NashFest - Reports and Photos

[StPeteMark]

A very unique and outstanding opportunity to experience...thanks so much to PMark and Ray and SWA staff for making this event happen!!!

Each of us got to sit in the cockpit of a 737 with a detailed description from Ray. Ray also gave us a detailed tour of the exterior ... then back into the terminal to observe and hear discussions of the SWA operations center.

Three great SWA staff accompanied our group and then joined us for brunch.

Many thanks to Kelley and Brett for hauling us around. Great seeing you and the rest of the gang: PMark, Ray, John R. & Jen, Sean, Deb, Barb-San, Jeff, Cal. Jeff and Andrea.

We're waiting for the plane to take us to Phoenix - have a great rest of Nash Flight Fest! We missed you Ken!

SPMark and Susan
.

[EyesSkyward]

Here, here! The SWA/BNA tour was ubercool, especially for a plane geek like me. :nerd: Thanks to all! It was nice to finally meet the people I've been trading posts with all this time.

I'm sure the gallery will be flooded with pics in the next few days. But, as a teaser, here's StPeteMark and Cap'n Ray as you've never seen them before... with their heads stuck up the wheelwell of a 737! :D

- Jeff

[Passenger Mark]

Great day!!!

Here is another teaser... a photo of a photo of our General Jackson trip. I will get the rest uploaded by tommarrow!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0049.JPG


Ok... I am more awake now so I will add the names....

Left to right... Top left, Ken (Madscientist) The couple below them is my parents Jack and Renee. Behind my Mom is John and Jen (John Robinson), Kneeling is California Jeff, with Andrea by his side. Behind Andrea is Charity and Sean. That is your ring leader at the wheel standing next to Nancy. Jeff (Eyeskyward) is behind me, then Barb-San, Debbie, Ray, and Lou. Kelley and Brent came in a little later, and I have a photo of them that I will post.

[kari]

Okay, rub it in, why don't you ....

That is actually a really scary photo! :lol:

[Passenger Mark]

More photos!!!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0005%7E0.JPG

Kelley and Brett at the General Jackson boarding area!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0004%7E0.JPG

Captain Ray and Lou

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0002%7E0.JPG

The General Jackson had pre-boarding and safety announcements just like an airplane! Here is the group listening intensely!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0003%7E0.JPG

The General Jackson!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0049.JPG

This one I think you have seen.

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0006%7E0.JPG

On board the General Jackson

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0008%7E0.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0009%7E0.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0001%7E0.JPG

My parents and California Jeff

And just some random photos aboard the boat...

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0010%7E0.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0011%7E0.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0012%7E0.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0013%7E1.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0014%7E0.JPG

The group on the Stern of the General Jackson...

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0016%7E0.JPG

Food time with the stage in the background...

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0017%7E0.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0018%7E0.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0019%7E1.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0020%7E0.JPG

Ken, Ray, and Sean on the boat!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0021%7E0.JPG

I was trying to get a Nashville Skyline photo... the paddle wheel for the boat can be seen.

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0030%7E0.JPG

The group watching the show...

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0038.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0039.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0040.JPG

[Barb-SAN]

Hey, all...checking in at the 24-hr. Kinko's this morning...yawn....amazed to see all those photos up already...how fun to already re-live yesterday!

It's been an amazing experice to meet y'all in person after reading posts for so long....it's like going from 2-D to 3-D live;) . I guess there were some surprises for me too...but mostly it's just a very warm feeling to meet everyone, and have it feel like a "familiar group"! So...I would certainly encourage others here who have not attended a Flight Fest yet to give it a try!

Thanks, Mark, Ray, and the folks at SWA for arranging an unforgettable tour of the SWA operations and the 737. That was such a unique experience to leisurely explore all the nooks and crannies of the jet, without the pressure to board, stow luggage, take seats, etc. we normally experience when flying to a destination. It certainly was extremely helpful in understanding more about the plane, and becoming familiar with it as our "life support system" transporting us to 39,000 ft! And, it's always great to pick up some of that powerful "juju", sitting in the pilot's seat for a few minutes, pretending WE are in control and flying the plane (ha ha!):D (Actually, it's more of a relief, hearing Ray explain all the dials and knobs and levers, and knowing that we DON'T have to fly the plane...that highly trained, experienced pilots are doing that job!)

After doing so much flight tracking here, it was especially interesting to me to see the flight tracking software in the operations center. Being a "real" flight tracker looks like it would be a very challenging job...but it has been made easier thanks to sophisticated computer software which now does much of the work, e.g. of calculating weight and balance that used to be done manually.

The General Jackson dinner cruise last night was great...I do have some photos from that, along with other photos to share...but it will have to wait until I get back to my computer in San Diego.

Well...better hit the road...breakfast is calling...and having never been to this Monell's place...it's better to allow some time to get lost before 11:rolleyes:

[kari]

LMAO, Ray you've got to throw that jacket out. I'm sorry but it's an exact replica of NEWT's!!!!! :eek: :rotflmao:

[kari]

And look at you all, just standing there, going to waste. You could have utilised your standing-about time far more effectively. Methinks.

[Lynda]

Am I green with envy?????



YES!!!!

[kari]

LOL, who have I just spoken to? The world and his wife or so it seems :) Don't think any of them understood what I was saying though :)

Sorry, Ray. My mind just flashed to that jacket :lol: I'm sure Newt's used to look like that before it became engulfed in 15 years' worth of organic matter and other various debris. "Are you on your own, love?" :rotflmao:

[Lynda]

It was great to be able to speak with everyone today. Thanks for calling.:)

[Passenger Mark]

Just got back from a great lunch at Monell's. I will never eat again!

Spoke with Kari and Lynda while there, we passed my phone about, even though they said NO CELL PHONES! Ken was scared I was going to get us kicked out.

Agne... The number I had did not work! :(

Here are some more photos...

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0041.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0037.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0042.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0043%7E0.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0045.JPG

[Passenger Mark]

Here we are today... Lunch at Monell's...

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0052.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0053.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0054.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0055.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0056.JPG

Here is Barb talking with Lynda...

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0057.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0058.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0059.JPG

Ray talking about doing the "Funky Chicken" on the General Jackson last night!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0060.JPG

UH OH!!!!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0061.JPG


http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0068.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0069.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0070.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0072.JPG

Whoops... Barb was missing!

There we go... that's better!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0073.JPG

[Jeff California]

Can you find the hidden airplane captain?




http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0073.JPG

[Passenger Mark]

These next photos are by John Robinson. He put them on a CD before leaving. Great photos John!

Most are of our tour at BNA. Ray and the SWA staff did a fantastic job of allowing us to tour a 737 from the inside out. As Barb pointed out it was nice to explore the plane without the usual rush of having to board. It made the plane as familiar to us as our own living room!

There is also some photos of the Southwest Operation Center, which Barb described so well earlier!

And finally some photos of lunch in the Capital Grill inside the airport.

John and Jen!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_PA210143.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_PA210141%7E0.JPG

Sean with the engine.

