I found myself in another situation where I had to check out of the hotel, but had to kill time until my report time of 4:15. I went on tripadvisor and looked up the sights and headed on my way to the #2 highest rated thing to do in Fresno. I drove up to Woodward Park, where I found numerous walkers, joggers, and cyclists. I was a little bit let down by the park. They appear to be renovating the area, so much of it was being dug up and not the most aesthetically pleasing thing to see. Nevertheless, it gave me a chance to just walk around and relax while strolling the trails.
Many of the walkers took their workout very seriously. At one point, I was slowly gaining on an older gentleman, so I positioned myself to pass him. As soon as he heard me coming, he went into full powerwalk mode and started pulling away at a rapid pace. However, after his breakaway, he appeared to have pulled a hamstring and slowed once again (as portrayed in the picture at left). As I gained ground once again, he did an about face and started walking the other direction rather than admit defeat. I hope I didn't damage his self-esteem too much.
The other day, I learned that I had transported the Secretary of Agriculture from Denver to Fresno. Yes, a government cabinet member flew on a CRJ. In fact, he had to gate check his bag too. I speculated that his job was to come to California's central valley to confirm that there is in fact a drought. "Ah yes, I see the drought," he must have exclaimed upon. "Now, where's my bag?"
The drought is felt in LA when looking at the surrounding hills that have turned a dusty shade of brown. However, the real devastation of the drought was very clear to me just by walking around Woodward park. Everything just looks kind of dead. Bridges crossed over waterless creeks. All in all, the park was kind of meh. I spent the remainder of the afternoon by getting a haircut, grabbing a sandwich, buying pants at Target, and walking around old town Clovis, the neighboring town. Perhaps the most interesting thing I did in Fresno today wasn't in Fresno at all.
I didn't venture into any of the stores as I wasn't really in the market for an old wagon wheel or antique sewing machine. I then drove out in the country for a little bit, passing vineyards, almond groves, and other agricultural fields. This was enjoyable, but since I was driving, there are no pictures.
After walking back to Fresno airport, I deadheaded (rode in the back of the plane with the normal people) to San Francisco, where I am now killing another four hours (albeit paid) for an extremely short flight from SFO to Santa Maria, an airport I have been to numerous times as a flight instructor. Tonight could prove to be a little different than puttering along in a Cessna.
