San Diego, CA (USA)

Checked out of my hotel (Glorietta Bay Inn, Coronado) at around 0900 and headed back to the flight line on NAS North Island.  Today, our flight home was scheduled with no passengers. We were in the air by noon and back in Hampton Roads by 2000.  Not a bad gig!

San Diego, CA (USA)

Second mission to California this month!  Didn't get an early start and, by the time we were on our way, it was nearly noon. Stopped in Topeka for fuel (and food) and then arrived at NAS North Island by around 1900. Checked into our hotel (Glorietta Bay on Coronado - nice!!). Went to dinner at Miguel's with all 11 people in our crew. Had a great time with beer, margaritas and Mexican food...  San Diego is always nice!

Williamsburg, VA (USA)

Had a chance to visit Busch Gardens again today - they open a little early for the Season Pass holders (a nice perk)...

Miami, FL (USA)

Up early - Sims finished before noon.  We checked out of the Residence Inn Coconut Grove at 1335 and headed towards Miami International Airport.  Made a stop for gas at Exxon (1615) and arrived at the airport soon after that (returned the car at 1625).  After boarding my American Airlines flight (scheduled takeoff was 2040), we had to wait for a bit (weather) before we were able to depart. Arrived at Norfolk International Airport just after 2300 (about 15 minutes late) and was able to get my car from the Airport parking lot by 2325. Overall, this recurrent simulator training trip was an interesting experience!  I hope to do my training in Miami again but we'll see if the Sim is still being used there the next time I have to go...

Miami, FL (USA)

[Recurrent Simulator Training during the day.] We had lunch at a great Thai place near the airport. Finished with almost all the classwork - we leave tomorrow. It was much colder this evening, so we didn't venture far from the Residence Inn Coconut Grove. This area has some nice shops and restaurants!

Miami, FL (USA)

[Recurrent Simulator Training during the day.] Sean and I checked out another side of the Everglades today - there was time enough to drive over to the Gulf Coast side of the Everglades. We drove along a lonely section of highway (US-41) - the only thing out there, really, was boats. We had dinner at a great seafood place in a little section of Everglades City. On the way home, we took a dirt road detour through the park. As the sun set, we saw a large black cat (panther ?) - we still aren't sure whether it was something exotic or more "normal" wildlife...  On the way back to the Residence Inn Coconut Grove, we got gas at Gator Express (1840).  [Stayed local for the evening.]

Miami, FL (USA)

[Recurrent Simulator Training during the day.] After work, Sean and I were able to explore South Beach, Miami Beach and Key Biscayne. The weather has turned colder and windier, but walking on the beach was still nice. I really like Key Biscayne - some of the homes out there explain why people love this area. I was not impressed by Miami Beach at all - it's just condos! I thought there would be more going on up there, but the action is clearly in South Beach. Overnight again at the Residence Inn Coconut Grove.

Miami, FL (USA)

Had my recurrent simulator training due this month so headed to the latest location for it: South Florida.  This was much different from the last time I went, when the Simulator was still in St. Louis.  After arriving at Norfolk International Airport early in the morning (I parked my car in the Airport lot at 0610), I took an American Airlines (direct) flight to Miami International.  [Scheduled takeoff was 0740 and landing was 1010 - not sure if we were on time.]  After getting through baggage claim, I met up with my simulator partner (Sean R.) at the Dollar rental car desk (1135).  Once we had the vehicle, we both decided that it would be a good day to down to the Everglades National Park. This turned out to be a great decision!  There were some great places to see alligators and enjoy the ocean breezes. Even in March, the temperatures were extremely warm. The park was experiencing a significant lack of rain and was not as "swampy" as I expected. After our little adventure, we drove back to Miami and checked into the Residence Inn in Coconut Grove (1950).  The area nearby was a very pleasant slice of South Florida!

Monticello, VA (USA)

We got up early and drove over to Charlottesville. It wasn't too far, all interstate. The weather was nice - it had been snowing a lot (west of Richmond). When we got to Monticello, we bought tickets and then toured the grounds. The kids were very impressed with Thomas Jefferson's house and the design of the estate. After we left, we drove over to James Monroe's plantation to look at it (we didn't stop) and checked out an old mill. On the way back to Hampton Roads, we visited Pocahontas State Park.

San Diego, CA (USA)

[started the day in our hotel (Radisson Hotel Harbor View San Diego) - drove rental car back to NAS North Island and returned it to the Enterprise counter (0900L) - flew back (with Rich) to Hampton Roads - itinerary uncertain - lunch at Rice King]

San Diego, CA (USA)

[mission to the West Coast - departed Hampton Roads (flying with Rich) - itinerary uncertain - ended up at NAS North Island - picked up rental car (from Enterprise) at 1315 - drove with crew to our lodging in downtown San Diego (Radisson Hotel Harbor View)]