Thanksgiving Trip - Day 10

[had a very early departure - hotel shuttle to airport - flew back to Atlanta via Phoenix (Sky Harbor) - met by our limo service]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 9

[said good-bye to Mary, Leo & Shannon around lunch time and then drove to LAX (checked into Airport Marriot) - called Kathy and coordinated a visit in Santa Monica - directions OK, but I missed a turn in Culver City and then (apparently) drove through a red light (ticket arrived in late JAN 2003) - had a very enjoyable time with Kathy, walking along the waterfront and seeing where she worked - had dinner and then headed back to our hotel - I took the rental car back to the airport, since we get to use the hotel shuttle in the morning (1700L) - while trying to get to sleep (yeah, right), the kids had fun watching airplanes on final approach fly right over hotel - as you might have guessed, no one got much sleep]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 8

[went with Mary, Leo and Shannon to Disneyland in Anaheim - had great fun all day - we left the park in the early evening and had dinner together at Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria (finished at 2030L) - drove back to Mary and Leo's house - got gas in Westminster - kids got another "sleepover" with Shannon]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 7

[breakfast at Baleen - visited with family before we had to leave - departed Paradise Point around noon - drove out to Julian to explore and have some apple pie at the Julian Cafe (1500L) - kids' first root beer - headed over to Temecula to visit my favorite winery (Wilson Creek) to pick up some Almond Champaigne (made it just before they closed) - took I-15 north and then cut across the mountains to Long Beach - had dinner with Mary and Leo at Lone Star Steakhouse (finished at 1920L) - stayed with them over night (Shannon excited for sleep-over visitors!)]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 6

[drove up to one of our favorite places in the San Diego area: the Wild Animal Park in Escondido (see several entries from 1995) - most of the other family members went with us (lots of great action photos) - ate lunch at a place called "Mombasa Cooker" (1155L) - Nicky found great souvenirs (1405L) and took several rolls worth of "action shots" - after a great day, we went back to the hotel - spent several hours visiting before heading back to the room]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 5

[visiting in the morning - it was raining, but several of us went over to Sea World (1015L) - when we arrived, Terry and Trish suggested we do a "behind the scenes" tour - it rained most of the day, but we ended up having a great time anyway (with Bonnie, Terry, Trish, Megan and Erin) - got great seats, toured research labs, petted and fed the dolphins (!!!) - bought some souvenirs (1730L) - apparently, it wasn't enough, because we bought more souvenirs later (1830L) - on the way home, we drove through our old neighborhood (see 1995) - while we were getting gas at the Kensington Auto Center (1925L), the clerk told us that crime was much worse now than when we lived in the area - (visiting with family again) - back at our room very late]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 4

[Thanksgiving dinner at hotel - more swimming]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 3

[breakfast with several relatives at Baleen - lots of visiting (kids) and shopping (Nicky) - swimming with all the kids at several of the many pools - quick lunch at Baleen - back to the pool... - after a full day of fun, we headed back to our room to change for dinner (we had to dress up!) - then we drove up to La Jolla to eat dinner at the Marine Room - it was very fancy (several course meal) - enjoyed the waves crashing on the beach (everyone enjoyed themselves tremendously) - back at the hotel late]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 2

[took off for LAX after midnight - arrived there at 0300L - got lucky and found a rental car (0330L), although Nicky called it an "ugly Aztec" - tried to find a hotel at several places along I-5 but gave up after having trouble finding a reasonable rate (I didn't want to pay such high prices for only a few hours of sleep) - since kids and Nicky were asleep, I ended up driving all the way to San Diego - we arrived at 0730L - checked into Paradise Point Resort & Spa (near Sea World and on Mission Bay) - Nicky and girls ate breakfast at the hotel restaurant, "Baleen" while I took a nap for several hours - she also went out to pick up groceries at Vons - by the time I woke up, lots of family had arrived - I took the kids while Nicky went shopping in Fashion Valley - late in the afternoon, we met up with everyone for dinner at Casa de Pico]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 1

[departure scheduled for after 1900L - limo service - problems with wind in Ontario - got our ticket switched to LAX - flew from Atlanta to Las Vegas - waiting in terminal at midnight]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[date uncertain - lifts between Norfolk & Jax - delay until field opening - Tom]

Norfolk, VA (USA)

[date uncertain - lifts between Norfolk & Jax - delay until field opening]

[(USA)]

[rescue mission with Andy - flew tires to another aircraft (late in day)]

