Napoli, Campania (Italy)

Had a chance to go into Naples again today. Tried to leave the ship early (0700), but it took a while to get off... Seas were pretty rough, but eventually made it ashore alright. Walked around the old city with some guys from work and found some good places to eat (had late lunch at Ristorante e Pizzeria Guido Triunfo). Went back to Ship around 1900. Went up on deck around 2200 and it was amazing to see everyone getting so excited all over Naples with their fireworks!

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Cannes, Provence (France)

[departed Cannes - at sea for the rest of the day]

Cannes, Provence (France)

[date uncertain - visited (via train) Monte Carlo in Monaco with Mark and others]

Cannes, Provence (France)

Got off the ship for a few hours today - everything was closed... Called Nicky in the afternoon...

Cannes, Provence (France)

[didn't get off ship - duty ?]

Cannes, Provence (France)

[explored town - had lunch and dinner in Cannes]

Nice, Provence (France)

Woke up early and made it ashore before 0900. Al and I got on the train and headed over to Nice. Found out that, like Cannes, nearly everything was closed for the Christmas Holiday. We found one restaurant that was open - and had a good meal. Talked with the owner: he will be leaving town (along with the rest of the people in town) tomorrow. I guess this whole area will get really dead then...

Cannes, Provence (France)

[ship arrived very early - "boatO" ?]

Napoli, Campania (Italy)

Saw the sun rise this morning - not usually good. Finished the flight by heading back to the Ship...

Napoli, Campania (Italy)

Slept most of the day - they charged us for another day anyway. Checked out before going over to Capodichino. Flew late tonight (through the night, actually)...

Napoli, Campania (Italy)

Working at night - staying at Holiday Inn (downtown)...

Napoli, Campania (Italy)

Working at night - staying at Holiday Inn (downtown)... Got up today and went with the guys to see Pompeii - it was great...

Napoli, Campania (Italy)

Didn't have to work today (yaaah!). Had a great breakfast buffet at the hotel (huge!!). Funny, it didn't cost very much when you convert the Lire...

Napoli, Campania (Italy)

Working at night - staying at Holiday Inn (downtown)...

Napoli, Campania (Italy)

Working at night - staying at Holiday Inn (downtown)...

Napoli, Campania (Italy)

Working at night - staying at Holiday Inn (downtown)...

Napoli, Campania (Italy)

Working at night - staying at Holiday Inn (downtown)...

Napoli, Campania (Italy)

[Flew off of the ship for a multi-day DET at Capodichino] Working at night - staying at Holiday Inn (downtown)...

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Norfolk, VA (USA)

[departed for deployment - early]

Norfolk, VA (USA)

Woke up early and caught one of the last flights up to Norfolk. The Ship wanted us onboard by 1800 (and checked in). Luckily, they did let us off for a few hours - to eat and watch a movie ("Star Trek: First Contact"). Dinner at Pizzaria Uno.

Norfolk, VA (USA)

[date uncertain - Ship pulled into Norfolk - waited for airlift to return to Jax]

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Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[woke at 0900L - took off at 1030L - spent night on TR]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[went with Nicky to watch "Independence Day" at AMC Regency Square in Jacksonville (2230 start)]

Norfolk, VA (USA)

Left Ship for home today...

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Fort Lauderdale, FL (USA)

Up at 0630 - Nicky drove me back to the ship. Nap onboard from 0715 until 1230. Got a haircut and then got back to paperwork... Meetings and tests until 1730. Dinner with Gerald and John - then more meetings... Movies until around 2130. Bed around 2200.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (USA)

Woke up late. Watched TV most of the morning. Lunch at "J & J Subs" while we were walking on the beach. Took a nap after lunch. Had dinner at a Chinese place near the beach - with Gerald, Angie, Rick and Kimberly - good! Back to hotel around 2100 - I have to go back to the Ship in the morning (noooo!). Bed late...

