Pensacola, FL (USA)

[lunch at Chuck E. Cheese's with John, Ann and Duncan - drove home via US-45 (gas in Quitman, Mississippi, around 2000L)]

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[drove down to visit John, Ann and Duncan in Pensacola (in the afternoon ?) - dinner at Hong Kong Restaurant (finished at 2025L) - spent the night with them]

Meridian, MS (USA)

[got Carolyn on her way to the airport before 0900 and then spent the day sorting out the mess that the tornado caused yesterday...]

New Orleans, LA (USA)

[Nicky/Carolyn ate breakfast at hotel ?] I slept a little late... After we left the hotel, stopped at Denny's for [breakfast/lunch] (Baton Rouge). We arrived in New Orleans [around noon ?] and visited one of the distinctive cemeteries with the above-ground crypts. Immediately after that, we went to the River Walk Mall. We shopped around (at "The Partridge" at 1530L) and enjoyed the pleasant river air. There were lots of street performers to enjoy in Jackson Square. We ended up at the Cafe du Mond and were enjoying some baguettes when a huge storm came up. The weather flaps broke loose and the metal bars swung wildly through the room. Lots of glass broke and the kids were screaming. Everyone in the restaurant thought it was a tornado and we were all relieved that it calmed down soon. After we felt it was safe, we decided to move on. Carolyn was interested in the French Quarter, but what she really wanted to visit was the "Real World House..." After searching for awhile, we found it and she got a few pictures just as it got dark. We drove home via I-59, stopping for gas (and a tour of Nicky's college) in Hattiesburg (1900L). When we finally arrived back in Lauderdale, we were really surprised when we arrived and found that our own neighborhood had been hit by a tornado! We were fortunate to be out of town when all the damage occurred. Spent the night at Nicky's parent's house...

Natchez, MS (USA)

Carolyn was visiting Meridian, so we decided to take her on a trip to historic Natchez. Nicky and I have enjoyed this old town a few times before and we knew that Carolyn would like it. Headed west on I-20 and stopped for gas and snacks in Forest, Mississippi (1300L). We joined the Natchez Trace just west of Jackson. It was a pleasant ride - and we had nice weather to stop and walk along parts of it. Spent a few hours in the old town and took a tour of an old home (Natchez Pilgrimage Tour - 1630L). The ladies giving the tour wore period hoop skirts (like "Gone with the Wind"). Bought some souvenirs before we left (1750L). Later had dinner at Nicky's favorite restaurant, "Fat Mama's Hot Tamales." After eating, we drove towards New Orleans. Stayed overnight in a Courtyard in Baton Rouge.

Meridian, MS (USA)

[more exploring with Carolyn - took her to the Base]

Meridian, MS (USA)

[a while back, I got bumped (involuntarily) from a flight and ended up with a voucher for future airline tickets - used it to help my sister, Carolyn, come to visit us in the Magnolia State - I picked her up at the airport around noon - spent most of the day showing her around the town - she had a great time playing with the kids]

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[flew all morning in Pensacola working areas - checked out of CBQ (1245L) then flew back to Meridian (big Thunderstorm ?)]

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[flew most of the day - visited Naval Aviation Museum]

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[CQ Det in Jacksonville (last day) - checked out of Holiday Inn (Orange Park) in the morning - turned in my rental car - flew from Jax to Pensacola to start our Form Det - had dinner at the Officers' Club]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det in Jacksonville - worked all morning with Big E - back in my room by 1715 - staying at Holiday Inn (Orange Park)]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det in Jacksonville - worked all day - staying at Holiday Inn (Orange Park)]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[flew from Meridian to Jacksonville (CQ) - late lunch at Mulligan's (done at 1515L) - picked up my Enterprise rental car and drove over to the Holiday Inn on US-17 (Orange Park) - gas fillup on Blanding Boulevard at 1850) - (dinner ?) - ATM withdrawal on Wells Road in Jacksonville (2120)]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 5

[left hotel in morning - used I-20 all the way back - gas in Rayville, LA - Meridian by evening]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 4