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_PA210144.JPG

Jeff (Eyeskyward)

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_PA210145.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_PA210152.JPG

Our plane!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_PA210146.JPG

Ray did a great job explaining all there is about the 737!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_PA210147.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_PA210139.JPG

Being on the plane made me want to go somewhere! It seemed ashame to not fly on such a beautiful day!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_PA210140.JPG

Captain Ray and First Officer John!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_PA210150.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_PA210149.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_PA210148.JPG

Lunch at the Capital Grill inside BNA!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_PA210157.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_PA210156.JPG

On the left side are our SWA escorts... What a great bunch of folks!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_PA210155.JPG

The SWA - BNA Operations Center... Where there is some super flight tracking!!!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_PA210154.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_PA210153.JPG

That's all the photos I have... but I am sure more will be showing up from others!

Great Fest! Thanks to everyone for coming, I appreciate it!

[Barb-SAN]

Wow...lots of great photos already. I'll go through mine when I get home next week and post whatever hasn't already been covered. After lunch at Monell's, this afternoon went to the Parthenon (closed, alas), and then down to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Then hiked around downtown, hoping to work off some of Monell's great food. Stopped at the Wildhorse Saloon, and took some photos especially for Kari. :) A group called "David Smith and the Beautiful Mistakes" was playing (Kelley, do you know them?). There was only one couple out on the dance floor...maybe 6PM on Sunday night isn't the best time for line-dancing...though lots of folks were eating dinner. So...the weekend comes to a close! It was a great time indeed! Looking forward to seeing more photos! :thumbsup:

[kari]

Stopped at the Wildhorse Saloon, and took some photos especially for Kari. :)

I meant photos of you lot line dancing, not a bunch of random people! :lol:

[StPeteMark]

I love this picture. It looks like Ray and Mark are turning a crank to make the plane go. Now, there's an image to relax FFs.And it did ... eventually! This wasn't an out-of-service 737, but one that was scheduled to go to Ohio soon after we finished. While we were there, the ice truck guy filled the FAs cooling bins behind the cockpit. Also, the jet fuel guy was going to start fueling the plane when we left; they pump from underground tanks rather than using trucks...they use a machine that looks like a giant paint sprayer that has a long hose that connects to the underside of one of the wings in the middle section.

At times it was hard to hear what Ray was saying...jets on both sides of us were being pushed back for take off and had their engines at high roar. When they were finally heading away from us, their warm gust of wind felt good hitting us since it was COLD outside...I'm guessing in the low 40s if that high. I can't imagine what the passengers on those two planes were thinking looking out the windows and seeing us!??? :)

If this opportunity ever comes up again, I can assure you that it is WELL WORTH making, or changing your plans to attend!!! We just don't know how lucky we are to have great pilots on this board volunteering their time to do events like this, in addition to helping us get back and keeping us in the air!!! Thanks so much again Ray and John!!!

SPMark and Susan :) :)
Now Wheel Well Certified
.

[Jeff California]

It was a great time! Thanks for everything Mark, RAY & John!!! That tour was something most don't do in a lifetime. Ray and John did an awesome job explaining everything. We each got to sit in the cockpit while Ray explained all the gadgets! That was the most awesome thing! Having the plane to ourselfs was superb. I sometimes meet th epilots when I fly. I usually spend a minute chatting and then leave them alone. Andrea is too shy to go with me. She is not a big FF, but she does have concerns.. When I asked her if she wanted to sit in the chair while Ray explained stuff, she was very happy. When Andrea is that comfortable around people, I know I am surrounded by great people. i hope we can do another tour in Phoenix.

Huge thanks to all the Southwest Airlines people. They had to escort us to all the "off limits" places and they were all kind and very friendly. That girl in operations (forgot her name!!) was so patient and kind as well!!!


Who took the picture of me in the turbine engine??? I want it for my desktop!!!!:thumbsup:

We had turbulence most of the way home tonight. They had to cancel the 2nd drink service. I am a visual guy (wait, most guys are) and the details Ray and John gave us about the plane were a great tool to calm me when I pictured the wing snapping off.. I didn't realize just how much I learned this weekend until I flew tonight.

I hope the next fest is even bigger! Every fest seems to have more people and they are the nicest folks!

I could go on forever....

Jeff

[Agne]

Agne... The number I had did not work! :(


No problem Mark!

I loved the pictures! I'm soooo jealous ! :cool:

[WillFlyToDisney]

Echoing what everyone else said - a great time was had by all! I have several pix to post when I get to a high speed connection - right now I am on the road (literally) somewhere on the way to VA. Sign says passing Fall Creek Falls State Park - HEY COURTNEY! :wave:

Monell's was the BEST food in Nashville - great suggestion, Jeff!

Ray and Mark - AMAZING Flightfest - THANKS SO MUCH!!!

Deb - thanks for the pineapple juice. :thumbsup:

It was great seeing everyone again and meeting some of you for the first time in person.

Kelley

[cshollingsworth]

Echoing what everyone else said - a great time was had by all! I have several pix to post when I get to a high speed connection - right now I am on the road (literally) somewhere on the way to VA. Sign says passing Fall Creek Falls State Park - HEY COURTNEY! :wave:


Hi Kelley!!! You should have honked when you came by! If you were on Hwy 111 and passed by a new bank and a large Shell station, you could have made a left turn and been at my place in about 1 mile!

SOoooooo extremely sorry that I ended up going to Knoxville with my blessed little husband on Saturday to see a UT football game. I LOVE the pix of the plane tour and I really, really wish that I would have insisted to Don we go to BNA instead. But alas...

Looks like everyone had a blast and it was a great time! Jeff-BNA, you look TALL in those pics!!! :eek:

Love the adoreable pic of John Robinson and his gal sitting in the engine!!! How cool is that! Not to mention, how romantic! :blush:

It was great to see all those pix and put faces with the names. If you guys have another FF in Phoenix as someone mentioned in this thread, I will promise that I will committ to being there if we get to go on another tour. Had I have known it was going to be THAT cool, there's no way I would have let Don begged me into going to the ballgame. :sigh:

[Rebecca]

Those who don't fly don't get over the fear of flying. - Sean

Glad you used that quote, Kelley. Something Sean said at the Fest? It's so true! I should know. :blush:

What great bunch of photos. I, too, wish I had been there! So glad you all had such a great time.

I hope some of the folks working on FF will post flight reports ... would love the insights into how they felt and how they dealt with those feelings.

[Passenger Mark]

FYI -- I just added some more pics to the photo gallery.

Well... Put them here too!!!! DOH!

[Jeff California]

http://takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10071/thumb_Ray_meditating_in_a_wheelwell.JPG

"Ray meditates before every flight"(Seans' pic in the gallery)


Sean!!! Post them here!!! Or at least the Fred Flinstone one!!!:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Passenger Mark]

Aye, aye, Cap'n! How do I do that?
:lol::lol::lol:

Just jokin with ya... but I PMd the directions... Am going to also put something on the forum as I have had others ask me how...

[Passenger Mark]

OK... I made the tutorial (http://www.takingflight.us/forums/showthread.php?p=54858#post54858)... Hope that will help with everyone's questions.

I accidentally put it on the main forum :banghead: since we try to leave the main forum for strictly Fear of Flying issues, I moved it to the Ask Chell / Tech Questions forum. (http://www.takingflight.us/forums/showthread.php?p=54858#post54858)

Sorry about that! :blush:

[WillFlyToDisney]

Okay loading some to the gallery now...

These were by far some of my FAVORITES though!

The food at Monell's was rumored to have some sort of aphrodisiac effect... I think the proof is in the pictures!

