Thanksgiving Trip - Day 8

[itinerary uncertain (started morning in Meridian ?). Got gas in Heflin, Alabama (1320L). Drove back to Atlanta]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 7

[Departed Hobbs in the morning. Got gas before we left town (0800L). Picked up lunch at Taco Bell in Eastland, Texas (0145L). Stopped for gas in Grand Prairie, Texas (1530L). Gas, dinner (Arbys) and souvenirs in Greenwood, Louisiana (1830L). (hotel location uncertain - did we stay with Nicky's parents?)]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 6

[shopping & movies - late night fun]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 5

[Thanksgiving festivities]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 4

[baptisms for John's kids - most everyone in town]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 3

[drove over to Artesia with John to see Chuck - had lunch - drove back - everyone there by the evening - helped set up Bonnie's decorations]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 2

[up early - attempted to get medical help (no luck) - left our hotel (Townplace Suites Fort Worth) before at 0800L - stopped for (lunch ?) at Pizza Hut in Colorado City, Texas - got gas in nearby Big Spring - drove to Hobbs]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 1

[left Atlanta very early (called Grammy for her Birthday) - drove west on I-20 and stopped for breakfast (at Cracker Barrel ?) in Meridian - saw Nicky's parents - got gas in Vicksburg, Mississippi - gas in Dallas, Texas (2045L) - continued until we got to Fort Worth, where we stayed in the Townplace Suites (checked in at 2115)]

Norfolk, VA (USA)

After checking out of the Holiday Inn Beachside (on North Roosevelt BLVD) and returning my rental car to Enterprise (0730), we reached our aircraft and found it was ready.  Ultimately, we departed Key West before 0900 - however, we were in a race with the other crew.  And they were still mad that they had to fly all day yesterday... They beat us out, but we were headed to Norfolk and they were headed home. Had a great turn in Virginia (the weather was good too). After that, we had no problems for the rest of the day and were back at NAS Atlanta before dusk. The trip was a nice experience - I can finally say I've been part of the Key West lore (after it took nearly 14 years to make it down there)!

Key West, FL (USA)

Woke up at around 0930 and took my rental car for a gas fill up at [gas station on Roosevelt Avenue owned by Mel Fruth ?] (1000).  Our crew was planning to leave for Norfolk, but the other crew kind of screwed us by telling our maintenance team that we were broken.  This led to a massive misunderstanding that made the entire day unpleasant later, since the other flight crew also told Chip (back home) that we would be flying up to Norfolk for them. At the time this was all developing, we had no idea about all the unspoken expectations and we stayed back at the aircraft waiting for parts to come to us. Finally, at around 1500, we were face to face with Brant and Keith and they were very mad! They thought we should be flying their aircraft and that they should have the rest of the day off (WTF?!). After some verbal scuffling, they got even more upset and ended up taking off again in their aircraft.  Ultimately our part (for the repair) was delivered. By that point, however, we had to go back to the hotel (Holiday Inn Beachside on North Roosevelt BLVD) for our crew rest. Dinner was at a seafood place (had Mahi-Mahi). We'll leave early...

Cartagena (Colombia)

Woke up early and went back to the aircraft for our flight to South America. Pretty good weather - could see Cozumel and Cancun. Finally arrived at Cartagena (on the coast). Pretty skyline. After picking up some equipment, we headed to another airport inland (tough trip without a lot of aviation information. Saw lots of amazing mountains (over 14,000 feet) and had some fun flying down in one of the deep valleys. [We landed at an unmarked field in the jungle (our aircraft EGPWS did NOT like the approach).  Our arrival was marked with a lot of surprise from the folks on the ground (they said they'd never seen a DC-9 try to land there).  I got all kinds of warnings about getting off the ground as soon as possible and it was a relief when we finally got away...]  After a pretty easy flight, we made it back to Cartagena just before dark. Got delayed for a flight by the President of Colombia's aircraft. Finally on our way around 1800L. Made it back in Key West before 2100. After getting changed at the hotel (Holiday Inn Beachside on North Roosevelt BLVD), we rushed over to a waterfront restaurant and had a good dinner before it closed (we barely made it!). I got to try some awesome Key Lime Pie (four inches of merengue on top!). Afterwards, we walked on Duval Street - now I know what the fuss is all about! Saw some of the other guys - they have had much shorter days... Bed after midnight.

Key West, FL (USA)

Flew to Norfolk to pick up our lift. We were delayed for awhile there (due to slow ground support). Finally made it back to Key West - just before sunset. The other crew had already arrived. After getting back to the hotel (Holiday Inn Beachside on North Roosevelt BLVD), I went with Ray and Sean for dinner at a nearby Cuban restaurant. The food was great and Ray got up to play the drums with the band (funny!). Went to bed rather early (to be ready for our mission tomorrow).

Key West, FL (USA)

Departed from NAS Atlanta and flew to Key West in the late afternoon because our squadron wouldn't be able to fly our of our normal base for the week (due to airfield maintenance).  We landed at Boca Chica and picked up my rental car from Enterprise (2045).  Then gave a ride to some of the maintenance guys so we could all check into the Holiday Inn Beachside (on North Roosevelt BLVD). This is my first night in Key West - ever! After changing into our "civvies", we had some drinks at the hotel bar (Rum Runners) and then moved to Duval Street - wow! Ate dinner at the Pier House Restaurant ("One Duval"), finishing around 1915L. Back to hotel after that and went to sleep.  This is going to be a fun detachment!