Kennesaw, GA (USA)

[H&F ? - at Bahama Breeze in Kennesaw]

Atlanta, GA (USA)

[golf all day at Fort McPherson]

Chattanooga, TN (USA)

[woke up early - had enough time to spend most of another day in Chattanooga! - Nicky and the girls had the hotel breakfast buffet (finished at 0815L) while I packed the car - we visited the Creative Discovery Museum - the kids loved it - (lunch at the museum at 1400L ?) - bought some good souvenirs (1455L) and then drove back to Douglasville]

Chattanooga, TN (USA)

[woke up one more time in the camp site - had breakfast at the Town Square Cafe in Tellico Plains - packed everything up as quick as we could, then headed out of town, bound for Chattanooga - (drove back to Vonore to pick up junk yard part ?) - got gas in Vonore (1030) - (lunch at A&W) - (visited the Mayfield Dairy in Athens, Tennessee - kids had a great time and free samples!) - [stopped at the Exhibit Shop gift shop] - visited the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga (1615) - bought souvenirs before we left (1750) - later walked across the river to explore Coolidge Park (fountains and playing ball until dark - stayed in the Courtyard Downtown]

Tellico Plains, TN (USA)

[woke up at camp site (early) - (breakfast) - first stop was Tellico Falls (pretty by misty morning light) - drove north (into Madisonville and got on US-411 ?) - turned on to TN-360 and explored the area near the Tellico Dam - stopped to tour the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum (1045L) - spent about half an hour there - we learned that this area, where the Tellico River and Little Tennessee River meet, is the home of the Tanasi Indians (namesake for the state) - (looked around Fort Loudon, which was on the same island ?) - (junk yard search for parts for Voyager ?) - we all enjoyed the mountains for most of the afternoon - had dinner at the Tellihala Cafe in Tellico Plains (finished at 1845L) - stopped for ice cream at the Town Square Cafe (finished at 1915L) - later, we had fun at the KOA - went on flashlight walks!]

Tellico Plains, TN (USA)

[left Atlanta (around noon ?) for a vacation in the Tennessee mountains - drive went well - we arrived in Tellico Plains (in the late afternoon ?) and immediately stopped at the KOA - set up the tents (one big and one little) and then put up the picnic table cover - Nicky got some cider and (marshmellows) at the camp store (1830L) - we relaxed by the fire(cookout ?) - enjoyed the star gazing (and nature walks)]

Marietta, GA (USA)

[hail and farewell ? - dinner and games at Dave & Busters (in Marietta)]

[Fairfield], CA (USA)

Took off after fueling (Travis) - very dark - flew all night long and got to see the Atlanta Skyline as the sun rose...

Honolulu, HI (USA)

Walked along the beach this morning. Nice place - waded in the warm water. Spent as much time in the room as I could, but they made us check out at 1200L. Killed time until 1600L, when we departed (trouble with customs/agriculture ?) - flew from Honolulu to San Francisco in the dark - landed around midnight - Brant and Keith got into a fight while we were fueling...

Midway Island (USA)

Slept as late as I could this morning. Packed and relaxed in the room for a few hours and then went over to the Ichiban Collectibles store. Bought Nicky and the girls some Japanese souvenirs (including a pretty Obi, for decoration, along with a book about how to decorate with it). Took care of flight planning with Brady and then checked out of the hotel. Got a late check out from the NAF Atsugi CBH (they charged me for the night, though).  We left Japan in the late evening (it was nearly dark). Flew east until we crossed the International Date Line and started "reliving" September 1...  A little while after that, we landed on Midway Island for fuel.  This is another place I never expected to visit! The island used to be a Navy Base, but they are turning it into a bird sanctuary.  Frankly, there are already too many birds for aircraft to safely land during the months of June and July - we just missed the worst of it, I guess.  After taking off from Midway Island (very short stop), we continued east. We arrived in Honolulu a few hours after sunrise. While waiting to be able to get into our rooms (until 1200L!), I found out that the Outrigger has a shuttle bus to Pearl Harbor. So, I changed into come comfortable clothes and left my bag with the bellman. Caught the bus and arrived at the Arizona Memorial around 1300L. Found out I had arrived in time to be able to get a boat out to the wreck (there is usually a big line that can take all day). After the ride, walked around on the platform in the harbor - a very moving experience. I could see oil drops coming to the surface - it is hard to believe that there could still be any down there... After returning to the mainland, I bought some souvenirs - including a flag that was flown over the Arizona (1430L). Caught the last bus back to the Outrigger Reef and checked into my room. Took a nap for a few hours (I really needed it!). Later (after dark), I met rest of the guys at Duke's Canoe Club, the bar/restaurant at the Outrigger Waikiki. Had some delicious fish tacos and a few drinks (finished at 2200L). I know I'll sleep well...