[slept in a bit this morning - late breakfast at McDonald's in Irving (1000L) - visiting with family for a few hours - drove over to see Gerald and Angie for a late lunch near their home in The Colony (1315L) - back to the hotel late - (ND football game ?) - lots more visiting in Bonnie's room]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 3

[visiting with the family - went shopping in Grapevine (bought stick horses and toy aircraft carrier at Toy Company #1, 1445L, and other supplies at Oshman's Supersports, 1545L) - later watched football with Chuck - more fun with the family]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 2

[breakfast at the hotel - the whole family went to watch the Dallas Cowboys play against the Minnesota Vikings (Thanksgiving Day Game) at Cowboys Stadium in Irving - unfortunately, it rained almost all day and we had to eat our Thanksgiving turkey sandwiches in the car (too bad - no tailgating) - game was good and our twins made it into the third quarter before we had to leave - back at the room found Four Seasons t-shirts and other fun things the maids had left (kids liked that)]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 1

[drove to Dallas - gas in Calhoun, Louisiana (1245L) - I-20 all the way - stayed at Four Seasons Resort (Dallas at Las Colinas) - visiting with family - bed late]

Birmingham, AL (USA)

Drove over this morning to look at the genealogy records of Samford University again. Nicky went to the nearby mall and I worked in the library for most of the day. Found a lot of good stuff. Met up with Nicky for dinner and headed back just after dark.

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[got breakfast at McDonalds (0815L) - worked for part of the morning - checked out of Jacksonville CBQ at 1210L - [worked some more...] - flew back to Meridian late]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[(late brief today ?) - early lunch at Mulligan's (1055L) - worked all afternoon with Big E]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[flew to Jax - rental car (Enterprise) - Mulligan's (lunch) - Golden Corral (dinner) - staying on base]

Preston, MS (USA)

[worked at Joe Williams all day]

Falmouth, MA (USA)

After an interesting weekend on the Cape, my dad drove me back over to Otis Air Base at around 1500.  Carolyn came along and I took everyone on a tour of the aircraft - this was a big hit!  We had to get night time for Nate so we didn't leave until around 1700.  Our itinerary to Meridian was via Camp Springs (Maryland) and McGhee-Tyson (Tennessee). Good weekend training mission overall - and a great experience...

Dennis, MA (USA)

Spent most of the day with Katie and Carolyn - had nice visits with the relatives, too... [Dinner at Imperial Terrace in Quincy - gas fillup at the Sagamore Rotary (1915L)]

Falmouth, MA (USA)

Had a chance to take a plane to Cape Cod this weekend - and got to try something new. Wanted to fly into Otis Air Force Base, but ran into lots of snags (no fuel available, field closures, etc.). Eventually got the Coast Guard to buy off on letting us park there if we had enough fuel to get home. Had a student with me (Nate) who grew up a few towns away from me - he was really happy to try the trip. Got all the training done on legs from Meridian to Shaw (South Carolina) to Dover (Delaware) to Quonset State. The weather was awesome - could see all of Narraganset Bay and across Buzzards Bay to the Cape. Took our time flying over and landed right on schedule. Nate's dad was waiting and, in the course of meeting him, I learned that he and my dad went to high school together! That was something! My dad arrived soon after and those two talked for a bit. Before departing Camp Edwards (1615L), I got a room for two nights at their CBQ (only $10, per night, due to "substandard quarters rules").  Eventually, we were all on our way... Had cookout at home and then went out to see some of my friends. Bed pretty late.