Capt Ray & Lou...
http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10072/normal_CIMG6524.JPG

And you know I never could resist a hot young pilot...
http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10072/normal_CIMG6532.JPG

Of course Mark was jealous and decided he wanted to leap into John's arms too....
http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10072/normal_CIMG6533.JPG

Between that and the blatant disregard for the cell phone use inside the restaurant I'm not sure if Mark is even allowed back there... :angel:

[Passenger Mark]

Those are great y'all!

But Kelley... Where is my lav and coffee pot.... Debbie photos... I have been waiting ALL DAY for those! :D

[WillFlyToDisney]

Sorry Mark - been traveling all day and am beat. Let me load those super quick for ya now that I have a high speed connection!

Kel

[WillFlyToDisney]

Here is our Ring Leader goofing off...

Coffee, Tea or Me??

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/KBarrett21/CIMG6424.jpg

Don't ever tick off your Flight Attendant!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/KBarrett21/CIMG6443.jpg

And Mark decided to visit his old home sweet home...

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/KBarrett21/CIMG6440.jpg

[WillFlyToDisney]

And a few more fun ones from inside the plane!

Sean was obviously in the A group since he got a seat at the bulkhead!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/KBarrett21/CIMG6405.jpg

Okay if I ever go to "meet the pilot" and Debbie is sitting in the cockpit....
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/KBarrett21/CIMG6417.jpg

Jeff and Andrea get the hands on tour of the cockpit from Ray.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/KBarrett21/CIMG6419.jpg

Jeff demonstrates how small the door is on the 737!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/KBarrett21/CIMG6425.jpg

Jeff ponders a career move into commercial aviation...
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/KBarrett21/CIMG6438.jpg

And I found the PERFECT place to sit to scope out more hot pilots!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/KBarrett21/CIMG6483.jpg

Will upload more tomorrow.

Kel

[EyesSkyward]

I've uploaded a few pics to the "Get-Togethers" category too. Check 'em out! (http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=7) :thumbsup:

Between the BNA tour and the General Jackson trip, I took advantage of the good weather and went flying for an hour. (For some strange reason, none of the Festers wanted to come along with a low-time, non-commercial pilot in a single-engine, two-seater prop plane... go figure!) Anyway, I stuck a few of the pictures up in the In Flight Photos section (http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=6). Enjoy!

- Jeff

[Jeff California]

lol Jeff, I woulda joined you.

[Passenger Mark]

Forgot the Taking Flight Mascot!!!

Remember him?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v132/mark9091/Zeus/DSCF0116.jpg

Here he is at this years Flight Fest! Zeus and Ray became good friends! And Charity got him to calm down from wanting to attack everyone!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v132/mark9091/Zeus/DSCF0078.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v132/mark9091/Zeus/DSCF0077.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v132/mark9091/Zeus/DSCF0074.jpg

[noflyingfan]

I am so jealous! It looks like you had a great time. I am also very jealous that I did not get a phone call as well. :cry:

Alright, when's the next one? 'Cause I wanna come! :hyped:

[YankssRule]

OK so when is the next one going to be in New York City? I'm so jealous..looks like you all had a FABULOUS time !!!!!

All the pictures look awesome !!!!!!!!!


I am GREEN with envy !!!!!

[Passenger Mark]

Alright, when's the next one? 'Cause I wanna come! :hyped:

THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO SEE!!!! :D

There are two on the schedule right now...

The annual Phoenix Fest in February 07 (I think that's when, Deb will be uploading the scoop soon)

Then in April 07 (I think again... Lynda and Kari can confirm) the MANCHESTER FLIGHT FEST in Manchester England. :ukflag:

I WILL be at both!

[noflyingfan]

So, now you guys made me look like the kind of person that laughs at people in need. Just swell for the reputation of a therapist. :tongue:

Next time your secretary catches you laughing, tell her, "oh, I was just going over Mr. Peterson's file. What a nutcase!" and see what she says.

[noflyingfan]

THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO SEE!!!! :D

There are two on the schedule right now...

The annual Phoenix Fest in February 07 (I think that's when, Deb will be uploading the scoop soon)

Then in April 07 (I think again... Lynda and Kari can confirm) the MANCHESTER FLIGHT FEST in Manchester England. :ukflag:

I WILL be at both!
Ahem, I believe there was a discussion of a Midwest Fest as well...

I know the idea is to fly, but I can't afford to, so I need something within driving distance.

[Passenger Mark]

Ray added some more to the gallery... and with his permission... or not... :D I am going to add them here!

Sunset On The Cumberland Louann on the deck of the General Jackson after sunset.

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10014/WebTwighlightCruisin.jpg

Mark Calms Killer Attack Animal!!! Zeus, the Official Guard Dog of Taking Flight tries to knaw off Mark's arm. (Zeus is a real sweetie!)

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10014/normal_WebTFWatchdog.jpg

Trees turning in Nashville Yet ANOTHER reason it was fun in BNA!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10014/normal_WebTreeTurning.jpg

Cumberland River at Sunset The smaller and less rockin riverboat behind the General Jackson just prior to blastoff, er, shoveoff.

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10014/normal_WebRibberboat.jpg

Pre-Walkaround group The bunch of crazies that got up at 5-something to be at the airport at 7 AM to walk around a plane. Mandy (left orange shirt) is the Station Manager that made it all possible. What a sweetie! Thanks Mandy!!!! Bonnie (right front) and George (taking picture) were our TSA designated "SWA handlers" and without them, the tour could not have happened. They worked with the TSA and showed up early on Saturday to fulfill the TSA requirements so we could get out on the ramp and see the plane up close.
http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10014/normal_WebPreWalkaround.jpg

Chillin' on de River! Hanging out on the General "Jassin!" We are all smiling because we are about to eat. Again.

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10014/normal_WebPreBoozeCruisers.jpg

Pre-Pigout Ranch Tour On Mark's nifty deck in his back yard.
http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10014/normal_WebMarksDeck.jpg

Rockin' Down The Highway Ray, Lou, Jen, and John enroute to the ultra-yummy BBQ food-and-flying-fear-fest at Mark's. Do we look scared? No way! (Ray kinda looks scary though....)
http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10014/normal_WebRockinDownTheHighway.jpg

Ray & Lou Excited about the cruise (and dinner!)
http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10014/normal_WebStarksAboutaCruisin.jpg

St Pete Mark and Susan in the front office. Don't they look completely at home there?
http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10014/normal_WebStPeteMarkNSusan.jpg

[Passenger Mark]

Ahem, I believe there was a discussion of a Midwest Fest as well...

I know the idea is to fly, but I can't afford to, so I need something within driving distance.

Absolutely!

PM John Robinson... we were talking about this weekend!

[WillFlyToDisney]

Absolutely!

PM John Robinson... we were talking about this weekend!

WHAT?? WHERE? I'll be in the BWI/PHL vicinity this weekend.... oh wait that is not really midwest is it. Darn.

[ChiefAtHeart]

OOOOOH! I wish I had gotten to come. The tour of BNA would have been so great for me. Maybe I would have gotten on a plane again. We had to attend my husband's bday party instead. This weekend it's my son's b-day party and then we're smooth sailing until the holidays.....which aren't that far away I guess.

