Christmas Vacation - Day 7

[regular leave - living with family at our new home in Douglasville, GA but still assigned to squadron in Meridian, MS]

Christmas Vacation - Day 6

[regular leave - living with family at our new home in Douglasville, GA but still assigned to squadron in Meridian, MS]

Christmas Vacation - Day 5

[regular leave - living with family at our new home in Douglasville, GA but still assigned to squadron in Meridian, MS]

Christmas Vacation - Day 4

[regular leave - living with family at our new home in Douglasville, GA but still assigned to squadron in Meridian, MS]

Christmas Vacation - Day 3

[regular leave - living with family at our new home in Douglasville, GA but still assigned to squadron in Meridian, MS]

Christmas Vacation - Day 2

[regular leave - living with family at our new home in Douglasville, GA but still assigned to squadron in Meridian, MS]

Christmas Vacation - Day 1

[regular leave - living with family at our new home in Douglasville, GA but still assigned to squadron in Meridian, MS]

Moving Trip (Part 3) - Day 10

[in the morning, checked back from house-hunting leave - (did I have to travel to Meridian in person ?) - living with family at our new home in Douglasville, GA but still assigned to squadron in Meridian, MS]

Moving Trip (Part 3) - Day 9

[house-hunting leave - living with family at our new home in Douglasville, GA but still assigned to squadron in Meridian, MS]

Moving Trip (Part 3) - Day 8

[house-hunting leave - living with family at our new home in Douglasville, GA but still assigned to squadron in Meridian, MS]

Moving Trip (Part 3) - Day 7

[house-hunting leave - living with family at our new home in Douglasville, GA but still assigned to squadron in Meridian, MS]

Moving Trip (Part 3) - Day 6

[house-hunting leave - living with family at our new home in Douglasville, GA but still assigned to squadron in Meridian, MS]

Moving Trip (Part 3) - Day 5

[house-hunting leave - moved the whole family to the new house - staying in Douglasville, GA but still assigned to squadron in Meridian, MS]

Moving Trip (Part 3) - Day 4

[Nicky got there late in the day - we used the U-Haul truck to get brand new beds for everyone - also got a live Christmas Tree (!) - (turned in the U-Haul) - left Douglasville after it was already dark - filled up the tank in Temple, Georgia (1930L) - ate dinner at Taco Bell in Cottondale, Alabama (2030L) - back in Meridian late (staying with Nicky's parents for the night)]

Moving Trip (Part 3) - Day 3

[weighed the U-Haul Truck before unloading it with Nathaniel - spent the day organizing the new home in Douglasville]

Moving Trip (Part 3) - Day 2

[I rented a U-Haul truck last night and spent most of the day cleaning out the rest of the house in Lauderdale - in the late afternoon, I drove everything to the new house in Douglasville - didn't get much done after I arrived - spent the night in Georgia]

Moving Trip (Part 3) - Day 1

[house-hunting leave - (visiting with my family in the morning ?) - back and forth to Lauderdale, packing for move all afternoon - rented a truck for tomorrow's trip to Douglasville - (staying with in-laws for the night ?)]

Hattiesburg, MS (USA)

[Nicky's graduation - drove from Meridian to Hattiesburg for the ceremony (Dad and Beth and Nicky's parents came with us) - celebration dinner at Copelands afterwards (ate between 1645L and 1800L) - then drove back to Meridian - checked out on house-hunting leave]

Moving Trip (Part 2) - Day 2

[got up early - organized the house - Nicky arrived in the afternoon - we picked up new beds at Sam's Club - dropped off truck at U-Haul (1745L) - left Douglasville, bound for Meridian - gas in Lincoln, Alabama (1919L)]

Moving Trip (Part 2) - Day 1

[rented a U-Haul truck in Meridian yesterday - spent most of last evening and all of this morning (with Nathaniel) loading it up with the big stuff - drove the truck to the new house in Douglasville - unpacked and spent the night]

Moving Trip (Part 1) - Day 2

[woke up in our new home! - left for Meridian around noon - stopped for fuel in Lincoln, Alabama (1410L)]

Moving Trip (Part 1) - Day 1

[left Meridian VERY early this morning - got gas in McCalla, Alabama (0835L) - made it on time to Douglasville for the closing on our new home! - after that, we had a celebration lunch at Hops (finished at 1220L) - did a lot of work to set things up at the house - we slept on the floor in the girls' "Princess Room"]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 7

[left Lewisville, Texas, around 0830L - drove down to I-20 - breakfast in Marshall at Golden Corral (1050L) - stopped for gas in Tallulah, Louisiana (1410L) - continued to Mississippi - in Meridian after dark]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 6

[up before the sun... - saw some great luminaries - departed Albuquerque on I-40 - stopped for fuel in San Jon, New Mexico, at 1035L - continued east to Amarillo and then got on US-287 - drove as far as Lewisville, Texas, where we ate dinner at the Frullati Cafe and Burger King at the Vista Ridge Mall (1935L) - (met up with Gerald and Angie ?) - stayed in the Residence Inn]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 5

[breakfast at the hotel - visiting - kids did "Camp Tamaya" (with Megan & Erin) - watched Native American dances - (Nicky drinks with the ladies)]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 4

[breakfast at the hotel - morning swim at the hotel's outdoor pool (brrrrrr!!!) - Thanksgiving Dinner - night time hay ride (cider and fun)]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 3

