Distance from Virgin Gorda to Miami, FL: 1300 Nautical Miles
It was a wonderful crossing and several nice and warm days in the Caribbean but now it is time to go home.
Treated to another sunrise but this one was in Miami, FL. The clouds look more menacing than they really are and we don’t expect any issues with our flights.
Sunrise Over Miami
We took the Azamara Shuttle to MIA and we were there in plenty of time for our 12:10 PM departure. Our plane, AA1017, is parked at the gate and luggage is being loaded. All good signs.
AA1017 Ready to Go
As boarding time got closer, I could tell that all was not well. Flight crews were buzzing around the check in desk. Not a good sign. Finally, the announcement came that our jet was unable to fly (some mechanical issue) and a new aircraft would have to be brought in. The new gate and time would be forthcoming.
To my surprise, just a few gates away, a new 737-800 appeared as the new AA1017. Perhaps, they ordered from Amazon Prime. In any event, the delay was short and soon we were boarding our replacement aircraft. No seats had to be juggled since the two planes were identical (except for the paint job).
AA1017 – Really Ready to Go
You can tell by all of the pictures that I had a window seat on this flight. I think I might have been alone in my row. The next few shots are from our scenic climb out from Miami International Airport.
MIA Climb Out
The flight was uneventful – pretty smooth.
As we neared Chicago O’Hare, we picked up a buddy on the port side of the plane.
Buddy in the Air
Soon we were on final approach…
Argonne National Lab Accelerator (I Think)
Touchdown
It was a great cruise. Even though we had aircraft issues at both ends, it all worked out. And although we missed our day in Barcelona, we made up for it with a wonderful dinner.
We are going to be back on the Azamara Journey in a few months for a Panama Canal Cruise. Looking forward to it.
No comments:
Post a Comment