Camp Springs, MD (USA)

After checking out of the Mid-Atlantic Lodge (Air Force Inns), we headed to Lajes Air Base Operations to work on our flight plan.  Immediately, it became clear we might have trouble leaving - the weather in Canada isn't good at all. Hoping to stay on schedule, we adjusted our plan to fly through Maine. Most of flight was cloudy and we confirmed St. John's was clouded in as we flew over Torbay. Weather improved as we reached the southwest edge of Nova Scotia. Landed At NAS Brunswick by 1100L. Everyone was in good spirits - especially our passengers (they've been gone for three months). However, I then learned that our timeline was making people mad at home. There was apparently a party planned for our passengers at 1700 and we'll be there at 1300. Oh well - they need to get over that and flex for people who are tired of the desert... On our way again quickly. Flew down the coast in busy airspace - saw New York City from 20,000 feet (good view). Landed in Camp Springs around 1315. Party went off OK anyway. Bobby Coogan met me. We're not related, but we've kept in touch for most of our careers and he lives up here. Lots of people kept asking "are you brothers?" We talked about future plans and our families. Meanwhile, the rest of the guys got the plane ready for our departure. During our flight to Hampton Roads, I flew with Julius again so he could get more CONUS upgrade training.  This leg was easy and we landed around 1500. Had some paperwork to do but finally headed home at 1700. What a good trip - and an amazing way to cap off a worldwide tour during the month of April! I've changed time-zones countless times, visited over 10 countries. I probably was in the air for over 75 hours, too. This kind of travel will end soon - I'll miss it...

Vila Praia da Vitoria, Azores (Portugal)

While the aircraft was being fixed, Kevin and I drove over to the Auchan.  I had a chance to pick up some olive oil and other stuff Nicky likes... The shopping trip was great - we arrived around 0900 (right when they opened) and we easily got our supplies within 30 minutes. Kevin picked up some good cheese for us (I have never tried to bring that home; hope it doesn't spoil). We got back to the airplane around 1000 and the maintenance crew wasn't ready.  This gave me time for lunch, which I came to regret later (owww, my stomach!). Checked out late from the NAS Sigonella Bachelor Housing ("Mount View") and got back to the aircraft soon afterwards.  We were able to depart Sicily 1400 and flew to Rota - the flight over to Spain was bumpy. Since I was riding in the back, I borrowed a movie ("300") and watched it - it was pretty good. The stop in Rota was long enough to pick up candy and "mud people" for the kids. We were airborne again by 1800L and the flight to the Azores was very fast. We landed with a beautiful day, no wind and just a little brisk -  - probably one of the best ever! We could see all of Praia on the way in, including the statue of Mary on the hill (see DEC 2005). After getting to the Mid-Atlantic Lodge (Air Force Inns), I had a drink in the bar - trouble with taxis. Called Nicky and the kids. Finally made it over to O Pescadors just before closing. I tried the Cataplanas again - good fish cooked in cheese sauce. Other guys had "steak on a rock" - reminds me of Ruth's Chris. Cab driver on the way home same as the way here - he lived in Boston for a few years and has lots of Azores friends living on Cape Cod (I guess it is a popular place for Terceira people to move...). Back on base by around 2300L. I stopped into the "Top of the Rock" Cafe to check my internet and was surprised when a musician, Edwin McCain, started performing with his band. They played a couple of sets and I recognized one from their group - I saw her here last time I stayed for a few days (2005). She gave me a promo CD of his - it is good! Also ended up meeting up with my friend Brady (knew him in Atlanta) - what a small world. Bed around midnight.