[ate breakfast at the hotel - drove to Santa Fe for the day - filled up the gas tank when we arrived (1105) - did some bracelet shopping at the Dancing Bear Gallery (1200) and native crafts shopping at Eagle Dancer on the Plaza (1245) - after that, we left the city and explored the area nearby - ate a late lunch at Pojoaque Plaza Pizza Inn (1445), about 15 miles north of the city - also stopped at Santa Fe Vineyards in Espanola - dinner at Prairie Star Restaurant, near the hotel (finished at 2130)]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 2

[left Witchita Falls, Texas, in the morning - drove west on US-287 - got gas in Childress (1030L) - got on I-40 in Amarillo - stopped for gas in Clines Corners, New Mexico - then drove on to Albuquerque - found our hotel: the Hyatt Regency (Tamaya) - saw all the relatives (always a treat)]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 1

[left Meridian early in the morning - gas fillup in Vicksburg, Mississippi (0900L) - got lunch at Schlotzsky's in Marshall, Texas (1220L) - stopped for the night in Wichita Falls]

Milwaukee, WI (USA)

[(Tim drove me from Chicago to Milwaukee ?) - when I arrived at General Mitchell Airfield, I discovered that my flight student's family had brought two (huge) stuffed bears (we later named them "Raspberry" and "Blueberry") for me to give to my daughters - the mom was so grateful for me bringing her boy to visit - for our return training flights (itinerary uncertain: Fort Wayne, Indiana ?) - then back to Meridian]

South Bend, IN (USA)

[got up early and drove (with Bonnie and other folks from Hobbs) from Chicago to South Bend - visited Hammes Notre Dame Book Store - went to see Notre Dame vs. Tennessee Game - sat behind visitor's bench (three rows up on 50 yard line!) - game was good - drove back to Chicago in the evening]

Milwaukee, WI (USA)

[Training "Cross Country" flight - flew from Meridian to Milwaukee (itinerary uncertain: via Fort Wayne, Indiana ?) - after landing at General Mitchell Airfield, drove to Chicago with my flight student's family arrived at Tim's house - met Bonnie (and friends) at McCormick and Schmick's]

Marietta, GA (USA)

[Had an early lunch at Copeland's Restaurant in Kennesaw - visits with (more) friends - checked on house (again) - got gas in Temple, Georgia, before leaving the area - drove back to Meridian]

Kennesaw, GA (USA)

[drove from Meridian to Kennesaw (very early) - stopped for gas in Lincoln, Alabama (0730L ?) - checked on house - visits with friends - stayed in Townplace Suites]

Kennesaw, GA (USA)

[left Kennesaw in the afternoon - [house business ?] - drove west on I-20 - gas in Tallapoosa, Georgia - (didn't stop again) on the way to Meridian]

Douglasville, GA (USA)

[drove from Kennesaw to Douglasville to sign paperwork for our new home - picked up lunch on the way in Lithia Springs (Wendy's, 1155L) - checked out the progress on our place (it is coming along nicely!) - spent some time exploring nearby - went back to our hotel (Townplace Suites) in Kennesaw later in the day - Nicky picked up some food (for dinner) at Publix in Marietta (1745L) and we ate it in our room]

Kennesaw, GA (USA)

[left Meridian in the afternoon, bound for Georgia - signing on our home tomorrow! - got gas in Lincoln, Alabama (1830L) - made it to Kennesaw a few hours later and checked into the Townplace Suites (again)]

Hattiesburg, MS (USA)

[Nicky had a class scheduled in Hattiesburg and would normally have driven herself there - however, the scary events of the morning made her very nervous to travel by herself and she asked me to take her - I was able to leave the squadron in the early afternoon and we drove down to USM - the class, surprisingly, was not canceled... - I then took Nicky out to dinner at Applebees before we headed back to Meridian]

Douglasville, GA (USA)

More house-hunting - I think we finally might have found a good place: Douglasville (on the west side of the city). It is a smaller locale that hasn't yet joined the city. One neighborhood look particularly promising - we'll have to keep an eye on it... Drove back to Meridian in the evening.

[Atlanta], GA (USA)

Drove from Meridian to the Atlanta area with the kids - taking advantage of another chance to look around for a new home. Stopped for gas in Cottondale, Alabama (1130L). When we arrived in Georgia, we explored several areas in Cobb and Paulding County. [Staying in the Townplace Suites in Kennesaw ?] Ate dinner and played lots of games at Chuck E.

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det in Jacksonville (last day) - checked out of the Orange Park Holiday Inn (after 10 nights!) - gas fillup for rental car at Base Autoport (0915) - turned in rental car - flew from Jax back to Meridian]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det in Jacksonville - worked all day - ate a very late dinner at Hops in Orange Park (finished at 2220) - staying at Holiday Inn (Orange Park)]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det in Jacksonville - worked all day - back to Jax for dinner at Sarnelli's - staying at Holiday Inn (Orange Park)]

[In Transit]

[CQ Det in Jacksonville - worked all day with ____ - (stayed overnight on ship ?)]