Guam (USA)

Checked out of my room at the Andersen Lodge (Air Force Inns) as soon as we reached crew rest minimums.  Still feeling quite tired after our flight yesterday but feeling ready to depart.  Got some lunch (to go) at the Burger King on base (0905L). I then met up with the crew and we departed from Guam, bound for mainland Japan.  We landed relatively early and I went to Taco Bell for a late lunch.  Later, I went to the movies and had a drink at the O-Club.  From the conversations I had throughout the afternoon and evening, it was clear that everyone in the Detachment is already ready to leave Japan.  I'm not!  Regardless, it sounds like we will be departing (for Hawaii) sometime tomorrow night.  Bonus: we might be flying through Midway!  It's been an interesting Detachment... 

Atsugi, Honshu (Japan)

Brant and I got another mission!  In the late afternoon, we departed from NAF Atsugi and headed south from Japan.  We were on our way to Guam and again had to pick our way through nasty weather.  We arrived at Andersen AFB in the middle of the night and barely beat the front end of a typhoon as we were landing! As we parked, the skies burst and the lightning started.  As a result, we couldn't get off the plane, since everyone was afraid (due to lightning restrictions) to drive out to get us. With the resulting long delay in deplaning, it seemed like it was closer to sunrise by the time we reached Base Operations...  Due to everyone's exhaustion, we decided to get rooms on base and ended up staying at the Andersen Lodge (Air Force Inns).  While not a popular choice, this eliminated the ride to Tumon Bay and got us to bed immediately...

Tumon Bay, Guam (USA)

Woke up, refreshed, at the Pacific Islands Club (on Tumon Bay).  [At 0700L], I ate breakfast at the Skylight Restaurant and then called Nicky.  A bit later, I went swimming and played on the water slides.  Even though I only spent a few hours outside, I actually got a sunburn! Ate lunch at Skylight and then met up with my crew for a ride back to Andersen Air Force Base.  We departed Guam in the late afternoon; fortunately, the weather was good for our flight back to Japan.  Arrived at NAF Atsugi in the late evening and returned to my room at the CBH.  After all the amazing places I just saw, these accommodations seem boring... What a trip!

Subic Bay, Luzon (USA)

This morning, I got some souvenirs for Nicky and the kids and then checked out of the hotel (Holiday Inn Park View).  With my crew, I returned to Paya Lebar.  After getting the plane ready, Brant and I few out of Singapore to the east.  We picked our way through some weather and were able to reach our duel stop destination: the Philippine Islands.  This was my first visit and, like most of the rest of the trip, I found everything to be quite interesting... We landed at the old Navy Base in Subic Bay (it is now an international airport). The infrastructure seems relatively unscathed in the 10+ years since they left. Not on the ground very long - we took off for Guam after the sun set. We landed at Andersen Air Force Base very late in the evening. Our lodging office allowed us to stay at the PIC again - as a result, I got a "welcome back" gift! [Before settling down for the evening, I walked around near the hotel to see what they had in the way of entertainment. Was able to get some more souvenirs for Nicky and the kids.  Had a late dinner at the Cafe Rock and Roll and drinks at the Pool Bar.]  It's been a great mission so far!

Colombo (Sri Lanka)

Keeping our hotel rooms (because we planned to be back in the evening), we departed Paya Lebar early in the morning. During the climb-out, we gt some great views of Malaysia.  Our route took us across the Indian Ocean to Sri Lanka. I never thought I would get to see this place - it definitely isn't a holiday resort... People in Colombo are very edgy and there were lots of guns. One of the handlers showed us where the Tamil rebels had hit the airport within a few yards of where we were parked. I got taken (again, at gunpoint) to the weather office. Meanwhile, Brant coordinated the fueling.  Needless to say, I was glad to get out of town... Our flight back to Singapore (reverse route from the morning) was uneventful.  After landing, we went back to the Holiday Inn (Park View Singapore). For dinner, we wanted to have a real authentic experience, so we asked the concierge where we should eat. He recommended a place called "Lei Garden Seafood Restaurant." We had to walk a few blocks over to a tall building - it looked like an office complex. We followed his instructions exactly, including an elevator ride and following a maze of hallways. Just when we thought we had been duped, we saw a man standing at the end of the hall - wearing a tuxedo. When he saw us coming, he ran inside and reappeared with another man. We were led into the room - everyone was Asian and wearing suits and dresses (compared to our shorts and t-shirts). They were good sports, though, and we were soon seated at a huge table in the back. There was only one menu - with eight different courses. Everyone agreed and the food - Peking Duck, crab, chicken, and more (along with Tiger Beer) - started flowing... We stayed late (2300L) but the cost ended up being only about $75 (US) each. The whole experience was unforgettable!

