We landed in the dark at Los Angeles Airport and were just checking out where to go to catch our connection when an older couple approached us and tried to help. They were very nice about it, although we didn't really need help as I am a Tour Guide, but I didn't say anything!
It was just a short walk from Terminal 6 to 7, and our gate was almost adjacent to the United Club. With almost two hours to kill, we headed inside. We made the most of breakfast with cereals, bagels and cream cheese, donuts and other bits, as well as orange juice and coffee. I also took full advantage of finally getting some Wi-Fi back and posted all those tweets that I hadn't been able to send on the islands (the ones with pictures!)
At 8am, we headed to the gate as we'd shortly be boarding for our flight to Newark. We'd been upgraded again on this trip, but with no power in the seat and no individual television, it was going to be a long flight - not much of an upgrade!
As we were taxiing to the runway, the Captain pointed out one of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
As the camera was out, I took some photos of the airport at take-off and beyond.
It wasn't that long before we spotted the Grand Canyon! I recognised Bright Angel Trail and the buildings above. I was pretty impressed we could recognise something on the ground from 35,000 feet or so, but I'm convinced that's what it was.
The breakfast onboard wasn't anything to shout about. Better than peasant class (er, Economy) I guess. There was yoghurt, a small fruit plate, an omelette with potato and cheese gratin, cinnamon roll (or croissant) and jam. Despite being a veggie, Di doesn't eat omelettes so she made do with the potato and cheese gratin and a couple of pieces of melon. There were other choices for breakfast, but all contained turkey sausage. Fine for me, lousy for her.
We arrived into Newark on time, for a fairly long layover until our evening flight home. Fortunately we get free United Club access with WiFi, cheese and biscuits and a nice glass of wine. Okay, several.
Eventually, we boarded our flight back home to Birmingham. As is usual in Newark, there was quite a wait in line to get to the runway. I got a few shots of the Manhattan skyline and our slow crawl to the runway.
You can just see the Empire State Building below centre.
Finally, we were in the air. I got a couple more photos as we took off before heading into the night!
Once we were up in the air they served dinner (it had been heating nicely for almost an hour on the taxiway!) Not sure what it is but it seems to be the flag of Guinea! It's not fine dining (but then neither was the food up front!) Oh well, it helps pass the time I suppose. Wish they'd stop with the salad though - I'm not eating it. I'm never eating it.
We settled in for our overnight flight as I watched a film and worked on my website.