[In Transit]

[CQ Det in Jacksonville - worked all day aboard ____ - (stayed overnight on ship ?)]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det in Jacksonville - worked all day aboard ___ - (stayed overnight on ship ?)]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det in Jacksonville - Firehouse Subs (lunch ?) - shopping at the Orange Park Mall (bought a book at Barnes & Noble - went to the movies - Golden China (dinner ?) - got gas at Exxon in Mandarin (2000) - staying at Holiday Inn (Orange Park)]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det in Jacksonville - worked all day with ___ / (round of drinks at) Damons (1620) - staying at Holiday Inn (Orange Park)]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det in Jacksonville - Firehouse Subs (for lunch) - (_____) at Golf Course at 1545L - (dinner at Hops ?) - staying at Holiday Inn (Orange Park)]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det in Jacksonville - Rae's Rocket Diner / Chevy's - staying at Holiday Inn (Orange Park)]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det in Jacksonville - transit from Meridian to Jax - ended up playing golf in the afternoon with ... - staying at Holiday Inn (Orange Park) - movie theatre]

Montgomery, AL (USA)

[out and in to Dannelly Field, Montgomery - back to Meridian]

Hobbs Trip - Day 4

Left early (0800) and was seen off by almost everyone - what an event! The Airport Manager and lots of locals showed up to see us take off. It was cool to be "celebrities" and it was sad to leave... Stopped through Oklahoma City on the way back to Meridian - even had time for a great burger...

Hobbs Trip - Day 3

Woke up early and met everyone at St. Helena's. The church was dedicating the new Parish Center - named after Bonnie's husband, Bob. Everyone who knows the family was there - it was packed! I'm glad that I was able to be here for this event - it was really special. Had a reception at the Country Club. Went back to Bonnie's later and spent time with the family. Went to bed earlier tonight - we need to go back tomorrow...

Hobbs Trip - Day 2

Not much was planned for the morning, so my student and I headed out of town to visit Carlsbad Caverns. Even though I've been out here before, this was the first time I have ever been in the caverns. It was great - pure darkness, cool air, bats... Spent several hours in there - and then bought souvenirs (1300L) - before heading back towards Hobbs. Stopped for a great Mexican (late) lunch in Carlsbad. Back at Bonnie's around 1600L. Mass with Bonnie at 1700L at St. Helena's. Later, family wanted me to take them over to the Airport and show them the plane - that was fun. Headed back to Bonnie's for another get-together (this time a pre-dedication party). Stayed up late...

Hobbs Trip - Day 1

[Training "Cross Country" Mission] Left Meridian late in the day - wanted to get into Hobbs after dark. Stopped in Fort Smith (Arkansas) for fuel. Dodged thunderstorms on our next flight over to Midland, TX. Weather wasn't a whole lot better there, and we had to wait for a couple of hours for a good weather brief... Eventually took off for Lea County Airport. Delayed in the air to complete our training and get my student his night time... Landed around 2000. Kathy and several of my other cousins met us. Turns out, the airport hasn't had anything like my jet here before - ever! Lots of locals coming up to us to see what the commotion was... Went over to Bonnie's and had a great party tonight. My student was welcomed by the family (as every guest always is...). Slept at the Holiday Inn Express on the Lovington Highway for the night...

Douglasville, GA (USA)

[more househunting - gas in Douglasville (GA) at 1900L - drove back to Meridian late]

Kennesaw, GA (USA)

[drove from Meridian to the Atlanta area for some househunting - got gas in Villa Rica, Georgia (1230L) - stayed in Towneplace Suites in Kennesaw]

Jackson, MS (USA)

[flew over and did approaches in Jackson]

Kennesaw, GA (USA)

[checked out of Townplace Suites at 1030L - more househunting - drove from Atlanta to Meridian in the afternoon (stopped for gas in Bessemer, Alabama, at 2115L)]

Kennesaw, GA (USA)

[more househunting - got gas in Acworth, Georgia (1651L) - dinner and fun at Chuck E. Cheese - back to Townplace Suites]

Kennesaw, GA (USA)

[drove from Meridian to Atlanta (for househunting) - got a late start, though - then made the mistake of using US-80 to I-85, thinking that would be faster (I was wrong) - with the time change, it was already 2200L by the time we got gas in Newnan, Georgia - and we didn't get to our hotel until very late (2300L) - spent the night at Townplace Suites in Kennesaw]

Meridian, MS (USA)

[after work, went over to join up with Nicky and the kids at the Okatibbee Water Park ?]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det in Jacksonville - checked out of Holiday Inn (Orange Park) - got gas for rental car at Lil Champ on 103rd Street (0845) - returned to NAS Jax - then flew home to Meridian (arrived late)]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

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

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det in Jacksonville - worked all day - got gas for rental car at 2125 (Orange Park) - staying at Holiday Inn (Orange Park)]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det in Jacksonville - worked all day - dinner at Damon's (done at 1745) - 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)

[CQ Det in Jacksonville - flew from Meridian to Jax - stayed at Holiday Inn (Orange Park) - called Nicky in the evening]

Philadelphia, MS (USA)

[horse party for twins - drove over to NAS to show kids the planes - took Megan home (to Philadelphia)]

Cape Cod Trip - Day 16

Didn't start too late this morning, but we got slowed down with a long breakfast at Cracker Barrel in Wytheville, Virginia (0820L). After we were finished, I filled up the tank next door (1025L) and then we continued south on I-81. Got some lunch at Taco Bell in Dandridge, Tennessee (1221L). After that, drove through Knoxville and down to Chattanooga - [used I-59 most of the way to Birmingham - got off and drove over to Fort Payne, Alabama (Nicky's dad grew up there) - saw the old homestead and got gas (1600L) - drove back over to I-59] - back in Meridian by dark...