Paya Lebar (Singapore)

Brant and I got assigned a multi-day mission that will take us through Singapore and Sri Lanka!  I ate breakfast at the Flight Kitchen and finished up my flight planning early this morning.  We had a good flight from mainland Japan - talked to Ho Chi Minh Center! We arrived at Paya Lebar relatively early and made our way to the hotel, the Holiday Inn (Park View Singapore). By then, I'd started to feel sick (headache) and didn't end up going out with everyone else. Instead, I ate at a little place across the street from the hotel called "Cross Straights Restaurant" (1900L). The weather was good almost all day. I went to bed early tonight...

Tokyo, Honshu (Japan)

Dennis took me into "the big city" today - it was very hot but the sun wasn't too bad on my easily-burned skin. To get there, we rode the train until we got to the main station in Tokyo. After that, we walked around in the Shibakoen area. There is a pretty shrine there and - unexpected - a tree that President Ulysses Grant planted when he was in the country in the 1870s. While walking here, we learned that the Imperial Gardens were open (kind of rare, I think). We saw lots of interesting buildings, gardens and the ruins of Shogun Tokugawa's palace. Near the end of the day we walked around the Tokyo Tower and had and early dinner in the Hard Rock Cafe. Eventually, we [hailed a cab and] went to the train station so we could head back to NAF Atsugi.  We arrived on base at around sunset and I headed back to my room at the CBH.  What an experience! 

Iwakuni, Yamaguchi (Japan)

[itinerary uncertain (short legs; probably NAF Atsugi to Iwakuni MCAS) - flying with Brant - staying at CBH NAF Atsugi]

Atsugi, Honshu (Japan)

[got a haircut on base this morning and then picked up groceries at the Commissary (1025L) - sent some post cards - staying at CBH NAF Atsugi]

Okinawa (Japan)

Before our mission today, I ate breakfast at McDonalds.  [itinerary uncertain (Brant and I probably flew from NAF Atsugi to Kadena Air Base and back - I got to visit with John & Ann and see Duncan and Declan in Okinawa)].  Staying at CBH NAF Atsugi.

Tumon Bay, Guam (USA)

Woke up early in Tumon Bay.  Ate breakfast at one of the hotel restaurants.  Since it wasn't my day to fly, I took advantage of the many water slides in the PIC. It was a fun way to pass the time! Ate lunch buffet at Toryu (Chinese Fusion) at the hotel (1145L). Called Nicky.  We finally headed back to Andersen Air Force Base and left Guam (bound for Japan) in the early afternoon.  Arrived on the Japanese Mainland in the evening (dark) and landed at NAF Atsugi.  Checked into the CBH, where I'll be spending the rest of the month.

Tumon Bay, Guam (USA)

Still flying with Brant (continuation from Hawaii & Wake Island).  With a brand new day (Date Line) and the time changes, we arrived at Andersen Air Force Base late in the afternoon on August 20.  We got another treat then - to stay in the Pacific Islands Club (PIC) on Tumon Bay.  Wow - what a resort!  I had a great dinner in one of their restaurants.  We'll be leaving in the afternoon tomorrow...