Tuscaloosa, AL (USA)

[(date uncertain (with Nicky or did she go alone?) - gas fillup at Speedway in Tuscaloosa (1145) - shopping in Tuscaloosa - gas fillup again 1730 (?)]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[checked out of the Holiday Inn (on US-17) - later, flew back to Meridian]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[worked all morning - drove over for parts at Don Barry's Classic Mustang Shop in Jacksonville (1255L) - Ruby Tuesdays for dinner - staying at Holiday Inn on US-17]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[worked all day with Big E - staying at Holiday Inn on US-17]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[worked all day - staying at Holiday Inn on US-17]

Orange Park, FL (USA)

[ferry to Jax - Mulligans for lunch - stayed at Holiday Inn on US-17 - dinner at The Loop (pizza) in Orange Park]

Cherry Point, NC (USA)

Worked all day on the ship (Big E).  Fortunately, I was able to fly a Buckeye back to MCAS Cherry Point (one COD ride was enough...).  I thought I might get to stay in North Carolina for another day but was informed that my services were no longer required.  Instead, I [was assigned a flight student and we] headed towards Meridian, with a fuel stop at McGhee Tyson in Knoxville.  Interesting detachment...

Cherry Point, NC (USA)

[After checking out of the hotel (Northwoods Atrium Inn) this morning, we (my flight student and the other two aircraft crews) left Charleston (South Carolina) and flew to MCAS Cherry Point.  After arriving, I had to get on a COD in order to fly out to CVN-65.  That, apparently is one of the "perks" of being an LSO ("eye roll").  Remained on the ship overnight...]

Charleston, SC (USA)

[CQ Detachment] Left Meridian this morning and stopped in Charleston for fuel and then got stuck (along with two other aircraft) waiting for weather to break.  Ate lunch at Burger King (1330L) but then ended up waiting all day - in the end we weren't able to reach MCAS Cherry Point (where the rest of the detachment was waiting).  After getting permission for the three crews to overnight in the area, we found a hotel: Northwoods Atrium Inn (Best Western Hotel).  We also had to get permission for being reimbursed for dual lodging (including the Sheraton I was already paying for in North Carolina).  Later, we all took taxis to go out for dinner in town (I got money at an ATM in Charleston at 2000L to cover the fare for the return ride).  We'll try to depart again tomorrow...

Philadelphia, MS (USA)

[shopping with Nicky at Williams Brothers (General Store) in Philadelphia - Mustang Parts (?)]

Knoxville, TN (USA)

Began day in Camp Springs, Maryland. Checked out of lodging at 1030L - got gas (1051L) and dropped of Enterprise rental soon after that. Good flight home with no problems today. Camp Springs to Knoxville, Tennessee - then to Meridian.

Washington, DC (USA)

[Got up early and drove into Washington] Spent the whole day in the Library of Congress today. It was an interesting experience - lots of cool things to see. They have great genealogy resources, too. Back in Camp Springs by 1800L. Dinner on Base at the Burger King (1920L).

Camp Springs, MD (USA)

Had another opportunity for a Cross Country to the Nation's Capital. Flights went well - stopped at Shaw on the way to Camp Springs. Arrived late - picked up rental car and checked into my hotel (2130L).

Waukegan, IL (USA)

After checking out of the Navy Lodge at NTC Great Lakes, I got a gas fillup at Ashland (IL) and then returned the Avis rental car.  On departure from Waukegan, we (me and my flight student) got a great view of Chicago and a scenic trip along the lakefront. Stopped for fuel in Fort Wayne (IN) and Knoxville (TN). Weather good all the way home to Meridian.  It was a good trip!

Chicago, IL (USA)

We woke up early and drove over to get on the train in Naperville. It is a nice way to get into town. Tim took me down-town and we explored the waterfront. It happened to be the day of "The Taste of Chicago" - a real treat! We sampled all kinds of pizza, brats, beer and several other Chicago style foods. I must say, this was a great experience! Later, walked down to Navy Pier and explored the rides and stores. As we were walking back up the pier, we saw a City Tour trolley go by and jumped on - we planned to pay the driver, but he never asked for anything... In fact, he drove us over towards the Water Tower (supposedly, the only thing left from before the 1871 Chicago Fire). We got off there and explored the area. [At 1330, I got an ATM withdrawal at LaSalle Bank.]  Tim then suggested that we take the Elevated train up to Wrigley. Their trains have cops and dogs on every car (that's probably not good...). We arrived just before the first pitch but didn't have any luck getting tickets... Settled for drinks at a bar in Wrigleyville - still could hear everything. Tim was waiting for his buddies to come by, but they never did. We took a taxi back to the train station and headed back to Naperville. Had some dinner at a local place and then said goodbye to Tim.  After that, I drove back to Great Lakes. On the way, I got trapped on the toll road - you need exact change to get off!!! I finally found a toll booth with people and was on my way again.  This whole situation reminds me of "Charlie and the MTA"...  Back at the Navy Lodge, I discovered that I had a nasty sunburn - ouch!