Cape Cod Trip - Day 15

Got up early so we could enjoy some more time with Pat, Mike, Aileen, Alanna and Rory. Went to a nearby playground before saying goodbye. It was a nice visit. Parked at a nearby Metro station and took the train into Washington. [it was raining ?] We met up with John, Ann, Mary, Leo, Joy and the kids near the Capitol Building. John knows someone who helped us get a special tour - it was really interesting! The behind the scenes opportunity was great - we saw several important folks and sat in the gallery of the Senate chamber. It was also nice to visit with everyone - and the kids had fun with their cousins. After several hours walking around DC, we said goodbye to everyone and got back on the train. Once we were in our car again, we took I-66 to I-81. Gas near Front Royal, Virginia, around 1615L. Stopped for dinner at Burger King in Mount Jackson (1650L). Stopped in Wytheville for the night (Motel 6).

Cape Cod Trip - Day 14

Drove down to Rockville to visit Pat and Mike today. Got there around lunch time and found that Aileen was there too. Pat's grand-kids, Rory and Alanna, had a lot of fun playing with our kids. We were going to go down to a hotel in Virginia, but Pat insisted that we stay. Enjoyed visiting with them - playgrounds and walks near their house. Spent a lot of the evening doing genealogy...

Cape Cod Trip - Day 13

Left the hotel at 1025L and headed south. Decided not to use Interstate (traffic) and (instead) took PA-34 and US-15 to get to Gettysburg. Visited the Post Office in town at 1240L. We saw a sign for "The Land of Little Horses" and decided to head over there (1330L). The place featured cute miniature horses that the kids were allowed to pet and brush. Erin ended up playing (a bit aggressively, I guess) with a baby horse and then got bit by a protective mother (she never has luck with the equines...). Later, we explored the Civil War Battlefield. After a full day of fun, we departed Gettysburg. Picked up some supplies at Trout's Jubilee in Emmitsburg, Maryland, (1455L) and then drove down to Frederick and checked into the Glendale Lodge for the night.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 12

[checked out of the CGES Temporary Quarters at 0810L - picked up a few supplies before leaving the Cape (0930L) - drove over to Rhode Island and got off I-195 to explore the Newport area (mansions, etc.) - even had a chance to visit the home I lived in when I was a little kid (Wickford) - back on I-95 towards NYC - (crossed Hudson in city / George Washington Bridge ?) - (used I-95 to get to I-78 and then drove west) - gas in Clinton, New Jersey (1800L) - stopped for the night (2110L) in Carlisle and stayed at the Glendale Lodge]

Cape Cod Trip - Day 11

Spent most of the day on the Cape... Saw Bryan, Aunt Irene and Grammy... Beth called and asked us to come for a cookout, so we did - had a nice time with her and then went back to our hotel.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 10

After getting a gas fill-up at the Cape Cod Mini Mart (0850), we drove up to Quincy again.  There was a little more traffic this time... When we arrived at Katie's, she had set up a party for the twins! After that, we spent the whole day in Boston with Katie, John, Aria and Carolyn - it was really fun. Took a ride on the Swan boats in Boston Public Garden - another great moment! Photos of "Make Way for Ducklings" again. Topped off the Boston trip was another visit to FAO Schwarz (1700L) - couldn't miss that I guess... Parted ways with everyone as we left the city and drove back to our hotel in Falmouth. Bed late...

Cape Cod Trip - Day 9

Left our hotel early and drove over to Woods Hole. Down at the ferry pier at 0800 - thought there would be more people... No problem getting aboard for a ride to Martha's Vinyard. Nicky has always wanted to go there - and she was really excited. We bought tickets for a tour of the island and took a school bus around to all the sights: Gay Head Light, Oak Bluffs and the Black Dog Restaurant (bought souvenirs at 1400L). The tour guide wanted to show us where all the famous people lived (boooorrrring!)... Nicky did have a good time and bought several souvenirs (e.g., Calico Sue's in Vinyard Haven at 1335L). Later, though, she said "It wasn't as good as I thought it would be..." After we got back to Cape Cod, we drove over to see Grammy. She was happy to see us. Drove through Brewster on the way back to Falmouth, including the Brewster Store and Mill. Later in the afternoon, we stopped at the Marshside Restaurant for seafood - Nicky's favorite (finished at 1930L). Back to the hotel later - we have to wake up early to go to Boston tomorrow...

Cape Cod Trip - Day 8

Got up early again. Got gas (0910) before driving up to Katie's in Quincy. The drive wasn't too bad from our hotel (Cape Cod Inn). Drove into the city to visit the Boston Children's Museum - always a big hit with the kids. They really enjoyed spending time with Aria. We were there almost all day and they they were exhausted (yaaahhh!) when we finally left (1600). Next, drove to Katie's so we could have dinner with her family and Carolyn. I made a run to the Houghs Neck Package store at 1745 (we had run out of drinks).  The highlight of the evening (for almost everyone) was when Katie and Carolyn produced a box kite kit and asked me to assemble and fly it. Meanwhile, the twins played with Aria and Nicky filled my unsuccessful attempts to run the kite around in a ball field. After several hours of effort, the pretty sunset along the beach near their house finally allowed me to "call the game" on account of "it never worked!!!" Headed back to the Cape VERY late...