Wake Island (USA)

Ate breakfast at Denny's this morning.  Checked out of the Outrigger Reef Hotel early and headed back to Hickam Field.  After getting the aircraft ready, we left Hawaii and headed west.  I'd heard of Wake Island (World War II history studies), but I never thought I would get to visit. After about four hours of flight time from Honolulu, it was amazing to see this little sand-bar looking island pop up out of the blue... Before landing, we took an tour (flew around the whole island). Lunch was a box of Thai noodles and chicken - very good. A typhoon was standing in the way of our route to Japan, so Brant and Keith decided we should fly over to Guam.  After getting permission from Home Base, we departed Wake and flew west. [skipped a day in my life because we crossed the International Date Line before landing]

Honolulu, HI (USA)

[WESTPAC Detachment] Day went well - good weather all the way to Hawaii [via Travis AFB or Moffett Field]. We landed at the famous Hickam Field, which is the military side of Honolulu International Airport (on Oahu).  This was my first time In Hawaii - and it makes my 50th state! I was always hoping to get them all, but it took a long time... We arrived kind of late - I only had enough time to have a few Mai Tais at some nearby watering holes (including Duke's Canoe Club). Our hotel (Outrigger Reef) is a nice place but it has kind of confusing towers after you've had a few...

[Marietta, GA (USA)]

[itinerary uncertain (rescue mission to Little Rock, Arkansas ?) - flew with Mike L.]

Greenville, SC (USA)

[ferry with Clay - Greenville - drive back]

[Atlanta], GA (USA)

[American Adventures - children's fun-park - Carolyn visiting]

Stone Mountain, GA (USA)

[got the full experience at Stone Mountain today - had a great time in the "Fun Barn" and watched all kinds of other shows (including a 4D movie)- (ate a late lunch) at the Marriott Evergreen Conference Resort (finished 1420L) - the whole experience was capped off by a spectacular LASER show presented on the side of the mountain (after dark)]

[Marietta, GA (USA)]

[flew with Mike L. - itinerary uncertain]

[Marietta, GA (USA)]

[flew with Jim K. - itinerary uncertain]

San Diego, CA (USA)

[flew down from Whidbey to San Diego - then back to Atlanta (via Cherry Point - brakes?)]

Whidbey Island, WA (USA)

[Atlanta to Whidbey Island - RON with Scott at Coachman]

[Canton], GA (USA)

[went to Cherokee County fair with Vance and his family]

San Diego, CA (USA)

[flew from San Diego to Atlanta - (intermediate stops ?)]

San Diego, CA (USA)

[flew from Atlanta to San Diego with Scott - (intermediate stops ?) - stayed in Courtyard (Gas Lamp)]

[Marietta, GA (USA)]

[flight with Scott - destinations uncertain]

Virginia Beach, VA (USA)

[Blimpie's for lunch - itinerary on the way back to Atlanta uncertain]

Virginia Beach, VA (USA)

[first RON (Ray) - flew to San Diego and then to Virginia Beach - saw meteor crater - stayed on beach in Clarion Resort and Conference Center]

Roosevelt Roads (Puerto Rico)

[itinerary was Atlanta, Roosevelt Roads (got to go shopping - taxi ride from terminal for rum), Norfolk and back to Atlanta - flew with Dean & Gus]

[Southern], GA (USA)

[location uncertain - flight to south Georgia (bombing demo) with Dean - lunch at seafood restaurant]

Willow Grove, PA (USA)

[woke up (0330) by Sheriff's office (Paulding County) - he asked if I could come pick up someone who claimed to be a friend of mine - I was dead tired and barely understood what he was talking about - drove to get him - back to house for a nap - I was scheduled for my observation flight today (luckily, I was able to sleep...) - itinerary uncertain (Tom B.) - flight was through Willow Grove (Lee's Hoagies - didn't get one...)]

Chattanooga, TN (USA)

[check ride with Winks - Chattanooga]

Kennesaw, GA (USA)

[dinner with Kim and Mike at Ippolito's Italian restaurant in Kennesaw (finished at 1845L)]

Huntsville, AL (USA)

[finished up trainer - Mike]

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[dropped off folks in P-Cola - training]

Marietta, GA (USA)

[today was my final day of TAD, training, leave and moving - I'm finally, officially a member of VR-46!]

[Marietta], GA (USA)

[TAD from VT-9 to VR-46]

[Marietta], GA (USA)

[TAD from VT-9 to VR-46]

[Marietta], GA (USA)

[TAD from VT-9 to VR-46]

St. Louis, MO (USA)

[checked out of the Residence Inn Galleria at around 0800L - returned rental car to the Avis desk - departed from St. Louis at around 1030L and flew (via Delta Airlines) to Atlanta (arrived at around 1300L]

St. Louis, MO (USA)

[Sim period in the AM - (explored) - dinner at Yen Cheng Restaurant (near hotel ?) - staying at the Residence Inn Galleria]

St. Louis, MO (USA)

