Had set my alarms for 3.15am as had a 3.45 shuttle pickup for the 6.00am flight. Went to bed about 10, had a bit of driving to do today, 5 hours was gong to be the best I could get. Until my internal alarm kicked in. 12.20 and I was wide awake, battling hard to nod off again. Things weren't helped when a screech of tyres, then a bang outside the hotel. Couldn't see what happened, as was out of vision, but a few people milling around and of course the voices cutting through the quiet night. Then about 1.45am, cops outside in the car park walking what must have been the driver through the sobriety test. At this point I gave up trying to get back to sleep, 2 and a bit hours it was.
Shuttle was on time and 1 other pick up and as usual was at the airport way earlier than I needed to be. Austin airport didn't have a lot open at this time, did manage to pick up some prickly pear chocolate as gifts for people back home though.
Quite a full flight and I had forgotten to check in until late afternoon so I was one of the last boarding. Managed to score an aisle seat though and was only a 40 minute or so flight to Love Field.
Transfer to the Memphis flight was a bit of a hassle though. Boards were incorrect with gate information and I received 3 different answers from agents I spoke to about which gate I was supposed to be at. Had about 40 minuted between landing and boarding and I played terminal ping pong for 38 minutes of it as I bounced from end to end looking for my gate. Eventually got on the right plane, board said something else, pilot also made an announcement prior to taxiing to assure everyone we were going to Memphis and that if anyone was on the wrong plane to speak to an attendant.
Uneventful flight, approached and landed from the Mississippi side and soon enough had my bags and in my chariot for the next 2 days. Obviously no expense spared.
Soon on the highway and dodging the truckers and into Arkansas and after a little over an hour, Jonesboro and the Best Western. It was only about 11.15 and after last year's hassle in check in, wasn't confident of any rooms being available. However, also was a Wednesday and how busy could Jonesboro be?
After a few minutes on her computer, the receptionist announced only thing we have clean is a suite so you can have that Mr Mugavin.
Nice space, bit wasted on me though.
Headed out for some lunch and hit up J Town Grill which sits over the road from the Football stadium.
Steak nachos which had a nice flavoured sauce, however the coagulated cheese at the bottom of the dish was a bit much for me to attempt.
Back to the hotel for a kip before I went back to the uni see the young fella.
In a welcome and very southern touch, beside the lifts was a glass container of the nicest sweet iced tea you could ever ask for. Very refreshing.