[spleisher]

All of these pics are just awesome!!! I really missed being there, but there was just no way with everything I have going on at work right now. :cry:

Oh well, next time I guess! Maybe it's time to plan one in my backyard again!!!!!!!!!!!! :shocked:

I'm glad everyone had a good time, and can't wait to see yuou all again!

[Lynda]

Good idea Scott.

Coming over 8th February, staying at The Boardwalk Inn. home 22nd

[Passenger Mark]

Good idea Scott.

Coming over 8th February, staying at The Boardwalk Inn. home 22nd

That's the annual Phoenix Fest! You and Scott jump on a quick SWA! Great you will be in the States then Lynda!!!

[Barb-SAN]

Here's a little teaser from my camera!:) More when I get back to San Diego and my own computer!

[Rebecca]

I love all these photos!

Where are the boiled peanut photos? Or is Nashville not sufficiently "southern" for that?:duck:

[EyesSkyward]

Here's a little teaser from my camera!:)

Nice shot of the "batman" building! :cool:

- Jeff

[Barb-SAN]

Nice shot of the "batman" building! :cool:

- Jeff

Thanks....so that's what y'all call it! There's some nice architecture here...I really like the Country Music Hall of Fame too, especially after reading about all the symbolism in the design.:thumbsup:

[Passenger Mark]

Nice shot of the "batman" building! :cool:

- Jeff

Ray got one from the cockpit a few weeks ago...

[WillFlyToDisney]

I love all these photos!

Where are the boiled peanut photos? Or is Nashville not sufficiently "southern" for that?:duck:

Rebecca - we wouldn't dare eat boiled peanuts without you there!

[StPeteMark]

Rebecca - we wouldn't dare eat boiled peanuts without you there!But, maybe a waffle sandwich instead! :)
.

[WillFlyToDisney]

But, maybe a waffle sandwich instead! :)
.

Yes but you have to know how to sweet talk the short order cook to make it for you when it isn't on the menu, right???

And how about some hashbrowns - scattered and covered. YUM!

Thanks for the free meal!

[Passenger Mark]

Yes but you have to know how to sweet talk the short order cook to make it for you when it isn't on the menu, right???

And how about some hashbrowns - scattered and covered. YUM!

Thanks for the free meal!

You guys talk like you ate during the fest.

I don't know about anyone else... but I did not get a thing to eat the entire weekend! :D

[WillFlyToDisney]

What is this "waffle sandwich" of which you speak? I think I must have one.

Oh, Sean they are WONDERFUL.

They are a ham and cheese on wheat toast put into the waffle iron and "cooked". The Waffle House had these on the menu for YEARS but when we went in the other nite it wasn't on the menu anymore. :( The waiter asked the cook if he would make one and the guy glared at me but I got my waffle sandwich made JUST RIGHT anyway. :angel:

[Passenger Mark]

What is this "waffle sandwich" of which you speak? I think I must have one.

I wonder if this is it??? (http://www.kraftfoods.com/Recipes/BreakfastBrunch/SandwichesBreakfastBars/ToasterWaffleSandwich.html)

http://www.kraftfoods.com/images/recipe_images/Toaster_Waffle_Sandwich.jpg

[WillFlyToDisney]

Green with envy here. What did I miss at breakfast????

Not a thing! This was the Waffle House after we picked up Mark & Susan at the airport. The hotel was overbooked so they had to move down the street to another hotel that was almost across the street from a Waffle House. Now I got horrid food poisoning from a different Waffle House in Nash (Brentwood actually) and wont eat at THAT one again but I used to eat at THIS one all the time when I lived nearby. The best time to eat Waffle House food is late at nite (and usually after you have had a few).

We sat at the counter and had a great meal.

[WillFlyToDisney]

I wonder if this is it??? (http://www.kraftfoods.com/Recipes/BreakfastBrunch/SandwichesBreakfastBars/ToasterWaffleSandwich.html)

http://www.kraftfoods.com/images/recipe_images/Toaster_Waffle_Sandwich.jpg

Nope.

One thick slice of ham. Two slices of cheese (one on each side of the ham). Two slices of wheat bread. SMUSH it all in the waffle iron and cook. Add a side of hashbrowns.

[cshollingsworth]

Good idea Scott.

Coming over 8th February, staying at The Boardwalk Inn. home 22nd

Lynda,

Don and I are gonna be in Orlando that week...is that where you will be? We are staying at Disney.

[Lynda]

Yes Courtney we will be at Disney's Boardwalk Inn. 2 wonderful weeks.:) Where are you staying??

[StPeteMark]

Hi All,

I am testing my posting abilities. :cool:

http://static.flickr.com/115/284191613_b036af26c7.jpgA+, but what a scary photo! :lol:
.

[WillFlyToDisney]

Of course I stood in front of the PILOTS! :ray: :ray:

[Barb-SAN]

Does anyone remember what aviation topic John Robinson was illustrating?

[Barb-SAN]

I've posted some photos from our Nashfest SWA 737 tour in the gallery...eventually they should make their way to this thread, when I figure out how to do it, or Mark does it for me! ;)

[kari]

Does anyone remember what aviation topic John Robinson was illustrating?
BORN! to hand jive baby ...

[Passenger Mark]

I've posted some photos from our Nashfest SWA 737 tour in the gallery...eventually they should make their way to this thread, when I figure out how to do it, or Mark does it for me! ;)

OK, ok... I can take a hint! :D

ES Jeff and Capt. Ray
Capt. Ray gives ES Jeff an orientation to the cockpit of the
SWA 737. Nashfest 10/21/06

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9779E.JPG

Passenger Mark and Barb-SAN "flying" a SWA 737...whee!!


By Mark: Note the seatbelts. Having worn it, I can tell you the pilots are very secure in their seats... they aren't going anywhere!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9747E.JPG

P. Mark checks the Heads Up Display
Nashfest SWA 737 tour 10/21/06

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9748E.JPG

Capt. Ray reviews emergency procedures in the Quick Reference Handbook
Nashfest SWA 737 tour 10/21/06

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9753E.JPG

DebbieLev enjoying the "energy" of the Captain's seat

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9761E.JPG

P. Mark reviews the checklists for the 737

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9755E.JPG

Capt.Ray's finger pointing to "Dual Engine Failure"
Index of procedures in the "Quick Reference Handbook" to handle any possible airplane problem.

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9751E.JPG

Brett, Kelley, & Capt. Ray in the cockpit




http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9771E.JPG

"Capt." Andrea and "FO" CA Jeff, 737 cockpit

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9768E.JPG

Sean observes the cockpit tour from the jumpseat

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9781E.JPG

Our TF Crew, Jen, Capt. Ray, FO John

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9782E.JPG

ES Jeff checks out the projector for the HUD (Heads Up Display)

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9776E.JPG

Capt. Ray giving ES Jeff a detailed explanation of the cockpit instruments and controls

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9777E%7E0.JPG

FO John Robinson and FA Jen

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9765E2.JPG

FO John Robinson & Barb-SAN
I found I wanted to STAY in that seat!
Nashfest SWA 737 tour 10/21/06

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9783E.JPG

[Barb-SAN]

Thanks, Mark!;) Yes, those were interesting seatbelts...with what, five belts hooking into that big metal center plate. You had to twist the metal plate to release all the belts at once.