Fort Lauderdale, FL (USA)

Slept late and then went to nearby mall with Nicky and the other couples staying with us in the hotel. Came back around 1600 and spent some nice time at the pool. Went for a walk on the beach and had some great wine as the sun went down. Really enjoying the time away from the Ship... Bed late - again.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (USA)

Had to get up for watch again (0400-0730). Didn't go back to sleep, instead got off Ship as soon as I could. Rick picked me up in his rental car and drove us over to the Days Inn Oceanside (on North Atlantic Boulevard). Got together with Nicky (finally)... Had a nap in the afternoon (after we had walked on the beach nearby). Dinner with Gerald and Angie at "Oasis" - good - and then walked on the beach. Bed late...

Fort Lauderdale, FL (USA)

Had to wake up for a watch at 0300 - not needed, though... Nap from 0500 to 1100. Had to get dressed up (summer whites) because the Ship was pulling into Fort Lauderdale today. Went ashore with first boat and saw all the wives - Nicky drove down with a big crowd. Helped them get a rental car and then went back to Ship for duty. They did a "Sunset Parade" for local dignitaries - ended up standing around for three hours (arrrrggh!!). Watched movies for awhile, took nap (2000-2200) and then watched movies again. Very annoying to look over the side of the Ship and see that we are next to land - no way to get to Nicky, though... Bed at 0100.

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St. Maarten

Up at 1000 - breakfast with Jim again. Drove car over to swim at Dawn Beach. Back to Marigot for more shopping. Bought Nicky a special swim towel. Dropped Jim off at Admin and took car on circuit of the island. Had lunch at Burger King. Turned in car around 1400. Walked back to Admin and enjoyed the beach at the hotel. Watched movies later and then realized we needed to get back to the Ship ASAP - grabbed my stuff and headed back with Al and Paul (2100). Played Nintendo late with Matt and then watched "Shawshank Redemption" (good!). Bed around 0200 again...

St. Maarten

Slept until 0945. Free breakfast at "The Boathouse." Split the cost of a rental car with Jim - took it on a tour of the place. This island is split by French and Dutch control. When we got off the Ship yesterday, we were on the Dutch side. It was very clear that people there were poor. However, we went over to the French side and things were very affluent there! Discovered the little town of Marigot - lots of shopping. Went back to Ship for a little bit - to change and check on my job. Went to swim (at Galion Beach) around 1600. Dinner in Marigot and then back to Admin (2200) for the rest of the night. Bed at 0100 (Admin again).

St. Maarten

Up at 0600 - thought we had some training (cancelled). Later got a tour of the St. Maarten harbor - then took a nap from 0900 to 1300. Went into town when boats were running with Gerald, Matt, Jim, Rob, Mike and Jonesy. Took a taxi to the "Admin" (at the Royal Palm hotel on Simpson Bay). Had a good time with everyone - watched movies, etc. Went with Gerald (in a car we borrowed) around the edge of Simpson Bay. [Visited Maho Beach, where low flying aircraft interrupt the peaceful seaside...] Ate dinner at a Belgian Beer House - so many types to choose from! Back at Admin late - actually got a bed, though. Finally asleep at 0200.

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Norfolk, VA (USA)

Left Jacksonville at 1730 - after waiting for over four hours for my flight. Had to stop in Beaufort, SC, on the way to Norfolk. On the Ship by 2100. Unpacked a little, then got a cab with some of the guys. Headed out for dinner at Bennigans. Shopping at Walmart and a cab back to the Ship. Bed at 0200.

Patuxent River, MD (USA)

[date uncertain - flew with Snake from Jax to Pax River - back for FCLPs in the evening]

Wedding Trip - Day 10

Still driving after midnight and Nicky still sleeping, so I kept going... Unfortunately, she woke up when I had to get gas in Darien, Georgia (0400L). She was kind of mad, but I told her we were almost home (reminds me of the joke about the paratroopers: "Pull the rip chord, Joe!" - "It's OK, I can jump from here!"). We drove into Jacksonville around 0500L and I slept until around noon. It's good to be home!