Cape Cod Trip - Day 7

Left early [ended up leaving Brenna's stuffed dog, Toffee, at the hotel - they mailed it to us, though]. Drove around in Kingston for a little while, just to see a few things - including St. Joseph's Catholic Church, the old family parish. Got gas in town (1045L) and then crossed the Hudson River and used NY-9W to get to I-84. However, we didn't get on that road (as we usually do). Instead, we continued on 9W into Connecticut and then connected with I-95. Took I-195, I-495, MA-25 and US-6 to get to Cape Cod. Dad isn't in town this time, so we decided to stay over in Falmouth. We got a nice place to stay not far from the shopping and waterfront. Ended up eating dinner at a place called Pesci's. On the way back to our hotel, picked up supplies at Stop & Shop.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 6

Woke up after a nice sleep. Fueled up in Binghamton (0915L). We got breakfast nearby, at McDonald's (0920L). We decided to take our time driving through the Catskills. Continued on NY-17 until reaching NY-30. Drove into Ulster County from the West side. Had a number for a distant relative, Jack - called him and he wanted to get together. I had never met him, but I have wanted to meet someone who lives in the area of Kingston to learn more about our Coogan roots there. As we were driving along NY-28, we came into the little town of Mount Tremper. They have a place called the Lodge at Catskill Corners Lodge - and it looked nice. We got a room (1230L) and discovered there was a restaurant next door called "The Spotted Dog." Nicky said she would be OK with the kids there (they finished lunch at 1540L and then went to the Kaatskill Kaleidoscope, next door, until 1730L), so I went over to Hurley to meet up with my relative. Driving along NY-28, saw some pretty hills and lakes. Met Frank and his wife (Arlene). We did some genealogy and then Frank took me on a tour of the Hurley quarries. We also went into Kingston and he showed me where the family used to live. Ended up at St. Mary's Cemetery, where I showed them the Coogan plot (they had never seen it before!). As it was getting dark, drove back to Mt. Tremper. Kids and Nicky were in good spirits...

Cape Cod Trip - Day 5

Didn't leave early - even went down to Lake Erie to walk on the "beach." Threw lots of rocks in the water... Then headed over to a nearby Chuck-E-Cheese for a few hours. Continued on I-90 into New York. Stopped for gas at the Lake County Dairy in Westfield (1455L) and then Nicky picked up stamps at the Post Office (1500L). Also picked up a hat at The Wool Works nearby. After that, we got off the interstate and used NY-17 (it has really changed since I last drove the road - see AUG 1989!) to continue east. We explored the Finger Lakes region, stopping off at some covered bridges and enjoying the pleasant weather. We drove as far as we could until it got dark - and then drove some more! Ended up eating dinner at Friendly's in Binghamton (finished at 2200L). I would have kept driving, but Nicky and the kids were ready to go to sleep - ended up staying in a Motel 6 in Binghamton.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 4

This morning, we got to visit one of the coolest places we have taken the kids: a drive-through wild animal park (American Safari Wildlife), complete with Rhinos, Bison, Giraffes, Llamas (etc.). It was located in Port Clinton, Ohio (near Sandusky), not too far from our hotel. We arrived around noon and bought tickets that allowed us to drive through the park more than once. The first time we didn't take any food - but when we went through again, we fed the animals. Boy, was that crazy! They tore the buckets right out of our hands -and even stuck their heads inside the car! We got some funny video of Nicky fighting off a Buffalo (!) inside the window... We walked around near caged animal displays and picked up some souvenirs before we left (1330L). Later, we drove east to Erie, Pennsylvania and stopped for the night (Residence Inn). Had a chance to swim with the kids in the hotel pool...

Cape Cod Trip - Day 3

Up early again - to take a tour of the ND Campus. Right now they are in between final exams and graduation week, so it was kind of quiet... Visited the Grotto (kids in awe - really!). Also walked around St. Mary's and St. Joseph's Lakes, went in the Basilica and even found our cousin Tim's name on the wall at the Joyce Convocation Center... Bought souvenirs there - items from the 2001 Women's Basketball Championship (they won in April!). Got some lunch (at Burger King and Tomasittos) on Campus (1355L). But the highlight, as always, was when we visited the Book Store. Before leaving South Bend, we picked up some supplies on the outskirts of town (1440L) and then drove East (on I-80/90 ?). Before entering Ohio, we saw signs for Amish Country, so we got off the main road so Nicky could shop (she always has a great time bartering and finding interesting things). We ended up with a bag of cheese she picked up at Deutsch Kase Haus in Middlebury, Indiana (1812L). The goal was to make it to Toledo - we ended up staying in Holland, Ohio, at a Fairfield Inn. Filled up the gas tank (2035L) before getting to bed.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 2

Got up kind of early so we could visit Mammoth Cave. Nicky and I had been there before, but this time we had the kids. Spent several hours there - in the cave and on the walking trails. Had a good lunch at the park (finished 1255L) before heading north again. Since it was a Sunday, there wasn't much traffic (easy trip through Louisville and Indianapolis). Got gas in Columbus, Indiana, at 1505L. Stopped near Bunker Hill (to see the Grisson Air Force Base airplane display ?) and picked up dinner at Subway (1836L). Arrived in South Bend - and the Notre Dame campus - around 2200L. There was room at the Morris Inn again, luckily, and we actually had a view of the Golden Dome! When I told the girls that Saint Mary was on top, they thought it was really special (and asked me about it many, many, many times). It took a while to get them to sleep...

