Atsugi, Honshu (Japan)

Worked all day - staying at CBH at NAF Atsugi...

Atsugi, Honshu (Japan)

Worked all day - staying at CBH at NAF Atsugi...

Atsugi, Honshu (Japan)

Worked all day - staying at CBH at NAF Atsugi...

Atsugi, Honshu (Japan)

Worked all day - staying at CBH at NAF Atsugi...

Kwajalein (Marshall Islands)

I met my crew in the lobby of the Hilton Hawaiian Village early this morning and we were checked out by 0700.  After reaching our aircraft at Hickam Field, we left Honolulu and flew west. [Waylon and I rode in the back of the aircraft.]  On the way across the Pacific, we stopped in at a rather deserted island (Kwajalein) on the way to Japan. I had never been here - although a lot of my Master's Degree research has been on the launch facilities that are out here. The place was extremely humid and hot. The ocean waves some breaking (fast!) up to the beach. There isn't a lot of elevation here - maybe 4 feet above sea level (?). I am not sure I would like to live here... Arrived late in Japan and checked into the CBH at NAF Atsugi - I'll be here for nearly a month!

Honolulu, HI (USA)

Checked out of the Comfort Suites by 0650 this morning, got gas and then returned the rental car to Enterprise.  Once at NAS JRB Fort Worth, we got set up for our mission.  Our flight to San Diego was uneventful - we got to fly along the harbor before landing at NAS North Island. After our fuel stop, the plane was packed on the way to Oahu. We arrived in Honolulu early in the afternoon and got transportation (taxi) to the Hilton Vacation Village (checked in at 1620L). It was a very relaxing hotel on the water - like most of the ones I have visited before in Hawaii. There was a lot to see/do - dancers and swimming and relaxing drinks by the pool. Waylon and I walked over to Dukes (at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach) and had some drinks and fish tacos. [With no work tomorrow, we can relax - we just have to be there by the time the plane leaves...]

Fort Worth, TX (USA)

[WESTPAC Mission] We (Waylon and I) left Hampton Roads early and arrived in Fort Worth before lunch time. After some coordination with Base Operations, we picked up a rental car from Enterprise (on Alta Mere) and took our to a BBQ restaurant called the Railhead. They had a great menu and big beers! By the time we sat down, it had already started to pour, so we stayed there for awhile. After our meal, we checked into the Comfort Suites on Highway 30 (1320).  By the end of the afternoon, the storm had become a Tornado threat - sirens and weather reports for hours about the track of the storm. Nothing dangerous ever materialized, but it sure makes me wonder about this place...  We're out of here tomorrow.

Bristol, TN (USA)

[after checking out of the Joint Forces [AKA NAS] Training Base BOQ this morning, we (Rich and I) flew from Long Beach (Los Alamitos) to Tri Cities (Bristol, TN/VA) - the next leg was to Camp Springs (Andrews AFB) - last flight was home (to Norfolk)]

Long Beach, CA (USA)

[mission to the west coast - flew (with Rich) from Norfolk to Forbes (Topeka) to El Centro - as we departed the latter stop, we had problems with the GPS (Rich took it...) - we arrived in Long Beach (Los Alamitos) kind of late - checked into the Joint Forces [AKA NAS] Training Base BOQ - fortunately, I still had a chance to visit with Mary and Leo (we ate dinner late)]

Spring Break Trip - Day 8

We drove into the City today - it was more relaxed this time. I spent some time in the National Archives trying to find information about our great-great uncle who fought in the Spanish American War. No luck, though. The kids were enjoying a walk on the Mall while I was busy - they are good sports... They walked through the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. One thing they were surprised to see there was some of the displays from the Museum of American History (it's under renovation). We all met later to tour the National Gallery of Art - the kid's first visit there. They seemed genuinely impressed with all the statues and paintings. We finished our explorations around 1700 so we would have time to drive home. We used US-301 and US-17 - a pleasant drive.

Spring Break Trip - Day 7

We basically did a repeat of yesterday's itinerary, with Mike dropping us off at the Metro Station (more tickets for everyone), a ride on the train into DC and visits to some more Smithsonian Museums.  For lunch we had some awesome noodles at a restaurant called Chinatown Express. For about $5, we had a huge bowl - and they made them right in front of us!  More museums afterwards, another train ride back to [Shady Grove] and Mike picked us up.  In the evening, there was more genealogy fun and the kids got to hang out with their cousins.  Dinner was takeout from Giuseppe's Pizza.  [I believe there was Wii playing and Irish Dancing demos] It's been a wonderful visit!

Spring Break Trip - Day 6

Mike took us over to the Metro station this morning so we could ride into the City. I had to get Metro tickets for all of us - not cheap!  It was worth the cost and effort, though, because we wanted to spend some more time in the Smithsonian and the kids wanted to visit Ford's Theatre. They are very interested in Abraham Lincoln. We had never gotten to stop there before, so they were excited. We navigated the city just fine and made it back to the Metro station in the late afternoon.  Mike picked us up and took us back to Rockville.  In the evening, Pat and I met with Elizabeth and Aileen to talk about our family tree.