[Barb-SAN]

Perhaps the pilots will have some comments to make about their "Quick Reference Handbook". I found it reassuring to know that they have such a book readily available in the cockpit. If there is any sort of a mechanical problem, the procedure for the "best solution" has already been written for them to follow. They generally don't need to "reinvent the wheel".

In contrast...I have not yet rented a car that still has the owner's manual in the glove compartment. Each car has had its quirks, and unusual placement of buttons (like the gas tank cover release on the front door). In case of "strange" car behavior/malfunction...call the rental company?

That's one more reason why flying is safer than driving....and the pilots practice handling those emergency situations in the simulator, unlike those of us who drive.

[EyesSkyward]

Does anyone remember what aviation topic John Robinson was illustrating?
My memory is fuzzy on the subject, but I think it was one of these topics:


A) Beginning shadow puppets: The Crocodile

B) How to make the perfect grilled cheese

C) Do's and don'ts for injury-free calf birthing

- Jeff

[WillFlyToDisney]

I thought he was showing us how to start a fire using just your hands...

[Barb-SAN]

I had to check out this place while roaming around downtown Nashville Sunday evening....maybe we will line dance here next year?? ;)

[kari]

I had to check out this place while roaming around downtown Nashville Sunday evening....maybe we will line dance here next year?? ;)
:rotflmao:

Linedancing there next year? I doubt that somehow, you all wimped out this year, why should next year be any different? :tongue:

I don't mind though, I have this:

http://www.takingflight.us/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1388&stc=1&d=1162306296

Sure, the hand jive doesn't really count as line dancing. But it will do. This once.

[Barb-SAN]

:rotflmao:

Linedancing there next year? I doubt that somehow, you all wimped out this year, why should next year be any different? :tongue:

Well, gol, Kari, maybe if YOU had been at Nashfest...we WOULD have had a group to go line dance on Sunday night. I couldn't very well dance by myself, could I?...the only couple on the dance floor were excellent dancers...(I would have been mortified, actually, sharing the dance floor with them...but maybe those are the pictures you are looking for...:tongue: :blush: !!)

[Barb-SAN]

I posted my flight photos (leaving Nashville on a rainy day flight) over on the tracking board to go along with the tracking map & information that ES Jeff & Rebecca posted.

[Jeff California]

who took the picture of me in the engine? I want it!!!!:)

[Barb-SAN]

who took the picture of me in the engine? I want it!!!!:)

Not I, sorry! I'm hoping someone has an in-focus one of me in the engine also. Whoever took that shot using my camera...alas, it turned out blurred. I should have double- checked it at the time....:cry:

[Passenger Mark]

Deb still has her's to upload... maybe it is there!

[Barb-SAN]

Yep, Deb, that's the one. It came out better than the one in my camera. Which program are you working with? The "sizing" is the most frustrating part of posting photos. To put them up as attachments to a post, the limit is 97k, which is around 360-400 pixels on the longest side of the photo. It seems to vary, depending on how much detail is in the picture! So, for me, it's been trial and error to get the biggest picture I can, that TF will accept.

For the gallery, pictures can be much larger (1024 k, I've found 1,400 pixels on the longest side will usually be accepted). It's too bad there isn't some program here, that would automatically resize and upload the photos all at once. I think more people would post photos if it were less complicated!

[Jeff California]

I didnt even know we could upload pics here. i just always used photobucket.com.

[Barb-SAN]

Well, Deb, Don't feel bad...I still haven't sat down with Mark's tutorial and figured how to get the photos from the gallery to a thread. I just know how to get them on a thread using the "manage attachments" feature. Have you tried uploading to the gallery yet?

It was just occurring to me that the EASIEST way to share a lot of photos is to use a third party site where you can actually order prints, and just post a link to that site on Taking Flight. I think Flickr is one of those companies where you can order prints, right? It's nice having the albums here to click through, and read the comments. But...if it's too frustrating and time-consuming to do it that way....maybe using the alternate sites would be a quicker solution. We do all want to see your photos...I'll bet you have some good ones...as you had that camera out a LOT! ;)

A friend just sent me a link to this photo site...has anyone here used it?
http://picasa.google.com/

Oh, and Deb...be sure to make a CD backup of your photos before you start resizing them. I always give each photo a new number if I edit or resize it, so I'm left with an intact original file.:thumbsup:

[Passenger Mark]

Here is the link to Chelle's tutorial on how to upload to the gallery. (http://www.takingflight.us/forums/showthread.php?t=405)

And here the link on how to transfer the photos from the gallery (or any other location) to your message. (http://www.takingflight.us/forums/showthread.php?t=5726)

[Barb-SAN]

Mark, I think what's causing some people problems is that their photos are too big to upload into the gallery, and they don't know how to resize them. Is there any way to add a feature that would automatically resize photos to the correct size as they were being uploaded? (wishful thinking?). It is time-consuming to resize every photo in a photo-editing program....and maybe not everyone has a program that will do that.

(I just need to take the time to figure out that last step, of transferring photos to the board from the gallery!;) )

[Passenger Mark]

If you get a photobucket account (free up to a certain number of photos) it will resize automatically. And with paid account (cheap) you can transfer an entire album to a CD to use elsewhere like the Taking Flight gallery.

I have had a photo bucket account for years and have been pleased with it.

Not sure about adding that feature to our gallery, and I think we are looking at a differant gallery software in the future.

[StPeteMark]

...(I just need to take the time to figure out that last step, of transferring photos to the board from the gallery!;) )Barb, it's the same as with any other photo on the web. In the gallery, click your photo to normal size. Then, right click on the photo and go down and select "properties" . It will have the Location web address starting with http://... Highlight this address and make sure you get all of it because it extends past what you can see...move your mouse right and it should scroll to the end. Then click Copy and it will be on your clipboard.

When you are at a point in your post where you want to insert it, click the Insert Image icon above your compositon window (looks like an envelope with stamp)...then delete the starter http:// and just Paste your copied address there and close. Your photo will show immediately in you comp window. Hope this helps..
.
.
http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9783E.JPG
.
.

[kari]

Nope.

One thick slice of ham. Two slices of cheese (one on each side of the ham). Two slices of wheat bread. SMUSH it all in the waffle iron and cook. Add a side of hashbrowns.

How on Earth did I miss this? Is this true? If so, it sounds like the quickest route to food poisoning ever!

- Kari (paranoid about the fish)

[EyesSkyward]

The "sizing" is the most frustrating part of posting photos. To put them up as attachments to a post, the limit is 97k, which is around 360-400 pixels on the longest side of the photo. It seems to vary, depending on how much detail is in the picture! So, for me, it's been trial and error to get the biggest picture I can, that TF will accept.

You're right that the size (as in memory taken up) depends on more than just the size (as in length and width). That's because a jpg or gif picture is nearly always "compressed" into a sort of shorthand description, so that it takes up less room on your camera/computer/web site. You can vary the amount of compression, giving you an adjustable trade-off between the amount of memory required and the quality of the photo.


In a some photo-editing software, such as the Photoshop line, there's usually something called "Save For Web..." that you can use. It will let you tweak the amount of compression, and will usually give you both a visual preview and a guesstimate of how much memory the final photo will take up.

- Jeff

P.S. Here are two versions of the same photo. One is right up against the 97k limit. The other has been compressed an exaggerated amount, to make the compression "artifacts" (the jagged, single-color blobs) more obvious. It takes up only 20k!

