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]