After another bad night, waking at 4.00 am in the morning, I walked into work for 8.00. Not much to report work wise.
After work had an Italian meal with Christine and chatted about various things. As usual the restaurant was crowded at 6.30 pm in the evening. These Americans do love to eat early.
After the meal, I must admit to feeling tired, so went back to the hotel and slept through a Bruce Willis film (12 monkeys). So I am afraid to say I did not do a great deal.
The first day in Chicago is nearly over. I woke early 4.00 am and watched a bit of television. Then I walked into work, ten minutes from the office. It was warm (24C), but very humid (100%). Arrived at 8.00. Bit of a problem getting into the office, so went for a coffee and a Danish.
Arrived into the office at 8.15, met Fred, Tom, Vikram and Christine. Spent most of the morning talking about WSAD and CVS.
For lunch had a walk around, bought a tooth brush and some food from the local deli.
During the afternoon looked at merging source from different levels, and then started the process of building a new development WSAD system.
Went for supper with Fred. Had a large Tuna steak cooked medium rare. Was very nice. We sat outside for the meal. It was quite nice weather for Chicago, not at all hot, around 23 degrees. There was unfortunatly rather a strong wind blowing.
Back to the hotel where I picked up lots of brochures.
On Sunday drove down to Heathrow to catch the plane to Chicago. Got stuck on the M25 for one hour and made the checkin 75 minutes before the scheduled flight leaving time.
Flight was full. Had plenty of wine and food on the trip. Arrived in Chicago, and filled in the customs form to say I had been on a farm. They were still concerned with FMD from England, so cleaned and disinfected my shoes.
Caught to Chicago City train into tge city, as this is quite a low clost way in.
The Hilton Palmer House Hotel was good, it is a 1900 hotel with a wonderful ceiling in the entrance hall painted by a French impressionist.
Had a burger and a few glasses of beer before going to bed.
Saturday was the day for the KCRC BBQ. Had a clay shoot late afternoon. Rather pathetic score from me. Then a BBQ hosted by Pete Sherrif, of burgers, steak and sausages. Lots of beer and wine.
Afterwards a game of aunt sally and a large scale game of Jenga
On Friday got back from Annecy after a week of paragliding.
We drove out with Cloud Nine and stayed a Maison Du Moulin as guests of Irwyn Jehu.
The weather was excellant and we had five days of paraliding. The last two days it rained, and instead Irwyn tooks us canyoning.
Had good flights from Col de la Forclaz where I managed to gain 600 meters above take off in quite strong conditions. In fact I had to put in the big ears to stop going into the rather black looking clouds. Managed to get over to the teeth, but chickened out from crossing the lake because of the now very black looking clouds. After landing down by the lake, a thunder stor soon started.
We also flew at Grand Bornond, near La Cluzas, where I also gained much height. The second flight though was rather rough and I spend 10-15 minutes with big ears pulled to get down quickly. No one I spoke to enjoyed that second flight.
All in all had a wonderful time, with great food and wine. Should have some pictures later.