[Barb-SAN]

Jeff...Could that be the 152 that you go flying in? :cool:

The HP program I've used (a very simple one) has a feature called "scaling", which through trial and error I found about how many pixels to set on the long side of the photo. But that wasn't foolproof...sometimes I had to resize 2-3 times to get it accepted on TF.

The Microsoft Picture It has a function "Save Special", "Save as Web-Ready Photo", which shows how many kb are in the saved file, and you can adjust the number of pixels. But...sometimes I'll do a photo that says it's, e.g. 80 kb, and then when I upload it to TF, I'll get a message that it's really 117 kb, and won't fit as an attachment. I usually make them 60-70 kb, knowing that TF sees them larger. If Debbie is going through this same process, I can see why she is getting frustrated.

I also don't understand how you get such huge pictures, and mine are always small, even when they are close to the 97kb attachment limit.

I'm intrigued with Mark's solution of using Photobucket, which resizes the photos for him. More details please! (As in, do you say you want everything sized to 97 KB, or 1024 KB for the gallery?).

[WillFlyToDisney]

How on Earth did I miss this? Is this true? If so, it sounds like the quickest route to food poisoning ever!

- Kari (paranoid about the fish)

What fish?? Spoken from someone who has had about every kind of food poisoning out there - salmonella, shigella and plain old food poisoning - this is a relatively safe sandwich to eat. The hash browns are only dangerous when they are cooked on a grill with raw eggs and the eggs run into the hashbrowns. I got a nasty bout of food poisoning from a different Waffle House this way and spent a lovely 17 hours on a tour bus sick as a dog.

[Barb-SAN]

Did you notice the Nashville Waffle House was in the news yesterday?

[kari]

What fish?? Spoken from someone who has had about every kind of food poisoning out there - salmonella, shigella and plain old food poisoning - this is a relatively safe sandwich to eat. The hash browns are only dangerous when they are cooked on a grill with raw eggs and the eggs run into the hashbrowns. I got a nasty bout of food poisoning from a different Waffle House this way and spent a lovely 17 hours on a tour bus sick as a dog.

The rather expensive fish in Madrid which we both poked around the plate at length, examining carefully before biting the bullet, or so to speak. It didn't seem quite right somehow. Absolutely paranoid about that fish.

Is the ham pre-cooked because it's not such a great idea to heat up cold meat like that.

[WillFlyToDisney]

Is the ham pre-cooked because it's not such a great idea to heat up cold meat like that.

Yep I am pretty sure it is. :)

Why was the Nash Waffle House in the news?

[Barb-SAN]

Why was the Nash Waffle House in the news?

Here's a link to the story: Nash Waffle House (http://www.11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=87045).
Not such good publicity for the Super 8 Motel either...and why it's perhaps worth it to pay for more expensive lodging. Not that there are any guarantees anywhere...but the least expensive motels may attract more of this "element".

[Passenger Mark]

It wasn't me... I promise!

[WillFlyToDisney]

That area Charlotte Ave and even the D1CKERSON Pike area are notoriously the rough areas of Nashville. The prostitutes prefer D1CKERSON Pike and the drug dealers like Charlotte Ave. Both are areas you don't venture to after dark...

[Barb-SAN]

That area Charlotte Ave and even the D1CKERSON Pike area are notoriously the rough areas of Nashville. The prostitutes prefer D1CKERSON Pike and the drug dealers like Charlotte Ave. Both are areas you don't venture to after dark...

Well...it's always nice to know what areas to avoid after dark....or in general. When you are new to a city...it's always possible to innocently find yourself driving somewhere you'd rather not be. So...for future reference, here's a link to the Yahoo map, the red star is where that particular Waffle House is located. 6930 Charlotte Pike (http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=6930+Charlotte+Pike&csz=nashville%2C+TN&country=us&new=1&name=&qty=)

[kari]

Stunned customers barely recovered when a naked couple ran in the restaurant.

:rotflmao:

There's no such thing as bad publicity!

[Barb-SAN]

Wow...there are a lot of Waffle Houses in the Nashville area.... Waffle House map (http://www.google.com/maps?hl=en&lr=&q=waffle+house&near=Nashville,+TN&sa=X&oi=local&ct=title) . But I didn't eat at one while I was there. Seems I missed a Tennessee "staple".

I was just checking to see if we had any Waffle Houses in San Diego...I don't remember ever seeing any. This restaurant review from last year confirms that.... http://sandiego.about.com/b/a/214808.htm.

[Barb-SAN]

Yay, Debbie...Glad you figured it out! But how did you make the photos line up sideways instead of vertical? There are still a lot of things I don't quite understand about posting photos! I'll bet you have MORE in that camera. :thumbsup:

[Barb-SAN]

Voila....like most things...once you know the secret tricks...not so hard!
Thanks, both Marks! So, can you upload photos directly from your own hard drive, without posting them to the gallery first? (Also, I copied and pasted the text for this photo from the gallery as a separate step from transferring the photo itself...in case anyone was wondering).

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9791E.JPG

Capt. Ray pointing out sound-proofing on the 737 jet engine If you need a quiet place to practice singing, or talk on a cell phone...this spot at the front of the engine is the quietest place around...when the plane is on the ground, and the engine is OFF!
Nashfest SWA 727 tour 10/21/06

[Barb-SAN]

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9797E2.JPG
ES Jeff checks out the 737 engine
Nashfest SWA 737 tour 10/21/06

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9794E.JPG

Kelley and Brett enjoying the comfy engine on the 737
Nashfest SWA 737 tour 10/21/06

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9795EJPG.jpg

FO John Robinson and FA Jen
Nashfest SWA 737 tour 10/21/06

[Passenger Mark]

Deb...

I was "talking" to the airplane. I do this often before I fly... but this is the first time I found where it's ears were!

http://static.flickr.com/111/288829091_0f43d2f487.jpg

[Passenger Mark]

And Jeff... Your photo found courtesy of Deb!

http://static.flickr.com/117/288829029_b44c79efd0.jpg

[cshollingsworth]

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9795EJPG.jpg

FO John Robinson and FA Jen
Nashfest SWA 737 tour 10/21/06

Are these two not just the Barbie and Ken doll of air travel?! They are soooo cute together! :)

[StPeteMark]

...Thanks, both Marks! So, can you upload photos directly from your own hard drive, without posting them to the gallery first?...You're welcome! Short answer is no and yes. What you're doing here is inserting an image based on a link to an Internet web address; your drive is local.

However, you use your hard drive if you "attach" a photo using the "manage attachments" several boxes below the composition window. When you attach, you can't see the photo until you submit your post and it will have a thin black line around it indicating an attachment. I think it's only the attached photos which have a small size limit.

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9753E.JPG

Potty reading material. :)

.

[Barb-SAN]

O.K. I've done tons of attachments (all that flight tracking), and the size limit is 97 kb (less than a tenth the size the gallery will accept). I'm just wondering how folks post pictures without putting them in the gallery first, and not doing them as attachments. For example...those two pictures ES Jeff posted showing the difference between a lot and not so much compression of the files (the Cessna photos)...I didn't see them in the gallery, nor did they seem to be attachments, and they were quite large photos.