Spring Break Trip - Day 5

Checked out of the Navy Lodge early this morning.  Before we left Annapolis, we drove over to the Naval Academy so we could walk the grounds. We visited the tomb of John Paul Jones and watched the Midshipmen muster for the noon meal. That was very special - the kids started talking about wanting to join the Navy! We then drove over to Rockville to stay with Pat and Mike. On the way, we stopped at the Goddard Space Center. It was really interesting and had some great information on the Hubble Space Telescope and an outstanding 3D Earth presentation. The kids liked the interactive displays. We were really glad to see Pat and Mike again - it had been awhile. As always, they were gracious hosts.

Spring Break Trip - Day 4

Today, we got a late checkout from the Residence Inn and this allowed us to take a water taxi around the harbor.  This transportation option was unique and interesting but we really wanted to visit Fort McHenry, home of the "Star Spangled Banner". For my part, taking the boat was good because I didn't have to drive... The presentation at the National Park was great - wait until you see the end! The kids did more Junior Ranger workbooks. After returning to the city, I checked out of the hotel (1245) while Nicky and the kids did some window shopping.  I parked the car on in a nearby garage and met up with the family again so we could visit the home of Mary Pinkersgill - she was the lady who sewed the Star Spangled Banner. We got a personal tour and learned a lot about her life and the history of early Baltimore. At lunch time, I retrieved the car and drove over to Corned Beef Row.  I dropped Nicky off at Harry Attman's Deli . It was one of those New York Style places - lots of yelling and throwing - and it was packed! The sandwiches were awesome - I would love to go back there! We next drove down to Annapolis so we could explore that town for our first time as a family. We stayed at the Navy Lodge, which was located in a nice place near the main attractions.  We later strolled along the waterfront and had a great dinner at Buddy's Crab House. We all tried the Chesapeake blue crabs - they were excellent! We also got to see a late night women's soccer game at the Naval Academy - the girls really enjoyed cheering and meeting the players.  Bed was quite late for the kids... We are looking forward to having some more fun in the morning!

Spring Break Trip - Day 3

Staying at the Residence Inn at the Inner Harbor gave us the opportunity to walk everywhere that was interesting - the aquarium, Camden Yards, the restaurants and shopping. We had tickets to the National Aquarium - it was great. The kids told me that visitors to Baltimore shouldn't miss the Dolphin Show! The special exhibit included animals and habitats from Australia.  In the late afternoon, we got some tapas at a Spanish restaurant (La Tasca) on the Harbor. After a fun-filled day, we settled back into our hotel room with plans to depart the following day.  It's been a great trip in Baltimore!

Spring Break Trip - Day 2

We woke up early so we could drive up to have brunch in "horse country" on the north side of town. It wasn't a long drive and we made it there just after they opened.  The restaurant (Manor Tavern) was actually an elegant manor that served some great food - we were very fortunate to have reservations! After a filling meal, we drove over to visit the Ladew Topiary Gardens, which was located at a semi-private residence. While the weather was cold, we enjoyed the funny shapes (Fox Hunting, a big Buddha).  Dinner was at Roman Delight Pizza - the kids liked that after having to be so "fancy" all day...  We spent the night again in the Residence Inn on Light Street in Baltimore.  Happy Easter!

Spring Break Trip - Day 1

We drove up to Baltimore today - there was actually some snow on the way! We wanted to get there before the Easter Vigil. Arrived in the city by 1545 and checked into our hotel (Residence Inn by Marriott), which was located in the Inner Harbor area of the city - it was very convenient!  After getting settled in the room, we headed out the the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen (north side of town) for the service. It was an amazing experience! The Arch-Bishop was presiding and the cavernous atmosphere of the Cathedral made the Vigil very special.  Late dinner was at Wendy's and we then headed back to the hotel (valet parking will take some getting used to).  I think the kids will remember this Easter for a long time...

Long Beach, CA (USA)

After checking out of the Glorietta Bay Inn early, we (me and Micah) left San Diego at around 0800L. First stopped at Los Alamitos (Long Beach) to pick up more passengers.  After that, flew East. [Had to stop at Forbes for fuel (and BBQ - mmmm...)]. Dropped everyone off at Camp Springs. In Virginia Beach by 2100.

San Diego, CA (USA)

Great chance for exploring - we had another trip to San Diego today (and no passengers). Left Norfolk around 0800 and arrived in San Diego at 1100. Micah and I got the rental car and quickly headed up to Temecula. We went to Wilson Creek Winery and sampled some of their stuff. Tried another nearby place too. Then headed back to San Diego to check into the Glorietta Bay Inn. This is a repeat visit for me and I think I like this place as much as El Cordoba... Had dinner at Coronado Brewing Company with the guys and went to bed rather early.