Sigonella, Sicily (Italy)

Got up early and checked out of the Royal Sun Hotel (Chania).  The local weather much improved and our crew was assembled early for our (bus) ride back to Souda Bay Air Base.  The efficient coordination allowed us to leave Crete by 1000L. During our flight to the east, we got an unbelievable view of Egypt - the best I have ever seen. From the moment we crossed the coast west of Alexandria, we could see features on the ground: oil wells, desert trails, oasis patterns. The view was even more tremendous when we reached the Nile River. Spring was in full force and the flooded plains were very evident. Patterns of green and light brown were interesting and there was no haze at all. We followed the river until we passed over Luxor. Could see the entire area, but never spotted Karnak (too bad)... We could see everything until just after crossing the Red Sea - then it got cloudy. Didn't see land again until we were south of Bahrain and approaching Doha (which we could see). Very hazy. On deck by 1500L and got out of the aircraft into 40 degrees C weather! Glad we didn't have to stay long... We departed Qatar by 1630 but had to deal with lots of clearances difficulties. Our trip home was much the same as the way over, except that we were chasing the sun all the way - actually, the sunset lasted about two hours!  Crossed into Egypt with some daylight and clear ground again. Can't be certain, but I think we saw the Pyramids and Sphinx near the brightly lit Cairo... Later, we got awesome night views of all of Crete.  The stop at Souda Bay Air Base was quick (barely had time to get a couple of pizzas) and we arrived (after our next leg) at NAS Sigonella by 2230L. What a great day of flying!  We checked into the Bachelor Housing ("Mount View") for the night and then met up again to plan for tomorrow.  Unfortunately, I found out that we'll need the help from our buddies (here on detachment) to get our airport repaired.  Crossing fingers!

Agia Marina, Crete (Greece)

Woke up in time for brunch (barely) - the six hour time shift got me again... After checking out of the Naval Station Rota Navy Gateway Inn, I met up with my crew at around 1200L.  We got airborne before 1400L. Everyone felt that it was good planning to shorten this day to one flight - we just had to fly to Greece! Great weather across Spain and into the Mediterranean. Mountains, beaches, plains all visible - beautiful! Also saw Palma Majorca (brings back memories - see 1997). Weather stared to get worse near Sicily and continued until Crete. Landed at Souda Bay Air Base with rain and wind. Had to wait for nearly two hours for transportation...  During the delay, I figured out I'd lost my sunglasses. Finally arrived at our off-base lodging, the Royal Sun Hotel, in Chania. Second time here (see 2006). Great view of the Bay of Chania from the balcony! Called my friend Nick - we ate at his cousin's restaurant last time - he told me it was open and we headed over to Agia Marina to have dinner. When we got there, it was closed - turns out, this is the Orthodox Christian Easter Sunday! Luckily, there was another restaurant down the street that was open. The manager was very energetic and invited us into his place with a warm smile and friendly words. We were offered some good local wine and he explained that the Easter holiday was just ending tonight. Last night, there was a city-wide candle light procession through town (wish we had seen that...). Kevin and Julius had the lamb special and I had souvlaki. Great dinner! While we were eating, it started to pour. We stayed until they were closing (2300) and then headed back to the Royal Sun in the rain. I'll sleep well tonight!

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

This has been a whirlwind month of traveling and time-zone changes - I've got another International trip!  Left Virginia Beach early this morning with great weather (could see all of Hampton Roads from the air). I was flying with Julius on this leg (some CONUS line training for him).  We stopped in St. John's (Newfoundland) again for fuel. There were icebergs everywhere! I haven't been here in awhile and it was good to feel the crisp Canadian air. We had a few problems with the plane but still took off before sunset. Instead of heading to the Azores, we flew over to Spain (where the weather was much better). Arrived in Rota at around 2300L and checked into the Navy Gateway Inn.  Went to bed immediately so we can leave earlier tomorrow.