[worked all day - sims - went shopping at the Boeing Store - staying at the Residence Inn Galleria]

St. Louis, MO (USA)

[worked all day - sims - staying at the Residence Inn Galleria]

St. Louis, MO (USA)

[worked all day - sims - staying at the Residence Inn Galleria]

St. Louis, MO (USA)

[worked all day - sims - Hooters downtown for dinner] - staying at the Residence Inn Galleria

St. Louis, MO (USA)

[worked all day - sims - staying at the Residence Inn Galleria]

St. Louis, MO (USA)

[off - went to downtown St. Louis - arrived at the Arch around noon and went to the top, even though it was foggy - bought souvenirs on the way out (1245L) - staying at the Residence Inn Galleria]

St. Louis, MO (USA)

[(off ?) - (visited the Anheuser-Busch Brewery ?) - ate dinner at Yen Ching Restaurant on Brentwood Boulevard in Richmond Heights, Missouri (finished at 1940L)  - staying at the Residence Inn Galleria]

St. Louis, MO (USA)

[worked all day - staying at the Residence Inn Galleria]

St. Louis, MO (USA)

[worked all day - staying at the Residence Inn Galleria]

St. Louis, MO (USA)

[worked all day - staying at the Residence Inn Galleria]

St. Louis, MO (USA)

[worked all day - dinner at Burger King (on Brentwood) at 2005L - staying at the Residence Inn Galleria]

St. Louis, MO (USA)

[worked all day - met George L. - staying at the Residence Inn Galleria]

St. Louis, MO (USA)

[Initial C-9B Simulator Training] Had another early flight for TAD orders - had to be at Hartsfield by 0630! This turned out to be really good, though, since ,my Delta Airlines flight from Atlanta (departed 1135) arrived in Saint Louis [just after noon]. After picking up my rental car  at Avis (1310L), I drove to the Flight Safety International (simulator) building, and then visited the Residence Inn Galleria (my lodging for the week).  They were very nice and let me check in early (1430). [Afterwards, I went exploring in the area nearby.]

Douglasville, GA (USA)

[TAD from VT-9 to VR-46]

Marietta, GA (USA)

[TAD from VT-9 to VR-46]

Marietta, GA (USA)

[TAD from VT-9 to VR-46]

Marietta, GA (USA)

[TAD from VT-9 to VR-46]

Marietta, GA (USA)

[TAD from VT-9 to VR-46]

Marietta, GA (USA)

[TAD from VT-9 to VR-46]

Douglasville, GA (USA)

[TAD from VT-9 to VR-46]

Douglasville, GA (USA)

[TAD from VT-9 to VR-46]

Marietta, GA (USA)

[TAD from VT-9 to VR-46]

Marietta, GA (USA)

[for the first time, I checked into my new squadron at NAS Atlanta - actually, though, I'm still TAD from the old squadron at NAS Meridian - still, though, it's a sign of exciting days ahead!]

Disney World Trip - Day 9

Left Orlando early this morning so I could get back to work. We had a day left on the park pass, but it was time to go. Still, we had lots of fun! [Toll Road to I-75 ?] Got gas in Lake City, Florida (1305L). Uneventful drive back to Atlanta...

Disney World Trip - Day 8

Another day at Disney World (arrived at 1115L)...

Disney World Trip - Day 7

[woke up at Aunt Blodwyn and Uncle Bill's - left after a nice day of visiting - gas in Palm City around 2030L - used the Toll Road - started to feel sick (took nap in back of car) - Nicky drove - arrived in Orlando area very late]

Disney World Trip - Day 6

[drove down to Palm City to visit Uncle Bill and Aunt Blodwyn - they drove us over to do some shopping in Jensen Beach (JC Penney at 1710L) - spent the night with them]

Disney World Trip - Day 5

Another day at Disney World (arrived at 1100L)... This time, we enjoyed Disney/MGM studios. Lots more musical shows (including Little Mermaid) - the kids loved that, as usual! We had a late lunch at Mama Melrose's (finished at 1600L) in the Park.

Disney World Trip - Day 4

Another day at Disney World (arrived at 1030L)... Spent the day at Animal Kingdom. It was raining pretty hard, so we bought some ponchos at Garden Gate Gifts (1055L). I made the mistake of taking the Twins on a scary dinosaur ride (hope they forgive me someday...). Ate lunch at the Tusker House (1415L). All day long, we got to watch several musical shows - Brenna intently watched them all! We bought a "character package" at Town Square Exposition Hall (1940L).