Cape Cod Trip - Day 1

Got started late today (stuck cleaning up the house)... When we finally got on the road, we had to stop for some coffee for Nicky in Tuscaloosa (1200L). Used I-59 to get to I-65 and then drove north. Got some gas in Decatur, Alabama (1415L). After a drive through Tennessee, we made it into Kentucky (later than I'd planned). Ate dinner at China One Buffet King in Bowling Green (finished at 1930L). Stayed in the Courtyard hotel (nearby).

Hattiesburg, MS (USA)

[went with Nicky to her school]

Midland, TX (USA)

Left the Vacation Inn first thing this morning and headed to NAF El Centro.  Flying with a student who was complete. We were able to two leg it back to Meridian (that is usually hard) with the great winds behind us. Stopped for lunch in Midland and then flew home. Had a close encounter with some other aircraft (due to radio problems) west of Meridian and had to talk it over with my boss later... Still, made it back to Lauderdale by around 1900.  It was great to see Nicky and the kids!

El Centro, CA (USA)

[Detachment to El Centro (next to last day)]  Worked all day. Completed the hotel check-out process in advance (2110L) to avoid the rush when everyone else leaves the Vacation Inn in the morning...

El Centro, CA (USA)

[Detachment to El Centro - worked all day - staying at Vacation Inn]

El Centro, CA (USA)

[Detachment to El Centro - worked all day - staying at Vacation Inn]

El Centro, CA (USA)

[Detachment to El Centro - worked all day - staying at Vacation Inn]

Temecula, CA (USA)

[no flying today - got gas at 0805 in El Centro - with others from my squadron, drove over to Temecula for wine tasting (and purchase!) - visited Maurice Carrie Winery (1515), Mount Palomar Winery (1549), (back to) Maurice Carrie Winery (1630), Cilurzo Winery (1645) - got gas again in Temecula (1710) before heading back to El Centro - staying in Vacation Inn]

El Centro, CA (USA)

[Detachment to El Centro - worked all day - staying at Vacation Inn]

El Centro, CA (USA)

[Detachment to El Centro]  Got to take another trip to the desert for some training... Left Meridian in the morning and planned to get gas in Abilene on the way to El Centro. Instead, found out that we couldn't land there because of the weather (the field reported tornados on the ground right as we arrived!). We barely had enough gas to make it over to Midland (whew!). That turned out OK, though, since the new flight plan allowed me to fly near Hobbs on the next leg. Checked out Lea County airport with my student flying approaches (didn't land) - might be able to come back here sometime... Got gas in El Paso next - and some lunch. Ended up giving up my student to another instructor who was waiting there, and then flew formation flight over to El Centro on Matt's wing. It was kind of fun to be solo and we had a good trip. Arrived just before sunset. Stayed at Vacation Inn (in El Centro).

Hobbs Trip - Day 9

[after spending the night in ______, we were up early for our drive back to Meridian]

Hobbs Trip - Day 8

[left the condo in the morning, bound for home - stopped in Hobbs to see Bonnie - got gas in Snyder, Texas (1600L) - made it through the Dallas/Fort Worth Metro area without too much difficulty - filled up the tank again in Kilgore (2115L) - spent the night ______]

Hobbs Trip - Day 7

[explored Ruidoso - visited Smokey Bear Museum (1000L) - later drove up to ski resort (Ski Apache) and played in snow on the mountain - pony rides - (dinner ?) at Great Wall of China on Sudderth - more fun in snow near condo]

Hobbs Trip - Day 6

[drove west from Hobbs, bound for Ruidoso - after filling up the tank in Artesia (1120L), we saw Chuck and had lunch with him - in the afternoon, we drove on to Roswell - Nicky wanted to see the "Alien Crash Site" so we drove out there - saw two F-117's flying low level (it scared Nicky) - made it to condo in Ruidoso (nice!) before dark]

Hobbs Trip - Day 5

[visiting with Bonnie - we went shopping at Hastings Entertainment (1315)]

Hobbs Trip - Day 4

[visiting with Bonnie - visited a "cowboy" museum in town - St. Helena playground fun]

Hobbs Trip - Day 3

[visiting with Bonnie - family portraits in back yard (pretty flowers)]

Hobbs Trip - Day 2

[drove from DFW area toward Hobbs on I-20 - stopped for a break in Abilene (Dyess Air Park) - also got gas there (1600L) - it was such a nice sunny day! - made it into New Mexico late, but the time change helped a little - stayed at Bonnie's house - very relaxing]

Hobbs Trip - Day 1

[left Meridian in the morning, bound for the DFW area - got gas in Greenwood, Louisiana (1815L) - (stayed with Gerald and Angie ?)]