Wedding Trip - Day 9

Said goodbye to Grammy and left Yarmouthport at 0730L. Breakfast at McDonalds. On the way off the Cape, we stopped in East Sandwich to see Katie and John one last time - they have a nice hotel there (Spring Garden Motel on Route 6A). We were sorry to have to go, but I had to be at work on Tuesday... No problems today - took US-6, MA-25, I-195, I-95 (gas in Wyoming, Rhode Island) - crossed Hudson on GWB again. Made it to I-78 without much trouble and then made our way to I-81. On I-83 by 1500L. Stopped in York, Pennsylvania, for gas and had an early dinner at Taco Bell (1600L). Back on I-95 north of Baltimore and then drove through Washington. Started to get some heavy traffic south of DC and it really slowed us down. We wanted to find a place to stay, but we learned that all the hotels around the area were full - the Olympic Torch was in the area today! Made it to Richmond around 2000L. I kept planning to get a hotel for the next several hours but there weren't any available. Stopped for gas in Benson, North Carolina (near border of South Carolina) at 2250L. Still thinking about getting a hotel at that point, but Nicky soon fell asleep - so I kept driving...

Wedding Trip - Day 8

The wedding wasn't until 1700L, so we had lots of free time this morning. Nicky wanted to go shopping again, so we drove over to South Yarmouth. On the way, we visited the Scargo Tower. We ate lunch at Friendly' again - it's always good (1130L). Visited the Ocean State Job Lot (1215L) and Christmas Tree Shops. I didn't think we would get everything in the car, but we did... Went back to Grammy's in the afternoon - Nicky took some time (she has a lot of cosmetic experience) to help her with her makeup. Grammy turned to her, with tears in her eyes, and told her "you're the jewel in my crown" (!!). We were surprised, but Grammy meant it. We took her over to Dad's house for photos with everyone else: Katie and John, Gerard, Aunt Irene, Dad and Beth (1530L) and then went to EDCC. The service (1700L) was really nice and the little church was nearly full. Afterwards, we drove down to Cold Storage Beach for photos and then we drove over to Aunt Irene's to get ready for the reception. With a carful of relatives, we headed over to the Round Hill Country Club in East Sandwich for the reception (1900L). The hall was great - and Katie had some festivities planned! There was a procession to announce the family, a video with photos of Katie and John as they grew up, dancing until very late. In fact, Nicky and I only left earlier than the end because Grammy wanted to get home for sleep. That's OK, we wanted to spend some more time with her before we have to leave tomorrow. It was a good day - I'm really happy for Katie and John.

Wedding Trip - Day 7

We relaxed with Grammy this morning. Later, I took Nicky over to South Yarmouth (we visited Aunt Irene on the way). We had lunch at Friendly's before heading back to East Dennis for Katie and John's researsal. Arrived at East Dennis Community Church around 1730 and watched several walk-thoughs for the big event. I have a reading - the first one since my mom's funeral in this same place... Everything was finished around 1845L and then headed over to Dad's for a Clambake (1900L). It was nice - the weather on Cape Cod in this time of the month is great for cookouts! We met lots of Katie's friends and stayed until 2130L.

Wedding Trip - Day 6

Not much planned for today, so we drove over to Brewster. Nicky likes this little town a lot, so we spent most of the morning there - the old Mill, Brewster Store, the beach, my mom's cemetery - and had some good ice cream. We explored as far as Chatham [and visited the Lighthouse and Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge]. Shopping in town (1530L) before heading back to Dad's for dinner (a cookout). They ended up having birthday cake for me (nice of them...). Carolyn and Sam were there, too. Katie asked if we wanted to go shopping with her. We ended up going, of course, and had fun walking around with Katie and John. Nicky found some more things that she liked (and, of course, bought them) - our little car doesn't have much more room in the trunk!! Katie and John had to take care of some wedding arrangements, so they left us in Hyannis (at the Cape Cod Mall). We actually didn't leave until quite late (2100L). Back at Grammy's late again. The "fun" starts tomorrow...

Wedding Trip - Day 5

Left Kennebunkport around 1100L - drove by President Bush's house (always impressive). Took Nicky over to Kittery, where there are tons of outlet stores. She didn't say it, but I know she enjoyed herself - I can tell from the bags of clothes, dishes and other stuff that I loaded in the car afterwards! Back towards the Cape around 1500L - took I-95 again and then later on I-93 (crossed on Tobin Bridge). Stopped to visit my cousin, Dorothea, in Melrose, Massachusetts. We had a nice time visiting. As we were leaving her house, filled up the tank (1800L). Through Boston with little trouble and got on MA-3. Made it back to the Cape around 2030L. Had dinner at Yarmouth Hunan - good (finished at 2230L). Back to Grammy's around 2300L.

