Helen, GA (USA)

I surprised everyone today by taking them to Helen for rafting on the Chattahoochie River. Some friends at work had highly recommended that we visit - and I agree with everything they told me. On the way, we stopped in the town where the Cabbage Patch kids originated (Cleveland, GA) and I bought the kids souvenirs at the Babyland General Hospital (1300).  Once reaching Helen itself, we ate some lunch at a quaint German restaurant (the town has a lot of German stuff) and the kids tried (and liked) Wienerschnitzel. After that, we got our rafts and took a bus up to the headwaters. Mollie and I were tethered together all day - she liked it and kept saying "Chattahoochie." I thought I might lose her once or twice, but we made it okay. The highlight was when Nicky fell off her tube at the end of the day... After the tubing, we changed clothes and walked around the town of Helen, buying souvenirs and enjoying the ambiance. We even took a carriage ride (it went badly, since the horse got spooked - Nicky freaked out...). We were driving home and must have run over a big chunk of metal from something - our tire blew out on the Interstate. Luckily, we have a good roadside assist - they helped me change the tire within inches of the roadway.

St. Louis, MO (USA)

I had early Sims at Flight Safety International in the morning but we finished early.  After checking out of the Marriott St. Louis Airport (1330), [I got some lunch.]  Later, I got gas (at a Mobil station in Overland, MO) and returned my rental car to the Dollar Rent-a-Car (1510).  This allowed me to easily get through Airport security and board my flight out of St. Louis on time (1630Lish). After a good flight, I was back in  Atlanta by (2000ish).  Got my car out of the Hartsfield long term parking lot at 2040 and arrived home to Nicky and the kids by 2130.  Great trip - glad to be done with simulator training for a while...

St. Louis, MO (USA)

[Training at Flight Safety International all day (some sims).  Staying at the Marriott St. Louis Airport]

St. Louis, MO (USA)

[Training at Flight Safety International all day (some sims).  Got gas for my rental car at "Mobil on the Run" in Charlack, MO.  Staying at the Marriott St. Louis Airport]

St. Louis, MO (USA)

[Training at Flight Safety International all day.  Staying at the Marriott St. Louis Airport]

Muncie, IN (USA)

Woke up early and and drove to Hartsfield Airport (used long term parking lot).  We took off on time and I was very pleased with how I'd been able to get such an early flight - more time to play!  Just like during my last recurrent simulator training trip, I arrived in St. Louis before 0800 CT. This time, I picked up my rental car at the Dollar Rent-a-Car desk (0925) and immediately got on the road (0930) so I could visit my little sister, Carolyn. Took I-70 all the way to Indianapolis and then I-69 to her home in Anderson, Indiana. The drive was OK (about four hours). Enjoyed seeing her place (first time) and she took me over to Ball State campus, where she owns a little store.  That was also cool to see! Went back to her house after we explored for a little bit. Overall, I spent about four hours with Carolyn and had dinner with her and Leo before getting back on the road. The rive back to St. Louis on I-70 was easy.  Made one stop (for gas) in Martinsville, IL (2030L) and arrived at my hotel (Marriott St. Louis Airport) by 2130. Class tomorrow...

Marietta, GA (USA)

[woke up early after staying overnight at CBH at NAS Atlanta]

Marietta, GA (USA)

[stayed overnight at CBH at NAS Atlanta]

Marietta, GA (USA)

[woke up early after staying overnight at CBH at NAS Atlanta]

Marietta, GA (USA)

[stayed overnight at CBH at NAS Atlanta]

Colorado Springs, CO (USA)

[checked out of the Pikes Peak Lodge (Peterson AFB BOQ) at 0710 - filled up the gas tank and then returned the rental car to Enterprise - later, flew (with Ron H.) from Colorado Springs to Salina to Patrick back to Atlanta]

Colorado Springs, CO (USA)

[flew with Ron H. - Atlanta to Fort Worth to Fallon to Colorado Springs - RON - got a rental car from Enterprise (picked up at 1525L) - stayed at the Pikes Peak Lodge (Air Force Inns) on Peterson AFB - dinner at Edelweiss]

St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador (Canada)

[We checked out of the Murray Premises at 0720L, returned to the airfield at Torbay and left St. John's (Newfoundland) later in the morning.  Herb H. and I had an uneventful flight back to Atlanta.  Great trip!]