Williamsburg, VA (USA)

We drove up to Williamsburg again this morning - later, since the kids were tired... It started raining around 1100, so the planned event in Colonial Williamsburg (and later go-karts) was in jeopardy right from the start. To top it all off, the kids didn't really have the clothes or shoes for a wet day. Brenna improvised, though, and borrowed some things from Aria. She ended up going with John and the band to see the old town. Nicky, Erin, Mollie and I stayed behind and went swimming at the hotel. I took a drive later to walk around the campus of William and Mary - close by - it was nice. By dinner-time, it was nice out. We ate at an Italian place called Mirabella's. Good pasta buffet. We stayed with Katie and John until around 1900. Finally had to head back (school for kids in the morning). It was kind of a sad goodbye - the kids really wish they could see each other more often... Big rains by the time we were back in Virginia Beach. Home around 2030.

Williamsburg, VA (USA)

My sister, Katie, got here yesterday and we had some fun visiting at our house. The kids had a sleepover with Aria (they even got some sleep!). This morning we woke up early and drove up to Busch Gardens Europe for one last day. We got there just before it opened - and even with the big groups we were able to ride on a few rides before it got really crowded. Brenna and I were on the first ride of the Loch Ness Monster! The kids had a great time and Nicky was really nostalgic about how much she will miss this place. We ate at the FestHaus and saw the Oktoberfest show again. Good food and great entertainment. Mollie and John were having a lot of fun all day. Ella rode with Mollie on a lot of kiddie rides in the Land of the Dragons. We stayed at the park until dark and even got to go on the Roman Rapids after it got dark. The weather was good all day - rain held off. Aria came home with us for another sleepover.

Virginia Beach, VA (USA)

[Flying with Mike F. - arrived home from our trip out/in to Hawaii at around 0200L (broken turn wheel)]

Honolulu, HI (USA)

Up around 0400 (couldn't sleep very well...). Had breakfast at 0500 at a 24 hour diner near the Hilton Hawaiian Village - all you can eat pancakes (mmm... I only had three, though). Our crew got picked up at 0615 and we were at Hickam AFB shortly afterwards.  This is the earliest I have ever been scheduled to leave Hawaii for the mainland (usually, we wait until the late afternoon). We tried to make it home before midnight this time (note - it didn't work out...). [Flying with Mike F.] Great weather almost all the way back to California. Arrived for awesome weather near San Jose again. We had a good turn, but the winds were slowing us down nearly all the way home. Bad weather for most of the middle of the country... Still in the air at midnight.

Honolulu, HI (USA)

Another opportunity for a trip to the Hawaiian Islands - my second this month! Left Hampton Roads early in great weather - almost no clouds for the whole day. [Flying with Mike F.] Our itinerary took us through Dayton, OH - best weather I've seen there ever. Stopped again near San Jose, CA. Trip on the Bravo track was uneventful and we got into Honolulu just before a big rain storm. We had trouble getting transportation so hired a cab that picked us up at 1700L.  Even with lots of other traffic on the way to Waikiki Beach, we arrived at the Hilton Hawaiian Village by 1730. After getting checked into my room (1745), I went to the hotel store and picked up some 100% Kona coffee beans for Nicky and the rest of the crew. Later, I met everyone for some drinks on the beach - we relaxed out there until around 1900. Bed early because we're leaving in the morning.

Washington, DC (USA)

