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)...