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...