Disney World Trip - Day 3

Got gas in Haines City (1010L). Another day at Disney World (arrived at 1045L)... At Magic Kingdom all day (and late into the evening!). Ate dinner at Grand China Buffet in Davenport, Florida (finished at 2200L).

Disney World Trip - Day 2

Got our tickets early (1015L) and then we headed into the Magic Kingdom! This was the first trip for the kids when they could truly enjoy it (they came with Nicky when I was on cruise a few years ago). We ate lunch at Pinocchio's (1155L). The highlight of the day (and maybe the entire trip!) was when we found a great spot to watch the Princess Parade. What an unforgetable experience!

Disney World Trip - Day 1

Pretty uneventful trip from Atlanta down to Orlando. [After checking into our [house], we drove down to Winter Haven to see Barbara and Walt ?] Went to dinner at The Gift Mill in Lake Hamilton, Florida (finished at 1950L). [Drove back to our place after that.]

Douglasville, GA (USA)

[regular leave]

Douglasville, GA (USA)

[regular leave]

San Francisco, CA (USA)

Left my home of six weeks around 0630L and headed over to the Monterey Airport. Took a short flight to San Francisco. During my layover, bought souvenirs (1015L) and lunch (1100L). No problems getting to my next flight. Flight home OK - arrived around 2030L. Nicky picked me up and we were on our way by 2130L. I now have a few days to relax before I have to get back to work.

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day. [Dinner at Golden China Restaurant (in Seaside or Marina) - 2030L.]

Monterey, CA (USA)

Class until 1500L. Went to the movies at 4 PM ("Lord of the Rings") at the Galaxy 6.

Fremont, CA (USA)

[explored - ate and drank at Spoons Grill & Bar in Fremont (around 1500L) - also bought souvenirs there (?)]

CA (USA)

[explored]

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day. Dinner at Burger King (1910L).

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

Monterey, CA (USA)

[Watched Super Bowl (Patriots & Rams) at Club...]

San Simeon, CA (USA)

[a day off from classes allowed me to explore the coast - drove all the way from Monterey to San Simeon - at the Hearst Castle, I took a tour (1500L) - on the way back to Monterey, I ate a late dinner at Denny's in Salinas (1900L)]

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day. [Early dinner at Burger King (1700L) in Seaside.]

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

CA (USA)

[explored]

Seaside, CA (USA)

[explored the town of Seaside - dinner at Burger King (1905L) - shopping for supplies in PM (1930L)]

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

CA (USA)

Visited Aunt Judy & Uncle Jim... [gas in Santa Nella, CA]

CA (USA)

Visited Aunt Judy & Uncle Jim...

CA (USA)

Visited Aunt Judy and Uncle Jim... We went to see "The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring" at 1300L (at Olympus Pointe).

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all morning - finished early afternoon. Very late lunch at Wendy's (1430L)

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

CA (USA)

[explored the area in the morning - went to the movies at Galaxy 6 in Monterey to see "A Beautiful Mind" (1405L) - after that, drove over to Seaside and ate dinner at Burger King (1900L)]

CA (USA)

[explored]

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day. [shopping at the Harbor House (souvenirs) on the Wharf in Monterey]

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

Monterey, CA (USA)

Worked all day...

San Francisco, CA (USA)

Woke up at 0600 and drove to Hartsfield for flight to California. This was one of my first flights since September 11th, so I had a lot to learn about the new security patterns. Made it through OK. Left Atlanta at 0900 and arrived in San Francisco around 1100 - very foggy. Had to wait for several hours while flight was delayed by the weather. Finally got going around 1500 and landed to really sunny skies in Monterey. Picked up rental car and checked into hotel. Drove around a little, taking in the beautiful sights of this place. Class starts early tomorrow, so went to bed rather early.

Moving Trip (Part 4) - Day 3

Last day of my old job this morning. After completing all necessary paperwork, I checked out of the squadron, collected all my stuff and left for Georgia. The weather was good and drive over to Douglasville was pretty easy.  The move to our new home is finally complete!  However, I've got a few more months of TAD and training, though...

Moving Trip (Part 4) - Day 2

Worked all day... [gas in Boligee, AL (could actually be for 3rd)]

Moving Trip (Part 4) - Day 1

[date uncertain - drove back to Meridian and checked back in from regular leave - had to finish last few days of work at my old job]