Waukegan, IL (USA)

I got a training mission today and that allowed me to visit my cousin, Tim, in Chicago. For our flights, we stopped in Fort Campbell (KY) and Fort Wayne (IN) before heading over to Waukegan (IL). Arrived around 1800 and went over to the Navy Lodge near NTC Great Lakes. Then took the rental car (from Avis) down to Naperville. Found Tim and we had some drinks at a local bar. Crashed at his place - we're going into the city tomorrow.

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[up pretty early - visited Naval Aviation Museum with John, Ann, Mary and Leo - stayed until just after noon - lunch on Base (finished at 1305L) - gas in Pensacola at 1330L - drove back to Meridian in late afternoon]

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[drove to Pensacola - arrived in early afternoon - visited with John, Ann, Mary, Leo, Joy and Kenny (playground in housing) - went to the beach in the evening to watch the sunset - kids played in water - stayed overnight in the Comfort Inn NAS/Corry]

New Orleans, LA (USA)

[out & in to New Orleans - lunch - bad weather on the way home (lost radios!) - wall of weather - whew!!!!]

Knoxville, TN (USA)

[checked out of my Andrews Air Force Base CBQ room at 1030 - the weather was better - my student and I left Camp Springs in the afternoon - we flew through Knoxville (McGhee Tyson) - using the courtesy car, got to pick up dinner in Alcoa, Tennessee (1800L) - arrived back in Meridian late in the evening]

Camp Springs, MD (USA)

Spent the morning and then ate lunch (at Applebee's) with Katie and John. After driving my borrowed car back to Hanscom Air Force Base, I returned it to Base Operations and checked out of my CBQ room (1450). Soon after that, my student and I took off on our first leg towards home. We stopped at Camp Springs (MD) for fuel and encountered several other aircraft from our squadron.  Unfortunately, the weather soon degraded - we ended getting trapped at Andrews Air Force Base for the night.  Lucky break, though - we were able to get rooms at their CBQ (on base).  We'll try to leave tomorrow... 

Quincy, MA (USA)

Woke up around 1000 and planned to go over to the Massachusetts Archives. Unfortunately, today was Bunker Hill Day and everything was closed. Found a genealogy library in Hingham with some good stuff, though. Drove down to Cape Cod and visited Grammy, Dad and Beth. Got gas in South Yarmouth and then drove back to Katie's. We had a nice cookout this evening.

Dover, DE (USA)

[Training Mission to Boston] After departing Meridian this morning, our flights through South Carolina (Shaw) and Delaware (Dover) were going well until we started to leak a large amount of fuel on the ramp at the later Air Base! After that was contained, I still had to deal with people about why my old plane is such a piece of crap... The next flight, from Dover to Bedford, MA, was good until we started talking to the Boston controllers.  My French student couldn't understand what was being said at all! In the end, I took the communications and we made it in OK... After checking into the CBQ at Hanscom Air Force Base ("Hanscom Inn"), I borrowed a car and drove south to Quincy.  Ended up spending the night with my sister, Katie, and her family.

Wedding Trip - Day 3

[(ate brunch at Wings) - left around noon (in Matt's truck) - I-55 out of town - gas in Grover, MO - crossed river near Memphis - took US-78 and US-45 back to Meridian]

Wedding Trip - Day 2

[wedding set-up was essentially the same as JUN 1997: breakfast at The Wings, (skeet shooting?) - luncheon at the Wings - marriage in the afternoon - sword arch - it wasn't quite as hot... - reception at The Studio - pleasant evening - up late at the Hunt Club again...]

