Atlanta, GA (USA)

[Six Flags]

Wallops Island, VA (USA)

[Atlanta - Jacksonville - Wallops Island - (Eastern Iowa ?) - Albany (GA) - Atlanta (with Chip) - funny approach]

Mayport, FL (USA)

[Atlanta - Mayport - Norfolk - Atlanta (Mike B.)]

Househunting Trip - Day 8

Up early, checked out of the Dam Neck BOQ and made it to the airport by 0500. I dropped off my rental car at Hertz (0520) and made my way towards the gate. I figured out there are about 10 flights a day that go back to Atlanta, so I thought that I would make it. However, when I arrived at the security checkpoint, there was a HUGE line. What I failed to realize yesterday was that school ended! If I had left yesterday, I think I would have gotten home easily. In any case, I started waiting for a flight around 0600. I never had to do this before, so I never realized how annoying it feels to see the number of seats available on the Delta flight screens and watch the time tick down to departure. Then, the door closes and you missed another one. I sat through about six flights before one of the ticket agents explained that I had almost a zero chance of making it today. So I went back to Hertz counter and asked about a one way trip (1620).  It turns out it isn't too expensive...  Unfortunately, it takes eight to nine hours to drive home... Left around 1530 and took US-58 to I-95. Connected with I-20 and made it to Hartsfield around 0030. I turned in the car at Hertz at 0130 and Nicky picked me up right after that.  I wasn't home until almost 0200  Whew!!!

Househunting Trip - Day 7

I'm getting tired of looking... Had my appointment with the landlord who had a rental in King's Grant around 1000. Took a tour of the home - it is still occupied. I liked it, but the man said he can't hold it for more than about a week. I don't want to commit without Nicky ever seeing it, so I was a little disappointed. I told him we'd call if it was still available in July. Decided after seeing the place to quit looking for rentals anymore. Went down to the Beach and relaxed for a few hours and got some dinner at IHOP (1945).  Then went to bed early because I needed to get to the airport early - the Buddy Pass requires that I fly standby all day (hope it works)...

Househunting Trip - Day 6

Started in the Great Neck area today and found some nice places. Rent is a little higher and I am not sure about the schools in that area. Would sure be nice to rent a place within walking distance of the water... Headed over to Little Neck (King's Grant) after that - I think these were some of the best places I have seen yet. The neighborhood is older (probably 1960s), but it is very established. Not a lot for rent - and the homes in the back of the neighborhood were VERY expensive. Around 1300, I stumbled across the Kingston Elementary School and noticed that they were open (school is already out in Georgia, so this was a surprise). I went in and talked to teachers and some volunteer Moms - they raved about the whole area. Too bad there weren't many rentals. I went back to my hotel around 1700 and did one more search on the internet for anything that was available - found one place. Called the landlord and he offered to meet me tomorrow. Hope that works out...

Househunting Trip - Day 5

Woke up around 0600 and drove back to Great Bridge to drive in to work during the traffic. Used VA-168 and got there pretty quickly. Moved on next to homes near the Beach. There are some great neighborhoods between NAS Oceana and the Waterfront. Spent all day looking at rentals. Noticed that most places have "noise problems" caused by the Base aircraft pattern. Hard to miss that issue... By the end of the day, I was mostly through the list I started with - at least with the reasonably priced ones in the good areas. I still want to look around in the Great Neck and Little Neck areas.

Househunting Trip - Day 4

Spent some more time down in Chesapeake today. I now have a great street map and found a lot more places than I was able to before. Drove down to the North Carolina border on VA-168 and US-17. Found out that there is a drawbridge on US-17, too. This could make living down here a little tricky. Still, there were some great houses in the area of Great Bridge BLVD and River Walk Parkway - could be a good compromise for distance and home value... After a full day in Chesapeake (including some yesterday), I had a good feel for what to expect. I think I'll get up early tomorrow so I can drive back from here during "rush hour." Even without that, I'll be able to show Nicky around quite easily when we come back in July...

Househunting Trip - Day 3

Headed back over to Cypress Point Golf Club to see about the rental properties. Looked in a few places - they won't keep them until we move here in July... Too bad. After lunch, decided to look in Chesapeake - heard there are some really nice homes there. Great Bridge area is promising - reminds me a lot of the Douglasville area where we live now. Looked at a few places in that area and then started back to the Beach. Learned that this area has one major flaw: a drawbridge! I got stuck for about half an hour around 1630 - along with many other people who live near here. Eventually got back to the hotel and took a look through my remaining properties (still a lot left to see). I'll need a better map...

Househunting Trip - Day 2

Woke up early so I could see as much as I could. Looking in the Ghent area again - this time with a realtor. Spent most of the morning looking inside some older homes with close access to the water. Schools could be a problem... After lunch, drove over towards Independence BLVD in Virginia Beach - I'd seen some rentals. Looked along Haygood over towards Bayside High School - there is a good golf community there. Got some contact numbers to see inside. Ended the afternoon back at the Beach - tired... Still have more to do tomorrow.

Househunting Trip - Day 1

Had an early flight today - on my way to Norfolk to look for a new house! My friend Dave, who works for Delta, helped me get a Buddy Pass for this trip. My flight was early (and mostly empty). Got upgraded to First Class - my first opportunity - and it was everything it is cracked up to be! After landing in Norfolk, I picked up a rental car from Hertz (0840) and got an early start looking for homes in the Ghent and Larchmont. Found some nice places. Had some trouble getting a hotel, but finally ended up down in Virginia Beach (Dam Neck BOQ "At the Dunes") on the water! This should be a nice headquarters... More to see tomorrow - I have a list of about 100 rentals all over Hampton Roads.

Flint, MI (USA)

[Atlanta - Flint, Michigan - Cherry Point - Atlanta (Phil)]

Callaway Gardens, GA (USA)

We drove down from the city to visit these beautiful gardens today. It as definitely worth the effort and driving. It was a very hot day, so we enjoyed the large swimming lake and rested between butterfly houses, topiary gardens and bird houses. The only thing we feel bad about is that we never had the chance to visit here for the Christmas Lights. They are supposed to be really great.