Wedding Trip - Day 4

After breakfast with Grammy, left Cape Cod (1145) and drove on US-6, MA-3 and I-93 to Boston. Nicky indulged me while I stopped at the New Calvary Cemetery (Mattapan) to take some photos of the Coogan Family plot - it only took a little time. On the road again by 1430. Back on I-95 all the way up to Maine. Had lunch at McDonalds around 1600 (Kittery). Ended up in Kennebunkport, where we found a nice little cottage - it was about 5 m X 5 m, but cozy. Called Katie and Dad - plans still on for Friday. Dad annoyed that we aren't on Cape Cod. I didn't say what I wanted to say - but he'll just have to get over this. I'm actually happy not to be down there right now! Walked around the town, buying souvenirs and enjoying the cooler weather. Found a lobster place by the harbor (Bartley's Dockside) that claimed to be the restaurant of choice for the Bush family when they are in town - had to try it out! Nicky loves lobster and got a big one! I had chicken (and she bothered me about it all night). We enjoyed ourselves a lot and didn't get back to the cottage until around 2230.

Wedding Trip - Day 3

I'm not sure if Dad realizes how hard it is to get time off from work to come up here. The only reason I'm doing it is because it's Katie's wedding... Still, I had no idea that we would end up being such an inconvenience to him. We got up around 0900 and I called Katie. She said there weren't any special plans until Friday. I told her that Dad was making it difficult for us to stay on the Cape for more than a few days. Still, I promised her we would visit her and Grammy and would definitely be there on Saturday. Called Grammy, too. Trip on I-95, I-195, MA-25 and US-6 was easy - made it to Dennis by 1230L. Of course, Dad and Beth were not home, so we had to kill some time. Visited Bryan at his gas station and then got lunch at D'Angelo's Subs (1330L). Back at Dad's, learned we'll be staying with Grammy. We went over to see her and had a nice visit. Spent the rest of the evening with her. I know she wasn't really happy to hear it, but I told her we are going to Boston tomorrow - and maybe points north...

Wedding Trip - Day 2

Left hotel at 0900L (Nicky still complaining). Drove over to Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park and looked around for a little while. Stopped for brunch at Dennys at 1030L. Nicky was interested in seeing Arlington Cemetery, so we drove over there. It was quiet and nice and we got to see the major sights: Tomb of the Unknowns, JFK eternal flame (etc.). We looked around DC after that. Ended up visiting the National Cathedral as well (1500L). Realized we were behind schedule, so we got on our way again around 1600L. Used I-95 to I-83 and then drove north to I-78. Stopped for gas in Kutztown / Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania (1915L). Then got on I-80. Crossed Hudson on George Washington Bridge on I-95. Called Dad to let him know we would be late and he got mad. He said we should find a hotel instead of showing up after midnight. It was kind of shocking - I'm actually kind of pissed. We headed over towards the Cape anyway and found a Navy Lodge in Groton, Connecticut. It was a nice place, actually - on the beach! In bed by 0030L.

Wedding Trip - Day 1

Left Jacksonville around 1330L. Just a little traffic on the way north on I-95 - mostly in the Savannah area. Stopped in Florence, South Carolina (1815L). In Cape Lookout, North Carolina, by 2100L. Continued on I-95... Stopped for gas IN Fredericksburg, Virginia around midnight and started looking for a place to spend the night. Finally found one near Quantico - Weyant's Hotel in the town of Stafford (0115L). Nicky doesn't like it - she says it smells like rice and claims she saw a cockroach...

Fallon, NV (USA)

Up at 0700L - packed. Left Fallon on the airlift (JS) at 1000L - stopped in the Fresno valley for gas (gotta love those DC-9s!) and Oklahoma City again. Made good time to Jacksonville. When I got there, Nicky came to get me - but our Sentra died (alternator?) on the way home. Had to get towed and a ride from the tow truck driver... What a way to finish the trip!

