Napoli, Campania (Italy)

Had to fly up to Naples for a "welcome" meeting. It only lasted about an hour. The weather wasn't very nice, so we decided not to stay - hope we have another chance to come here for some exploring before we head back to the States... In Sicily again by 1500.

Souda Bay, Crete (Greece)

Nice day for a quick trip to Greece. Flew over in great weather and landed around 1300. Had time to get some good souvlaki and shop around near the airport. Back on our way before 1430. Spent the afternoon in my room getting ready for our return flight (only a week away!). Dinner at "the Ass Master" (we don't know how to pronounce the real name, but it sounds like that!).

Megara Hyblea, Sicily (Italy)

Jim and I found some amazing scenery today - a town called Megara Hyblea and a fortress on a ridge overlooking Siracusa. At the first location, we even got to talk with a French archaeologist about the excavations.

Sigonella, Sicily (Italy)

Worked all day...

Souda Bay, Crete (Greece)

We had our first real trip today - a quick run to Souda Bay. I always like going over there - the mountains are pretty, the coast is inviting. I always think about the history, too, and wish I had a chance to stay for the night (see NOV 1998). I've made friends with the handlers here and they always offer to show me around...

Stuttgart (Germany)

Woke this morning (Kelley Barracks in Moehringen) to find that we were scheduled to fly down to Naples to get some people who were stranded by a broken plane. Spent the morning looking around our hotel (found a little package store with beer!). On the aircraft by noon. Flight back to Sicily wasn't too hard and we got in around 2000.

Stuttgart (Germany)

Got here early in the afternoon - nice opportunity for some fun. This was the first time that I have been able to leave the airport. We rode on a bus to the Kelley Hotel (or "Barracks") in Moehringen.  Passed by the Daimler Chrysler headquarters during our drive. Later took a train from Landhaus to Charlottenplatz (1830L). It was already dark, but there was a lot of activity in the town square. Gary had found some nice pubs in previous visits, so we checked them out. We had dinner in a restaurant overlooking a narrow street - good beer and brats. Had fun with the guys walking around the city. We just missed a huge demonstration that got out of hand - fire hoses and lots of police. Decided to catch the train from there (Schlossplatz) back to Landhaus before we became a part of of the action (2300L)...

Napoli, Campania (Italy)

[flight from Sicily to Naples and back in the early morning]

Terceira, Azores (Portugal)

I really didn't want to go, but my boss insisted on taking us out of here and on to Italy. At 0100L, we were on our way again. With the time change, we got to Sicily at 0700L. Unfortunately, all this hurrying only made sure we ended up in the lobby of the hotel - with no rooms reserved (or available).  We milled around for several hours and I was able to pick up my rental car at Europcar (1035L). Returning to the CBQ office, I found that things still weren't on track for check-in...  Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and asked for ANY room. They obliged, and I grabbed some towels and sheets from one of the maid carts. The room was a sty - beer bottles and trash everywhere - but I cleaned up the bed and caught about five hours of sleep. Woke up late in the afternoon. To make up for all these time zone changes and the mid-day nap, I tried to get on the time zone with dinner at 1800.  Went to sleep at 2300.  Not the best day, but our Detachment can begin in the morning...

Terceira, Azores (Portugal)

Briefed very late and flew all night to the Azores. Probably the worst weather I have ever seen here: 50 knot crosswinds, driving rain and windshear. Glad to be on the ground - planning to stay - until my boss said we were going to leave as soon as the weather cleared...

Williamsburg, VA (USA)

[first visit to Busch Gardens for the season]

Fort Worth, TX (USA)

We lucked out and had a quick turn in Fort Worth, so that was good - especially since they closed at 2300L... Flight home through same storms. At the house at 0300.

Fort Worth, TX (USA)

Got a quick flight assigned at the last minute - fly from Norfolk to Fort Worth and back (for Paul). Arrived at airport at 1900 and took off an hour later. Weather was pretty nasty - lots of storms. Landed in Fort Worth just before 2200L...

Newport News, VA (USA)

[Fort Monroe - brunch]

Bristol, TN (USA)

[with Brett - Norfolk to Camp Springs to San Antonio to Tri Cities (VA/TN) to Virginia Beach to Norfolk]

Hampton, VA (USA)

[ERAU Distance Learning Course at Langley AFB]

Camp Springs, MD (USA)

[Norfolk to Camp Springs to Norfolk (early!!!) with Fergie]

Hampton, VA (USA)

[ERAU Distance Learning Course at Langley AFB]