swivel is a must. Passing Columbia we had traffic pass over us 1000 feet above. This is normal separation and we were both talking with the controller. The picture above is just before we passed. Traffic is less than a quarter mile. Can you spot it? You might need to click the picture to see it. It is a big sky but you don't want to meet anyone up there.
On the way down we stopped for fuel and comfort in Allendale, SC. The staff was efficient, friendly and 20 minutes later we were on our way topped off and refreshed. We had great weather until the last 10 miles. On approach there were some low clouds and we were in them for a minute or so while being vectored for the airport. We broke out at 2500 feet and easily had a visual on the airport. In the end we spent 6 hours total in the air and maximized our time at UVA. The airplane can be a wonderful tool when circumstances and weather align properly.
I need to give the plane a good cleaning though. While everything went well, the two days outside gave the plane a nice yellow tint and a coating of pollen. Sunday is for washing and waxing because next week is a special event.
No comments:
Post a Comment