Fallon, NV (USA)

Slept until 1100. Watched TV and movies until around 1500. Met the guys at the club later and then drove out to the Nugget for one more night of gambling. Ended up at the Bird Farm and then went back to hotel. Packed and then went to bed (0200).

Fallon, NV (USA)

Work all day... Commissary...

Fallon, NV (USA)

Up at 1100 - had 1200 flight. Good weather and got some good training done. Over to the club for some drinks and game of dice. Later, drove to Nugget for some more fun. Spent several hours there - and called Nicky - and then went home. Watched TV until 0200...

Fallon, NV (USA)

Slept until 0800 - then went to work. Had a good flight and then took a nap (1730-1900). Called Nicky and then went out to the Nugget. Stayed until 0100 and then drove back - I was the designated driver. We got pulled over when we were almost home, but they didn't do anything except see what we were doing. Of course, I hadn't been drinking - but I was glad the stop was quick. Bed at 0200.

Fallon, NV (USA)

Work all day...

Fallon, NV (USA)

Slept until 1000. Watched TV for most of the day - some movies too. Played some basketball with the guys and had a good cookout. Didn't go back to the room until after sunset - we had some good games. Read and played video games until bed at midnight.

Fallon, NV (USA)

Woke up at 0830. Finally got ahold of a rental car today - first time in nearly two weeks!!! Al and I decided to explore the area East of Fallon. Lunch at Pizza Hut and then drove out on US-50. Got gas at Harmon Junction. Saw a huge sand dune mountain, visited a hidden cave, discovered an earthquake fault line and ended up at Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park. That may have been the most interesting thing of the day - we got to see an Ishthyosaur fossil in a building there. By the time we got back to the Base, I was re-charged and happy. I'm glad I found out that Al likes exploring too. Back for dinner in my room - played video games and watched TV until really late... Bed at 0200.

Fallon, NV (USA)

Slept until 0900. Worked from 1000 until 1500 (flight cancelled). Drank beer and had good chat with the guys. Watched TV and called Nicky before we all left for the Nugget again. Started the night with $10 and left with all $10 after gambling at the cheap tables for four hours. Back at room at 0100 - bed at 0200.

Fallon, NV (USA)

Work all day...

Fallon, NV (USA)

Work all day...

Fallon, NV (USA)

Work all day...

Fallon, NV (USA)

Work all day...

Fallon, NV (USA)

Weekend...

Fallon, NV (USA)

Woke up at 1300 (!!). Called Nicky and played some video games. Went with Mark to the Bonanza Casino for several hours. Met up with some of the other guys late in the evening. Gerald and I eventually made it home in a cab (0400)...

Fallon, NV (USA)

Slept until 0930. Had a good flight in the mountains - home by 1900. Played video games again and called Nicky (2100). Shuttle to the Nugget was packed, but made it anyway. Had fun gambling with everyone for several hours. Bed at 0415.

Fallon, NV (USA)

Work all day...

Fallon, NV (USA)

Work all day...

Fallon, NV (USA)

Work all day...

Fallon, NV (USA)

Work all day...

Fallon, NV (USA)

Woke up at 0815 and left from Jacksonville. Stopped for fuel in Oklahoma City and landed in Nevada around 1800. Checked into hotel - sharing a room... Bought some groceries and played games on my computer until I heard about a shuttle to a nearby casino. Rode over to the Stockman and played for awhile. Called Nicky late. Bed at 0100.

Norfolk, VA (USA)

[TSTA I/II officially ended today - TR came into port in the morning - it was interesting to watch the tugboat operations and berthing - (got booted off ship around noon ?) - airlift (apparently) fell through, so I had to fly home commercial... - had to get to airport and then waited (all afternoon) until my flight (US Air) to Charlotte left (1940L) - layover wasn't too long - on my way back to Jacksonville at 2150L - (Nicky picked me up) - home late]

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Norfolk, VA (USA)

[ferry flight (0800) - walked on the ship - TSTA I/II]

Mayport, FL (USA)

[DAPA school]

Mayport, FL (USA)

[DAPA school]

Mayport, FL (USA)

[DAPA school]

Mayport, FL (USA)

[DAPA school]

Mayport, FL (USA)

[DAPA school in Mayport]

Saint Augustine, FL (USA)

[drove to St. Augustine for the day]

Puerto Rico

Got up really early to check out - and got that done before everyone else. Showed up at the terminal for an 1100 departure. Spent a long time waiting for our flight - and when the crew showed up, they shut down and left! That was pretty annoying... They came back later and we finally went home - didn't get to the house until nearly 2000...