[Barb-SAN]

Are these two not just the Barbie and Ken doll of air travel?! They are soooo cute together! :)

Yep...I was thinking that photo would be a good recruitment one for pilot and FA school....adventures in flight....;)

[StPeteMark]

O.K. I've done tons of attachments (all that flight tracking), and the size limit is 97 kb (less than a tenth the size the gallery will accept). I'm just wondering how folks post pictures without putting them in the gallery first, and not doing them as attachments. For example...those two pictures ES Jeff posted showing the difference between a lot and not so much compression of the files (the Cessna photos)...I didn't see them in the gallery, nor did they seem to be attachments, and they were quite large photos.You can link photos from any web address, not only from the gallery. A warning, sometimes the owner of the photo will stop what is called file sharing and you'll see an icon that has replaced the photo; or ask you not to use the image...part of copyright issues. However, these are infrequent actions.

Here is a photo from Amazon.com .... shake those hips!!! :)

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B00097A5HW.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V1133858971_.jpg

[Barb-SAN]

So is linking a photo from another web address better than copying and pasting it?

[kari]

So is linking a photo from another web address better than copying and pasting it?

No, doing so is bandwidth theft and drives people crackers.

[Barb-SAN]

Mark's Dad mastered the Nikon D-50 and took this shot!
Nashfest Saturday night, Oct. 21, 2006

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSC_5104E2.JPG

[WillFlyToDisney]

After MANY attempts to get this picture taken - DEBBIE HAS HER EYES CLOSED as usual. ;)

[Barb-SAN]

The following description of the first photo is courtesy of ES Jeff, (Nashville resident)

"Ah, that's Fort Nashborough (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Nashborough). It's not the original, but it's in more or less the same spot." (That's the collection of unlit buildings on the right side of the photo, next to the river).

"The street along the waterfront is 1st Avenue. The buildings along the left are the backsides of the clubs and restaurants on 2nd, including (somewhere along there) the Wildhorse Saloon.


You can also get a glimpse of the red letters atop the L&C building, which was built in 1957 for the Life & Casualty Insurance Company. It was Nashville's first high-rise and was the tallest commercial building in the South for many years (according to this article (http://www.nashvillepost.com/news/2002/6/14/former_lc_head_dudley_dies) and this article (http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/stories/2005/06/20/daily34.html?f=et69)).


You already know about the "Batman" building. It's officially known as the Bellsouth Building. SkyscraperPage.com (http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=724) says that the "ears" are actually functional antennas. It's currently the tallest building in the state."

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSC_5135E2.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSC_5142E2.JPG

[cshollingsworth]

After all of your rounds you guys made in Nashville and no one ever managed to see the infamous Jim Reed cowboy??? :rolleyes:

[Barb-SAN]

After all of your rounds you guys made in Nashville and no one ever managed to see the infamous Jim Reed cowboy??? :rolleyes:
Ah, Courtney....I believe I requested earlier here on the board a personal tour to see him!! :tongue: (And no, I didn't find him on my own while driving around Nashville...I'd forgotten what street he was on).

[EyesSkyward]

After all of your rounds you guys made in Nashville and no one ever managed to see the infamous Jim Reed cowboy??? :rolleyes:

Ooooooh... I forgot about him! :(

Barb, we could've gotten a group shot with him after the Parthenon excursion. He was only a few blocks away. Oh well.

- Jeff

P.S. The two plane pictures really are regular ol' attachments to the post.

[Barb-SAN]

We had awhile to watch downtown Nashville glide by from the deck of the General Jackson after dinner, and before the show began. I asked ES Jeff for the pertinent details for this photo, including the function of that "gangplank" at the front of the boat, which I did not recall using to board back at the dock.

"Yes, we did board from the side, but the ramp was part of the dock there, not the boat itself. Maybe the forward gangplank is for situations where the boat has to dock somewhere without a ramp? Just a guess. Probably also handy for punishing mutineers.

The bridge is the Shelby Street bridge. It was recently converted into a pedestrian bridge and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelby_Street_Bridge) has all sorts of fun facts! - Jeff "

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSC_5132E2.JPG

[Barb-SAN]

Whirling paddlewheel propels us down the river, with downtown Nashville receding from view
Nashfest Saturday, Oct. 21, 2006

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSC_5159E.JPG

[WillFlyToDisney]

OH MAN that was funny, Sean. You are SO lucky I didn't have a drink in my mouth because my laptop would have been showered with Pepsi!

Hmmm maybe that is Michael's ultimate goal.... to look like Debbie!

[Passenger Mark]

Barb,

Your photos are fantastic!

How do you do night photos. When I try, everything is a blur, as you can see from my previous posts.

As for the gang plank, that is for boarding from shore where there is no dock. Not sure if the one on the GJ is for show (to keep the boat authentic) or for emergency purposes if they have to off-load everyone where there is no dock.

[Passenger Mark]

BTW... Since we are talking about the Riverboat... I want... and will do a riverboat cruise. I think that would be cool. It is just like any other cruise, except you stay on internal waterways. To just sit on deck and relax as you watch the scenery go by

I "think" the Delta Queen Company is the largest. (http://www.deltaqueen.com/)

http://www.deltaqueen.com/images/header_mq_lft.gif

[Passenger Mark]

After MANY attempts to get this picture taken -

Are you making fun of my Dad???

You have to forgive him... he is a pilot afterall!

[WillFlyToDisney]

Are you making fun of my Dad???

You have to forgive him... he is a pilot afterall!

I would never make fun of your Dad - he and your Mom were simply PRECIOUS! As I recall it was Deb's friend Nancy taking the pix until your Dad got it right.... :angel:

[Barb-SAN]

I would never make fun of your Dad - he and your Mom were simply PRECIOUS! As I recall it was Deb's friend Nancy taking the pix until your Dad got it right.... :angel:

Yep, that's correct. I'm not sure why Nancy was having trouble with the autofocus. That camera can be touchy in dim light, and it won't let you take a picture if it can't focus itself. I don't know what Mark's Dad did different from Nancy, but he got the shot on the first try. :thumbsup:

[Barb-SAN]

Barb,

Your photos are fantastic!

How do you do night photos. When I try, everything is a blur, as you can see from my previous posts.

Thanks, Mark...Night shots...partly it is trial and error, and bracing the camera against something sturdy. A tripod is best, with a remote shutter release, but I didn't have that with me this trip. One thing I've found is it can help to set the exposure compensation to -1.0 or -2.0 for night shots (on the little digital cameras, as well as the D-50). That effectively gives you a faster shutter speed, (less likely to blur) and you can correct the photo later on the computer. Sometimes the "correct" exposure for a night shot of city lights is too bright...the lights end up getting blurry looking. On the D-50 you can also change the ISO...a higher setting will give a "grainier" photo, but faster shutter speed. These night shots of Nashville from the boat were taken with a very slow shutter speed (1/4 and 1/2 sec) , 18 mm lens. Theoretically that is too slow to hand hold, but that lens (18-200 mm VR) has vibration reduction, so that is supposed to also help with hand-holding, and vibrations from the boat (or plane).

Best advice...experiment with YOUR camera, try different settings, change the ISO and exp. comp. if you can to favor a faster shutter speed. Take lots of photos (some of mine WERE blurry...and have been deleted!). If you change the exp.comp, be sure to change it back to zero when you are done...at least on the D-50 it holds it in memory, and may underexpose future photos. If your camera has "scene" modes, try different ones and see which gives the best results. Landscape mode can be useful as it sets the focus to infinity...then you don't have to worry about focusing in dim light.

