Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Airlift 2012: Getting Home

Following the closing session, I went around giving my goodbyes to all the folks I have come to call friends over the years. One of those folks is my good friend Robert Wagner, who along with his team are responsible for the Word Templates feature in Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 and GP 2013 Web Client.

Rob was kind enough to offer me a ride to the airport as he was on his way out to a fishing weekend. We stopped at the Ramada Plaza to pick up my luggage and on the way to the airport I was able to pick up some nitty gritty details that went into making some of the Web Client features possible. Particularly, the work that was done around performance optimization called my attention. We also catch up on some of our personal life experiences and family, of course.

Upon arrival at the Hector International Airport, I quickly checked in at the Delta Airlines counter and went through the TSA security checkpoint. With all Technical Airlift travelers heading out of town, the security lines were a bit busy, as expected. Patience was clearly a must while clearing security with a number of people carrying everything from new Microsoft keyboards to laptops and other paraphernalia acquired at the campus store.

"Composure Area" sign after TSA security checkpoint at Hector International Airport in Fargo

Thank goodness for the "Composure Area" after the TSA checkpoint. After all, I clearly had lost a bit of my own composure and needed to chill for a bit - joke intented here!

I had arrived 2 hours prior to my departure to decompress from the long week and it sure paid off as I had a chance to catch up with recently minted MVP Belinda Allen. An interesting fact about Belinda is that she is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) organization as a direct result of her lineal descent from 3 patriots of the American Revolution. Belinda has done extensive research on her family and has quite the stories to tell.

It was time to board.

Hector International Airport - Gate 2 departure tarmac

On the runway, I had a chance to take a picture of the Fargo Jet Center, home of a large number of private airplanes. As stories have it, Fargo is rapidly becoming home to the new crop of millionaires in this country as a result of the Midwest oil boom. So it's not uncommon to see these jets flying in and out all day.

Fargo Executive Jet Center

Mid air, I took this beautiful shot of the Fargo-Moorhead overpass (above the Red River) on I-94, close to State Road 75. Fargo and Moorhead are considered "twin cities" of sorts given their proximity and intertwined history.

Fargo (right of Red River) - Moorhead (left of Red River) bridge

The flight continued very smoothly, with little haze below. As we stabilize in altitude, I was reminded of the beauty of Minnesota, nicknamed "The land of the 10,000 lakes". The lakes were all in full display as we moved along the route - the scenery a stark contrast from that of the frigid, snowy, winters.

Minnesota: Land of the 10,000 Lakes

Our flight plan took us over the great Mississippi National River and Recreation Area park, located in the middle of a bustling urban setting, this 72 mile river park offers quiet stretches for fishing, boating and canoeing.  Other spots are excellent for birdwatching, bicycling and hiking.  And there are plenty of visitor centers that highlight the history and science of the Mississippi River. The park is part of the National Park Service system.

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

After a short 45-minute ride, we landed at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). I have always had appreciation for this airport as it is quite the melting pot once inside. It is also fairly well designed, which makes for a pleasant experience while walking from one gate to another.

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

I had one last chance to say goodbye to MVP Belinda Allen, who was en route to New York City, where she resides.



Microsoft Dynamics GP MVPs Mariano Gomez and Belinda Allen

One more flight took me to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with the added luck of being upgraded to Business Class, which allowed for further R&R before dealing with the Atlanta traffic on the way home.

Well, this concludes my Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Airlift 2012 experience. As usual, please wait for my wrap up post with links to presentation material, code, and other community posts on the event.

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
IntellPartners, LLC
http://www.IntellPartners.com/