Wedding Trip - Day 1

[I was asked to be a swordsman at Barney's wedding in Missouri: he met his future bride during the wedding we went to in JUN 1997 and wanted to re-create the entire event - Matt (was also a swordsman) agreed to drive me (in his truck) - left from Meridian pretty early - used US-45 to get to US-78 and then drove west to Memphis - crossed the Mississippi River into Arkansas and then got on I-55 - got lunch and gas in Blytheville (1215L) and then continued on to St. Louis - I-44 west to MO-109 and MO-100 - staying at Hunt Club - met up with several other folks, most from my old squadron - stayed up late]

New Orleans, LA (USA)

[trainer - O/I - Salvo's]

Shreveport, LA (USA)

[out & in - Shreveport Regional - lunch - back to Meridian]

New Orleans, LA (USA)

[trainer - O/I - Salvo's]

[Meridian, MS (USA)]

[out & in - destination unknown]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[worked all day - finished CQ Det on the Big E - flew back to NAS Jacksonville - checked out of Holiday Inn (late) and then left Jax for Meridian]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[worked all day - after my Buckeye broke, I got a Goshawk flight with our Commodore - landed on the Big E and ended up staying aboard for the night]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[flew to Jax for CQ Det - stayed at Holiday Inn in Orange Park - went to see a movie (AMC Theatres)]

Knoxville, TN (USA)

Got up early and drove back to the city. Had lunch at Burger King in Camp Springs (1415L). Made it to the airport just before my student (Gray). We took off just before another huge thunderstorm hit the city again. Had to climb quickly and finally found some good weather over central Virginia. Stopped in Knoxville for fuel. Good turn there - home after dark.

Washington, DC (USA)

Had a good visit to the city today - lots of good family facts found in the National Archives. Spent a few hours in the City and then drove north to meet my internet genealogy friend, Pat. We think we are related by blood (through her husband, Mike). Arrived around dinner time. All of Pat's children and grand-children were there and we had a big dinner at a big dining room table. After dinner, we talked about the family tree for several hours. Pat insisted I stay over night, so we had a lot of time to work on fixing some of the problems in how our families are related. Bed very late.

Raleigh, NC (USA)

[Training "Cross County" Flight] Left this morning with plans to stop through North Carolina for fuel. This is a little farther than I normally try to go on one tank of fuel - and I regret it now. I had set up a visit with my Uncle Terry at the FBO in Raleigh and weather looked good. Unfortunately, when we got there, the weather was really crappy. I wanted to do an approach, but all the ones our aircraft could do were unavailable. Luckily, we were able to do an NDB (with hand-held GPS backup). Landed just before low fuel lights came on. I'm not happy about that... Saw Uncle Terry for a little bit and checked on the weather. There was a SIGMET near DC and I figured we might not make it - changed our flight plan to Richmond. On the way, we got an early descent and saw the field from about 50 miles (even though there was a huge storm just 10 miles west of the city). Landed at Andrews AFB and parked just as the huge storm hit the field. Luckily, we were inside by then. My student's family met us there - they were happy that he had made it. It turned out that his mom has terminal cancer and this was a "last visit." Sure wish I had known that before I left this morning... Picked up my rental car (Thrifty) and checked into hotel (on base). Should have a good visit to the Archives tomorrow.

