Hampton, VA (USA)

[started our day early from the Holiday Inn Hampton Hotel & Conference Center - flying with Vance - (after getting fixed or getting a waiver), we departed from Langley AFB and headed back to Atlanta]

Hampton, VA (USA)

[flying with Vance - locations beyond Georgia and Virginia uncertain - we'd been headed for Andrews Air Force Base and had rooms & rental car waiting for us there - unfortunately, we broke on the way (for altimeter and headings) - we ended up at Langley AFB when we had to cancel the rest of the schedule - we arrived very late and there was no room at the Langley Inn (Air Force Inns) - fortunately, we got a CNA and checked into the Holiday Inn Hampton Hotel & Conference Center]

[Marietta, GA] (USA)

[itinerary uncertain - flew with Chippy]

Irwinville, GA (USA)

Even though I didn't have class today, I decided not to drive down to visit Uncle Bill (too bad - maybe another time). Checked out of the Ocean's Edge TVQ (0745L) and departed Mayport Naval Station at around 0900L. Took back roads through tall, straight and perfectly planted pines to the FL-GA border. Found out where Okefenokee Swamp was and stopped by the visitor's center. Might be an interesting visit someday. Later passed a sign that indicated that Jefferson Davis was captured nearby. Found a small shrine looking building in Irwinville. I knew that he was captured down here, but I had no idea that some people are still keeping his memory alive as a kind of hero. It was interesting anyway... Made it to I-75 and got gas in Cordele, Georgia (1300L). Had some lunch and then drove north on the Interstate. Made it home pretty early (fortunately, I missed worst of traffic jams...).

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

Following my last class session, I drove around north of the St. Johns River this afternoon and found some places I had never seen around Blount Island (along Blount Island Road). Everything was much cheaper than what I had seen so far. Looked south of the river later. I got a call from Uncle Bill - he wanted me to meet him (way) down the coast tomorrow afternoon. Since I had already told Nicky I'd be headed home in the morning, I'm not sure that plan will work... While thinking about it, I continued with search for homes/land until dark. By that time, I had made it down to the ocean, so I decided to have dinner at The Loop (Neptune Beach) before heading back to Mayport Naval Station (Ocean's Edge TVQ).  I'll depart tomorrow - it's been a good week!

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

Morning and early afternoon in class. Spent the late afternoon looking on the north side of FL-9A. The completed beltway (east side of Jacksonville) is great. They still have some work to do, but the highway (to be renamed I-295 eventually) could make for some good commutes from areas inaccessible to our family before. Not a lot of land developed yet, although I found some new neighborhoods. I searched around the JT Butler highway and down towards the beach - but I didn't see anything good that really jumped out at me... Drove up towards the St. Johns River, because I wanted to do some genealogy research at an LDS library in the Fort Caroline area. I actually stumbled across the National Park, where one of the original settlements of Jacksonville used to stand. I never realized that the French had a competing colony (with the Spanish St. Augustine) in this area. The kids would have liked the park and pretty nature trail. Later did research at the library (found a few things). Headed back to Mayport Naval Station (staying at Ocean's Edge TVQ) after dark...

Mayport, FL (USA)

Another morning and early afternoon of class - more time for land searching. I first drove along the St. John's River, south of the Green Cove Springs bridge. Saw some really nice land for sale - the prices are better - but decided that the drive to the city would be painful. I made lots of calls to inquire about prices (some people were not very nice about providing data)... When I found myself near Saint Augustine, I determined I'd probably tapped out the search. [Headed back to Orange Park and watched a movie at 1630L ("Hidalgo"). (Genealogy research at the LDS library ?).]  Back to the Ocean's Edge (TVQ) at Mayport late...

Mayport, FL (USA)

After class was over (around 1500L), I started to look at some properties that I read about before I came down here. I drove down near our old house in Mandarin and found a realtor who took me deeper into Saint John's County. She also took me to Ponte Vedra. Things sure have gotten expensive! There was some good horse zoned land about 20 miles south of the Duval County, but it would have cost too much for our family - especially with no clue when we will be back here again. After we were done looking, I got my car again and had dinner. Arrived back at the Ocean's Edge (TVQ) after dark...

Mayport, FL (USA)

[Detachment Maintenance Officer School] Had to go to Jacksonville for more training this week. Left in the morning, using I-75. Got gas in Tifton, Georgia at 1320L. After that, hit a big traffic jam near the Florida border. After the delay, got on I-10 and made good time to Jacksonville. Picked up some supplies at the Exchange (1745L) and then headed to my hotel. During this visit, I'm staying at Mayport (at "Ocean's Edge", the transient visitor quarters).  I get to stay near the ocean - pretty! Class starts tomorrow.

Marietta, GA (USA)

[dinner at Hemmingway's at Marietta Square - (with Pat & Michael ?)]

Fort Worth, TX (USA)

[flew with Jerry - we were supposed to pick up a tow bar in Fort Worth but weather was too bad to land]