Milton, FL (USA)

[road show to Milton and back to Meridian]

Jackson, MS (USA)

[shopping with Nicky in Jackson - (Sam's Club at 1345L) - gas in Pearl, Mississippi (1420L)]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det to Jacksonville (last day) - checked out of Holiday Inn on US-17 - flew from Jax back to Meridian]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det to Jacksonville - worked all day with Big E - staying in Holiday Inn on US-17]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det to Jacksonville - worked all day - staying in Holiday Inn on US-17]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det to Jacksonville - worked all day - staying in Holiday Inn on US-17]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CQ Det to Jacksonville - flew from Meridian to Jax - staying in Holiday Inn on US-17]

Pensacola, FL (USA)

Woke up [at my hotel] really early and [walked] over to John's work to watch the ceremony. I'm really glad I came through Pensacola for this! I met John's boss and then we all went over to the Officer's Club for lunch (1145L). I've been at that place before and might have gone somewhere completely new.  However, eating there meant having more getting to eat with John and his family - especially now that he got his promotion. Overall, it was a really nice visit. Departed Pensacola and flew to Meridian (with my "Completer" flight student) at around 1600. The weather wasn't cooperating but actually still beat everyone else coming back from El Centro...  Drove back to Lauderdale after getting all my required paperwork completed.  What a trip!

Houston, TX (USA)

Checked out of the Vacation Inn very early (0540) because I wanted to get on my way out of town! While doing our mission planning, I discovered that I didn't even have to do any training on the way home because my student is already done with everything! Called John and told him I'd be at his promotion - he seemed happy...  I asked one of the other guys to return my rental car to Enterprise the following day and he agreed.  We departed El Centro early and flew to El Paso.  After a fuel stop, we headed to Houston. At the latter location, we had a problem while talking to one of the controllers (I think it was the fact that we only have UHF and couldn't do the approach he wanted) - he put me in holding about 50 miles south of Houston.  When we switched to another controller, she helped us out and we made it into Ellington Field OK. Following this fuel stop, our flight to Pensacola was uneventful (we arrived at around 1800). John was actually still at work and I was able to walk over to where he was. Met his co-workers and he showed me around his office. He later drove me to [my hotel]. Met up with Ann and John's Aunt for dinner at Chili's. Stayed up late talking...

El Centro, CA (USA)

One more day in El Centro...  Before leaving the Vacation Inn, I called Nicky again (0730). Worked all day - the weather was (still) great. It's been an awesome Detachment!  Some of the guys had heard about a steak restaurant, located about 30 miles north of here, and we all decided to check it out after work was done. We didn't leave the hotel until around 2000 and it took around 45 minutes just to locate the town. It ended up being a little place - almost deserted - but there was indeed a restaurant there. It was called "Town Pump." I was impressed by the menu - more choices of steak and the different cuts than I have seen before. Had a great dinner - I think everyone did. Afterwards, it a lot of time to get back to Imperial...

El Centro, CA (USA)

After saying goodbye to my cousins, my flight student and I left Long Beach and flew back to El Centro this morning (arrived at the NAF by 0900).  Once I got inside the hangar, I learned they had me on schedule for two more flights.  This was definitely a bonus - I even got some solo leads. All the flights were great and I headed back to the Vacation Inn and planned to settle in for an evening at Scribbles.  Had dinner there (sat down at 1700).  While I was there, I got a really unexpected piece of news our Detachment has been extended until February 1st.  I thought I was staying too but my boss told me "you did one extra day here - so go on home." With this additional evidence of his happiness with how I handled the first few days of the trip, I figured I'd ask if I could stop through Pensacola.  My cousin (John's) job promotion was going to be happening there over the weekend and I hoped to attend.  I really didn't expect to get a "yes" but he told me "have a good time" (!!!). Before bed, I called Nicky (2015) to tell her the news.  I guess getting here "early" was a really good thing...  

Long Beach, CA (USA)

Slept in a little late, but I forgot that we are three hours from the normal kickoff time I'm used to! The Super Bowl party actually began around 1400 - lots of Leo and Mary's friends came. It was a pretty good game and we got to watch the first episode of "Survivor" when the game ended - I had really never watched it before, but I liked it. Stayed up late again after Mary and Leo drove me around town a little bit. Sunset was great. I'm glad that I was able to visit them while I was out here. I leave tomorrow...

Long Beach, CA (USA)

After shepherding all the students and wayward instructors for over a week, I'm in pretty good with the boss now.  As a reward of sorts, he told me I could take one of the students "and get some training done somewhere until Monday morning" (!!!). I had called my cousins - Kathy, Kevin and Mary - earlier in the trip to see if we could get together while I was here. Ended up hearing from Mary's husband, Leo, this morning: they are having a Super Bowl Party! They offered to put me up at their place if I could come, so I took off from El Centro around 1600 and got to Long Beach (after stops in San Diego) at around 1900. On final, a giant stork (or heron) took off right in front of us - I was SURE we would hit it, but we lucked out... Leo picked me up and took me back to their house - it is nice! Went over to Patsy's Irish Pub in Westminster and had some drinks. Back to their house after that - we stayed up late talking and got to bed after midnight...

