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...