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det in Jacksonville (last day) - checked out of BOQ at 1230L - flew from Jax to Meridian]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det in Jacksonville - worked all day]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det in Jacksonville - worked all day - flew out to "The Buck Stops Here"]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det in Jacksonville - worked all day]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[ferry flight from Meridian for CQ Det in Jacksonville - stayed on base at Riverview Officer Housing - dinner at Bambino's (pizza)]

Cape Cod Trip - Day 11

[left from Raleigh and drove south to avoid huge thunderstorm to the west - gas in Benson, North Carolina, at 1130 - ended up on I-95 and followed it down to I-20 - gas in Augusta, Georgia - had to drive through Atlanta (lots of traffic) - gas in Knoxville, Alabama - dinner at Applebee's in Oxford (finished at 1945L) - got home (Meridian) very late]

Cape Cod Trip - Day 10

[breakfast at Bob Evans in York (0930) - explored Lancaster County - stopped at the Wild Goose Gallery in Intercourse (1130) - gas in Cockeysville, Maryland - (did we stop in DC ?) - drove all the way to Raleigh, North Carolina, and visited with Uncle Terry and Aunt Nelle - Courtyard Hotel in Raleigh]

Cape Cod Trip - Day 9

[left Fourth Cliff Family Recreation Area (Scituate) in the morning - sad to leave this nice place - got gas in Newburgh, New York - also ate lunch at (a diner ?) in the same town - gas fillup in Frackville, Pennsylvania - picked up supplies at K-Mart nearby (1930) - stayed in the Red Roof Inn in York - late dinner at Bob Evans]

Cape Cod Trip - Day 8

[gas fill up in Hanover (1245) - drove down to Cape Cod again (via Plymouth and Gerard's school ?) - visiting all day - stopped at the Christmas Tree Shops in Hyannis (1850) - drove back towards Scituate - picked up some food at North River Beverage in Marshfield before getting back to Fourth Cliff Family Recreation Area]

Cape Cod Trip - Day 7

[more time visiting with Katie and John - visited Pembroke Christmas Tree Shops again (1320) - also picked up some drinks at North River Beverage in Marshfield - later in the day, went to the Mall (Disney Store at 1930) - ate dinner at the Kingston, Massachusetts Pizzeria Uno - (family portraits ?) - spent the night at Fourth Cliff Family Recreation Area (Scituate) again]

Cape Cod Trip - Day 6

[gas in Pembroke, Massachusetts (0852) - (Nicky dropped me off at Massachusetts Archives near Kennedy Presidential Library in the morning ?) - Nicky and the girls went with Katie to eat (Burger King in Framingham at 1230) and shop (at the Hanover Mall, 1300, and Pembroke Christmas Tree Shops, 1420) - (Nicky managed to find me again later ?) and we went back to Katie's - arrived back at Fourth Cliff Family Recreation Area (Scituate) late again]

Cape Cod Trip - Day 5

[drove over to Katie's house in Quincy this morning - twins played for a while with Aria - later, we went into Boston - we all (including Carolyn!) visited to the New England Aquarium (1145) - the kids liked that a lot and we got some great video - walked around in Faneuil Hall Marketplace after that (Kennedy Studios at 1525) - "dinner" at Ming Tree (1530) - arrived back in Fourth Cliff Family Recreation Area (Scituate) late]

Cape Cod Trip - Day 4

[drove down to Cape Cod (Carolyn came too) - gas in Sagamore - stopped to see Dad and Beth in Dennis - drove over to Brewster to see Grammy - (later Irene ?) - back to Fourth Cliff Family Recreation Area (Scituate) in the evening]

Cape Cod Trip - Day 3

[drove from Hazelton (PA) to Scituate (MA) - gas in NY - lunch at Hoffman's Deli (New Paltz, NY) - (genealogy at Elting Library - visit to St. Mary's Cemetery ?) - rest of trip via I-84 to I-90 - drove through Boston and on to Scituate arrived at Fourth Cliff Family Recreation Area (Scituate) before dark - we had a Chalet there - it was very cold out on the peninsula (very nice accommodations, though!)]