El Centro, CA (USA)

[El Centro Detachment - worked all day - staying in the Vacation Inn]

El Centro, CA (USA)

[called Nicky at 0730L - El Centro Detachment - worked all day - staying in the Vacation Inn]

El Centro, CA (USA)

[El Centro Detachment - worked all day - called Nicky at 1715L - got cash from ATM in El Centro at 2010L - staying in the Vacation Inn]

El Centro, CA (USA)

[El Centro Detachment - worked all day - staying in the Vacation Inn - called Nicky around 2000L]

El Centro, CA (USA)

[El Centro Detachment - worked all day - staying in the Vacation Inn]

San Diego, CA (USA)

Got up around 0800 and we (me and other members of my squadron) left in a 15 passenger van at 0900. Took I-8 over the mountains and got into town around 1100. Spent some time poking around near the beach - and then went over to Point Loma. Got cash from a NFCU ATM at 1300 and ate lunch at Gordon Biersch, a great brew-pub (started at 1345 and spent a few hours there). Some of the guys wanted to stop at an Indian Casino we had passed on the way into town. Reluctantly, I agreed to this plan and ended up losing $100 in short order.  Actually, this is a normal experience for me on Navy group trips to casinos - I then hung out for several more hours while everyone else had their own fun... Drove back to El Centro around 2000.  It was getting dark as we came over the mountains and got a good look at the lights of the Imperial Valley. Called Nicky soon after we got back to the Vacation Inn and talked to her until it was time for bed.  Always a great day when you get to visit San Diego!

El Centro, CA (USA)

Things getting a little more organized this morning - more people started to arrive at around 0900. We've still heard reports of stranded aircraft across the Mountain Time-zone - my Boss (back home) is still very unhappy... Flew twice more today - the weather in El Centro is great! I love this place - no clouds, mountains and Salton Sea, sand dunes (etc.). After I got done with the second flight, learned I'm off tomorrow because other people need to fly (some guys have to make up for being late...). [Had the car to myself, so] I stopped in El Centro to eat dinner at Denny's (finished at 2055L). Drove over to the movie theatre [in Imperial] and caught the 9 PM movie ("Cast Away"). When I got back to the hotel (Vacation Inn) afterwards, some of the guys were awake and told me they want to go to San Diego tomorrow.  Sounds like a plan!

El Centro, CA (USA)

Since no one else from my squadron was expected to arrive in El Centro today, I ended up becoming the "guy in charge". My boss (back home) told me to get as many students going on their training as possible. Between me and the Venezuelan Exchange Pilot, we were able to fly four training missions (two flights each). When two more planes unexpectedly arrived in the afternoon, I took a division out for some four-plane work. The result of all this effort was that some students can solo tomorrow... Also got directed to create a night solo route in the Imperial Valley - I'll check that out soon. Had a few more stragglers show up in their Buckeyes after dark - it appears we might actually be able to get even more training going tomorrow. Up late again at Scribblers.  Spent the night at the Vacation Inn.

El Centro, CA (USA)

Checked out of the Kelly Inn (Air Force Inns) at 0805 and got out of the chocks by around 0900.  The weather was great. My student and I flew from San Antonio to El Paso and got gas. After that, we flew to El Centro (arrived at around [1200L]).  In addition to actually arriving on the correct day, I and got all three training flights completed for my student. This was a huge detail because, it turns out, we were the only ones who made to the Detachment location today! Meanwhile, the other 20 planes won't be here until at least tomorrow night. They decided to go through Denver (?!!!) and ended up getting stuck in a bad ice storm. There'll be hell to pay for this one... But we (our flight of two Buckeyes, including my Venezuelan Exchange Pilot friend and his student) are heroes! The maintenance guys (and the 40 students who came in on a DC-9 yesterday...) were also very happy to have something to do. After picking up my rental car (from Enterprise) [at 1225 ?], I drove over to Imperial and checked into the Vacation Inn.  It appeared to be much nicer than the lodging on base at NAF El Centro... Spent some time relaxing and exploring the areas near the base before heading back to the flight line to ensure the schedule was approved for the following day.  Met some of the Blue Angels tonight at a nearby bar, "Scribbles" (2020). Bed around midnight.  Long day, but feeling good about starting this Detachment!

San Antonio, TX (USA)

[Detachment to El Centro] Woke up early this morning for our flight out to El Centro (CA). Waited for nearly five hours for the fog to lift - it never did. Our boss was pacing the room for hours trying to get us to leave. However, the rules are written for our students to ensure we don't fly in this kind of weather... Finally, after it was clear we wouldn't get there by tonight (the original plan), he gave us the green light to leave - for any destination that would get us to California by tomorrow night. I decided to go with an exchange pilot (from Venezuela) and we figured out that the weather was nice down in New Orleans (and as far as San Antonio) - we got permission to fly our students down there so they could fly their training missions. Got there around 1600, got gas and left pretty quickly. Arrived in San Antonio just as the sun was setting. We flew into Kelly Air Force Base, a place I figured we could easily get lodging.  Unfortunately, this plan immediately hit a snag: it turned out that they were in the process of closing down and all lodging was restricted to "needs of the Air Force."  Luckily, they were very nice and found some rooms for us at the Kelly Inn (Air Force Inns).  In true "Chair Force" style, they also welcomed us to their bar, "The Kelly Club", which was still open nearby (despite the BRAC process). Had a few drinks (finished by 1900L) and then I called my cousin, Andy. He drove over to pick me up and then he took me over to his place (he also drove me by his work). I'm glad I ended up In San Antonio - an unexpected surprise...

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[(day trip ?) - drove to Pensacola to visit John, Ann and Duncan - party - gas on "Highway 98 West" at 1815L]