Puerto Rico

Up early for a flight this morning (0600). Had an awesome time over by the island of St. Croix... Back at the room around 1500 (nap for two hours). Drove with the guys over to the Hyatt Casino - more craps and blackjack... Had lots of fun - bed late.

Puerto Rico

Work all day...

Puerto Rico

Work all day...

Puerto Rico

Had a flight this morning - good views of the Roosevelt Roads and the Island of Vieques. Home by 1630. Dinner in room and then went out with everyone to the El Conquistador hotel. Mark taught me how to play "craps" - it was fun. We spent most of the night there and got back very late...

Puerto Rico

Work all day...

Puerto Rico

Left Jacksonville at 1100. At my BOQ room at Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico by 1700L (sharing room with Angel). Called Nicky - bed late...

Tampa, FL (USA)

Had to drive down to Tampa to get my homestead exemption paperwork completed today. Nicky and I left in the early morning and had a good drive on I-95 and I-4 all the way (gas in Daytona). Arrived in the early afternoon and got all business completed rather quickly. Seemed like an interesting place - and would have liked to stay - but had to be back for work tomorrow. Decided to take the scenic way home. Used I-75 all the way to Gainesville. Then on FL-331 and FL-24. Found the little town of Waldo - the one that isn't even on US-301 but gives huge tickets for tourists that travel through their speed-zone. In the neighboring town, there was even a huge billboard warning people to slow down! We read about this place somewhere (AAA book, I think). Didn't get a ticket, but saw a cop... After that, smooth sailing to I-10 and home.

St. Marys, GA (USA)

[dinner with Kelly and Steve]

Orange Park, FL (USA)

[Checkmate Hail and Farewell at Harry's Seafood Bar & Grill in Orange Park (started at 1900)]

Moving Trip - Day 4

Spent most of the morning making calls to Jacksonville to make sure we had a place to stay (long term...) while we look for a new home. [Called sponsor (?), Tracy.] I drove over to the DMV to see about renewing our license plates. Visited with Andy and June one more time (so they could see Kiska) and then got on I-10 (1015L). Stopped for fuel and a Subway lunch in Madison, Florida (1430L). Pressed on, despite exhaustion and impending house search... Made it to Jacksonville by 1630L and quickly found a kennel for Kiska. Checked into the Lodge soon after and crashed - hard! We made it, though...

Moving Trip - Day 3

The time zones are getting to us... Left hotel at 0950L this morning, back on I-10. Cleared the Houston traffic just fine (in the daytime, fortunately). Stopped for gas in San Jacinto (or Baytown), Texas (1230L). We got a carwash there, but got back on the road soon after. Next stop was in Baton Rouge (1655L). Nicky and Kiska are getting tired of driving, I think... Fortunately, we didn't see much traffic in Louisiana, Mississippi or Alabama, which made the drive easier. Crossed into Florida before 2100L (yaaaaay!) and got gas in Pensacola (2120L). Drove to Milton and got a room there at the Thrift Motel (2200L). We left Kiska there (luckily, he didn't damage anything...). It was late, but we still had a nice visit with June and Andy. It really does look like we'll make it to Jacksonville tomorrow...

Moving Trip - Day 2

Left the hotel at 0930L. Got breakfast quickly with a gas fillup and got on the road. We made it through El Paso by 1100L. Kiska was in good spirits - he has been having fun riding with Nicky. We had a good trip on I-10 (very little traffic). Stopped for gas again in Van Horn (1330L). In new time zone, continued on I-10 and made it to Ozona, Texas, before we had to stop again (1800L). Nicky didn't have any trouble driving until we drove through San Antonio (in the dark!). I actually thought we would get separated, but she recovered just at the last minute... Immediately after we cleared I-35 (Converse, Texas), I signaled for her to stop for gas and so she could relax (2215L). After a short break, we continued on I-10. Honestly, I had wanted to make it a lot farther today, but after the unsettling driving conditions we finished the day at a hotel in Luling, Texas, the Luling Inn (around 2300L). Still, we drove over 700 miles today...