Cape Cod Trip - Day 2

[big breakfast at the hotel - drove from Kingsport, Tennessee, to the north - got some gas in Dublin, Virginia (1145) - lunch at "Country Cookin" in Lexington (VA) - dinner at Cracker Barrel in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania - spent the night at a Hampton Inn in Hazleton]

Cape Cod Trip - Day 1

[left Meridian around noon (took Gayle) - used I-20 and I-59 (gas in Trenton, Georgia, at 1900) - drove through Chattanooga and Knoxville (gas ? in Dandridge, Tennessee, at 2215) - took I-81 to Kingsport/Bristol (Meadowview Marriott Resort)]

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Form Det in Pensacola (last day) - checked out of Hampton Inn - flew back to Meridian (Nicky and the kids went home by car)]

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Form Det in Pensacola - flew most of the day - spent some time with Nicky and the kids (they had been visiting with John & Ann all day) - had dinner at Monterrey's Mexican restaurant in Pensacola]

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Form Det in Pensacola - Nicky drove down to meet me there - we had rooms at Q and at the Hampton Inn - trouble sleeping at hotel (kids crying all night)]

Kemper County, MS (USA)

[out & in - FCLP (LSO Training with Angus) - Joe Williams Field]

Kemper County, MS (USA)

[out & in - FCLP (LSO Training) with Angus - Joe Williams Field]

Kemper County, MS (USA)

[out & in - FCLP (LSO Training with Angus) - Joe Williams Field]

Kemper County, MS (USA)

[out & in - FCLP (LSO Training) at Joe Williams Field - with Angus]

Atlanta, GA (USA)

Checked out of my room at the NAS Oceana CBQ at 1000.  Felt very glad that my flight wasn't early - I was pretty tired this morning!  After filling up my gas tank (or so I thought) at the NAS Oceana Citgo, I drove my rental car back towards Norfolk International.  On the way, it became clear that I needed a bit more fuel before returning to the Thrifty desk - stopped for a fillup at a station on North Military Highway.  After that, I dropped off the car (1300) and headed through airport security.  Once onboard my aircraft, my Delta Airlines flight from Norfolk (departed at 1245) to Atlanta (arrived at 1440) was good.  Unfortunately, as soon as I landed at Hartsfield, I ran into the ASA overbooking situation again. As per usual, I got bumped off the flight to Meridian. I guess one good thing about flying with those knuckleheads is that I keep getting vouchers for free flights... Finally arrived back at Key Field (Meridian) and made it to Lauderdale by around 2200L.  Glad to be home!

Washington, DC (USA)

Class wrapped up today around noon. My flight wasn't scheduled to leave until the next morning, so I decided to drive up to DC. On the way, I stopped for gas at a Truck Stop (Lewintown Road) in Ashland (1545).  I arrived in Washington by around 1630 and headed straight to the National Archives.  I was so relieved to find that they were open late. Even better - I found some really good things in the few hours I had. Afterwards, I drove to Alexandria to meet up with my Notre Dame friend, Bob W.  We had dinner near his house. It was a nice visit!  I then drove back to Hampton Roads, arriving very late to the NAS Oceana CBQ.

Virginia Beach, VA (USA)

Class all day again. This time, we had a party after class at a nearby bar. Stayed for several hours, but then headed over to the computer store.  Unfortunately, they told me they couldn't get the data off my old drive... Too bad. Found out a library nearby had some good genealogy stuff, so went there for a few hours.  [Staying at NAS Oceana CBQ.]

Virginia Beach, VA (USA)

Class started first thing this morning - luckily my hotel is right across the street. Had lunch at Lindy's Hot Wings with some of the other guys I knew from school. Class ended in the late afternoon and I had enough time to drove over to a computer store to see if they can recover my broken hard drive (I'll know tomorrow).  [Staying at NAS Oceana CBQ.]

Virginia Beach, VA (USA)

Got an early start from Meridian today - [I've got LSO School this week!]  My 1025 flight from Meridian (Key Field) to Atlanta (arrived at around 1300L) went OK but I REALLY do not like flying on ASA... After weather delays at Hartsfield, I made it aboard my Delta Airlines flight - we arrived in Norfolk a few hours late (1730ish).  Fortunately, a rental car was waiting for me at the Thrifty desk (1745L).  I drove from the airport to NAS Oceana and checked into the CBQ (1840)  After that, I drove outside the base again, looking for dinner - ended up eating at Pizza Hut (around 2030L). Class starts tomorrow...