Also...I generally use wide angle for night shots...you're more likely to get blurring with telephoto.

I'll bet Erica's photog. boyfriend could offer more night photography tips...he had some cool photos on his website (thanks, Sean, for that link! ;) )

[Barb-SAN]

Sean....:lol: :lol: I hadn't thought about that until you posted the MJ photo. I'm starting to think of this group as a collection of Pepsi-spraying-the-monitor-and-keyboard folks, all in unison, across the miles, around the country....;)

Mark...I forgot to mention...one other thing about those night photos. The boat was traveling VERY slowly for the time that we were passing downtown Nashville. That was critical for getting sharp pictures at such a slow shutter speed. The photo with the paddlewheel...that was a trickier shot because the boat had picked up speed by then. If you enlarge the photo, you can see that the skyline in the distance IS a bit blurred, thanks to the motion of the boat.:) I didn't try taking any of those pictures with my little digital camera (Nikon 7900)...in the past when I've tried night shots with that one, they haven't turned out very well. (The SWA engine/sunset was a surprise success with the 7900).

[Barb-SAN]

Ken

WHO was trying to grab you? That's where I should've been!!!:rotflmao:
Well, studying the photo...it looks like all GUYS behind him....:eek:

[Barb-SAN]

O.K., here are a few more Nashfest photos. After lunch at Monell's, Sean, Charity, ES Jeff, Anne Landis, and I went over to the Parthenon, walked around and took a few photos. Unfortunately the museum was closed, and it was cold and windy, so our visit was brief. Here's a little history about the Parthenon: for complete article, click here (http://nashville.about.com/cs/historynsites/a/parthenon.htm).

"In 1895 Tennessee searched for a way to commemorate its 100-year anniversary and decided on a centennial exposition to be staged in its capitol of Nashville. With Nashville being known as the Athens of the West, they thought, what better way to spotlight the reasons behind the nickname, than to build an exact replica of the Parthenon of ancient Greece and thus the Parthenon, being the pinnacle of the Grand Exposition, was the first building erected."

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSC_5225E2JPG.jpg


Sean, Charity, Barb-SAN, ES Jeff on the steps of the Parthenon.
Nashfest, Sunday afternoon, Oct. 22, 2006
http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSC_5222E2.JPG


ES Jeff and Anne Landis at the Parthenon, Nashville.
http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSC_5224E5.JPG

[Barb-SAN]

Here are a few more photos transferred over from the gallery. These are from the (early) Saturday morning tour of BNA and the SWA 737.

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9702E.JPG
Nashville Intl. Airport, Interior


http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9806E.JPG
Ray explains wing "lift" to St.P.Mark, Brett, Susan, Kelley, DebbieLev


http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9800E.JPG
P. Mark, Capt. Ray, and the 737


http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9801E.JPG
Capt. Ray, Brett

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9810E.JPG
Airconditioning unit beneath jetway provides air via yellow hose for 737 while parked at the gate.

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9807E.JPG
Pitot, Static, Airflow sensor (connected to instruments in the cockpit)

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9785E.JPG
Nose gear of the 737

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9787E.JPG
Capt. Ray explaining the nose gear of the 737



http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9811E.JPG
SWA 737 that we toured at Gate C9, Nashville Intl. Airport

[Passenger Mark]

Great photos as usual Barb!

I think that next time I see you, I am going to have you give me some photography lessons!

[Barb-SAN]

Great photos as usual Barb!

I think that next time I see you, I am going to have you give me some photography lessons!

O.K....We can swap...lessons for access to those "up close landings of Ray's plane" photo opportunities...since you know how to work those airport connections! :cool:

Seriously...you've taken some great shots, Mark,....and I'm sure you know that taking LOTS of photos increases your chances for good ones...and being able to crop and adjust exposures afterwards in the computer helps improve your photos technically too. It just takes a lot of time!

I also think that photography is an expression of how one sees the world...especially as the cameras get smarter about exposure, autofocus, etc. Then it becomes a question of how each of us "sees" things...what we notice, ironies, humor, interactions between people, color, graphic angles, abstractions, etc., more than the technical nature of photography itself. And just like writing...photography is as individual as the person doing it...and that is a good thing. It makes it more interesting to have photo contributions from a variety of people who were at Nashfest....each of us has a slightly different perspective of the "same" events. It's great that digital cameras have made photography more affordable and accessible to more people. And it is such a great tool for communication! :)

[Barb-SAN]

And Mark...a disclaimer here...I haven't had formal photography training (except for a couple seminars on the Nikon D-50). I've just been taking pictures most of my life, and have read the instruction books that came with the cameras, and a few photography books. I take photos that appeal to me...and it is always interesting to me to find out which ones appeal to others, and why.

[Barb-SAN]

One other "technical" photography comment...my cameras are 6MP and 7MP, and I have them set to take the highest quality, least compression photos. That means the photo files are too large to fit in the gallery, and need to be "resized" before uploading.

I've been cropping as much as possible first, zooming in on the most important parts of the photos. That's why some photos are not standard shapes (like the SWA 737 at the gate...I cropped out most of the sky, and concrete in the foreground.) Then when I resize the cropped version, I try to go right up to the limit of what the gallery will accept, which is sometimes a trial and error process. Even though that still isn't the "best" quality available of that image, it's the "best possible" given the size restrictions in the gallery.

Putting the photo in the gallery first, there doesn't seem to be the same size restriction when linking it to a forum that there is for posting the photo directly to the forum as an attachment (97 kb).

[Barb-SAN]

Here are some photos from the Friday night Bar-B-Q at Mark's house.
Nashfest, Nashville, TN Oct. 20, 2006:

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9739E.JPG
Capt.Ray & P.Mark


http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9745E.JPG
DebbieLev, Barb-SAN, Capt. Ray


http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9730E.JPG
Deb's friend Nancy


http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9735E2.JPG
DebbieLev, Ken (Mad Scientist)

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9733E.JPG
FA Jen, FO John Robinson

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9736E%7E0.JPG
Kelley and Brett


http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9729E2.JPG
Charity, CA Jeff, Andrea


http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10042/normal_DSCN9742E2.JPG
Barb-SAN, Capt. Ray, DebbieLev, P.Mark (Ray's wife Lou gets photo credit on this one).

[Barb-SAN]

Since today is a day of giving thanks...I've been meaning to post this picture, with a special thanks to Budget of BNA for the upgrade. P. Mark and Sean had both recommended Budget back in Sept. when I was flying to Albuquerque. I had a good car there, and an even better one in Nashville. This Kia Amanti was a pleasure to drive...very elegant, great on the freeways too!

This picture was taken just after sunset at Fall Creek Falls State Park the Monday after Nashfest. Trees were gorgeous, and my friend and I had a good hike to the falls (and the climb back up reminded me I need to exercise more!). I thought the N. Carolina license plate (First in Flight) was a good omen when I picked up the car! ;)

[WillFlyToDisney]

And Debbie has her eyes closed AGAIN!

:D

[Barb-SAN]

Geez, Kel -- I'm beginning to wonder if I have a sleep-walking problem!

Hey, we can have a contest --

Can anyone tell me what color my eyes are???!!:mg:

Well, from this (eyes OPEN) photo, it looks like they are green. I would have guessed more blue though.