Moving Trip - Day 1

I have to be at my new job in Jacksonville as soon as possible, so we departed San Diego today, shooting for a three day crossing of the country. Nicky and I are driving in different cars - and Nicky has Kiska. After filling the tanks (1000L), we left our little home in Kensington (sad...) and got on I-8. No problems through the Imperial Valley - stopped for gas again in Winterhaven, California, near the border of Arizona (1300L). Right after we drove through Yuma, I noticed that they have raised the speed limit to 75! That makes for a faster trip... Stopped to give Kiska a break from the car (1500L). Next stop (for gas) was in Benson, Arizona (1843L). We had dinner there, too. A little while later, a truck driver started to harass us. He seemed like he was trying to run Nicky off the road! We stopped (1930L) and phoned his company to report him - but they didn't believe that AZ speed limit is 75 MPH. Stopped for the night in Deming, NM (on the outskirts of El Paso, TX). Found a "pet friendly" place, the Budget (or Plainsman) Motel (2300L). Best part, we drove a hell of a long way today! We'll try to make it to Louisiana tomorrow...

Hollywood, CA (USA)

Got up early. [Kathy was busy this morning, so] Nicky and I drove to nearby La Brea (on Wilshire Boulevard). I'd been to the tar pits there as a kid (1977 and 1979) but Nicky never had. Toured the George C. Page Museum - interesting displays of the many animals that were trapped in the tar. [Had lunch at Burger King]. Met up with Kathy a little later and we drove around Hollywood (Nicky wanted to see some of the sights from "Pretty Woman"...). Kathy even showed us a back road in the hills where we were able to take a great picture of the Hollywood sign (a highlight, for sure...). Said goodbye (1730L) to Kathy (sad...) and drove back towards San Diego [via I-10 to I-15 (?)]. Gas fillup in Temecula (1900) and back home a few hours later. I'm glad we were able to see everyone again...

Simi Valley, CA (USA)

We'll be leaving California soon, so we wanted to visit with our relatives one more time. Left San Diego at 0800L - drove on I-805 to I-5. Switched to CA-118 and used it all the way to Simi Valley (it is called the Ronald Reagan Freeway by that point...). We met Aunt Nelle and Uncle Terry at the Reagan Presidential Library (1045L) and took a tour. It was a very interesting place - lots of great exhibits. I've always admired President Reagan, so I really enjoyed the experience. We had lunch at Chilis with Aunt Nelle & Uncle Terry. I showed them some old photos that I had of the family - Aunt Nelle seemed really happy. We had a great visit and were sad to say goodbye to them. After the meal, we drove back towards Los Angeles via CA-118 (west) to CA-23 (south) and took Malibu Canyon Road to CA-1 (Pacific Coast Highway). We enjoyed the ambiance of Malibu and took our time. Found a place called "Coogie's Beach Cafe"... I made a wrong turn near the airport - but we eventually made it to Kathy's (Rossmore). We went to dinner with Mary and Leo, Kevin and Kathy at Shanghai Reds in Marina Del Rey - it was good. Back to Kathy's (late) - (Hancock Park ?) - spent the night...

Long Beach, CA (USA)

[(skipped "Boat Party" at 1330 ?) - drove up to Long Beach (arrived at around noon?) - Super Bowl party at Mary and Leo's - game started around 1500 - stayed until the end and then drove home]

San Diego, CA (USA)

[went to movies at Pacific Cinemas with Nicky (and Darren and Andrea ?) - watched "Mr. Holland's Opus" (2155 start)]

Point Loma, CA (USA)

[date uncertain - visited Cabrillo National Monument (Point Loma) and bought a 1996 Annual Park Pass]

Temecula, CA (USA)

[date uncertain - visit from family - wine tasting]