I woke up very early this morning - still on Japan time! After all the kids were awake, we got some breakfast (0700) and were out of the hotel (Fort Belvoir Lodging) before 0730. Drove over to the city in some rain (too bad...). Wanted to visit the Iwo Jima memorial - since I had just been on the island (see March 2008). Finally located it near the river on the north side of Arlington. Kids were interested since they had seen pictures of the real thing. Around 0945 we were in the city (still raining). Nicky saw a "short line" near the National Archives and we found a parking spot close (nice!). After over an hour of waiting, we were finally inside. The kids were very interested in the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights. There was even a copy of the Magna Carta inside, too. We explored some of the other displays - some nice interactive computer stuff. Around 1230 we got back out to find that the rain had stopped. Colder than yesterday... We walked over to the National Gallery (art) - had some hot dogs before entering. Last year we saw the first floor before Nicky and the kids got bored, so we went upstairs this time. There were some interesting paintings and even Mollie talked about what she liked about them. Left around 1400 and drove over to the Tidal Basin. Found a good spot to park near the FDR Memorial - discovered that most of the Cherry Blossom Festival is set up over on the opposite bank. We started walking and stumbled across a gathering of people: the Annual Lighting of the Cherry Blossom Lantern. We lucked out and found seats near the front. During the next hour, we experienced lots of Japanese culture (music, speaking and the traditions of the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan). A girl dressed in traditional kimono lighted a 350 year old stone lantern (nearly three meters tall). The whole thing was great, except for a diatribe about DC not having a vote in Congress (given by one of the at large Councilmen) - completely inappropriate... Later walked over to the Festival park and the kids completed a Junior Ranger workbook ("Bloomin' Ranger") for the event. We saw Paddles, the NPS mascot. Walked around to the Jefferson Memorial to end the day. Left DC at 1700 and drove south on I-95 (traffic not too bad). Dinner at Bob Evans and home at 2100.

Washington, DC (USA)

Despite very little sleep, I wanted to go up to see the cherry blossoms with the kids. We missed them by a day or two a couple of times (see APR 2006). It was something we wanted to try again and the weather around this area has been good. We drove up on I-64 and I-95 (hardly any traffic!). Stopped at Fort Belvoir so we could check into our lodging for the night - they gave us a good unit!  During the last part of trip, took George Washington Parkway from near Mount Vernon. Saw a good bike trail... Arrived in the city around 1800. Lots of people - hard to find a parking place. Learned late tonight they had a fireworks display but I knew I wouldn't have made it through the event, though - soooo tired! Still got a chance to see some of the good landmarks and lots of trees. Most striking view was Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial. Kids excited for tomorrow - we'll start early! Back at Fort Belvoir, went to bed at 2200.

Honolulu, HI (USA)

[repeating April 4] Slept most of the day after our all night flight... I had a great room at the Hilton Hawaiian Village with an awesome view of beach!  Unlike other trips to the Islands, I didn't go anywhere during the day (just food and resting).  After meeting up with the crew for a late checkout, we headed back to Hickam AFB for our departure from Honolulu.  We left Hawaii at around 1700. Our flight home was great.  One big highlight included seeing the entire San Francisco Bay Area just before our landing at Travis AFB.  The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and other areas were all lit by lights - it would have made a great picture in the daytime, too. After our fuel stop (middle of the night), we continued east.  I tried to sleep (after switching crews for the last leg) but it was hard.  We landed after sunrise and it took a bunch of time to "put the plane to bed", do paperwork and get home.  What a trip!

Majuro (Marshall Islands)

After days of trying to get moving, we were finally able to check out of the Pacific Islands Club, leave Tumon Bay and return to Andersen AFB for our departure from Guam.  We were onboard our aircraft early but had maintenance problems.  Eventually, we got going and were finally headed east. We saw lots of atolls on the way - most with no people to the Marshall Islands. After a few people, we sighted the thin strand of Majuro - it looked very tropical (narrow) and people have spread around the buildable land. Our fuel stop was good - some shops opened to let us see their wares: wood carving, shells and other crafts. I guess some commercial aircraft use this place, too. We were on our way to Hawaii in late afternoon and arrived in Honolulu by 2200L.  After getting transportation to Waikiki, we checked into the Hilton Hawaiian Village (2345). Most of us went out to Kelley O'Neil's (Irish Pub) and we stayed until 0300. We'll be repeating April 4th again but this first one was pretty good...

Guam (USA)

Didn't get to do much today - too many work related things to finish. Spent nearly all day in the lobby of the Pacific Islands Club (wireless internet). Had late lunch one more time at the Jamaican place - the waitress knows our names now... Around 1600, found out the aircraft was repaired and then had to plan for return flights. By 1800, I was able to go down to the pool - did the waterslide again and sat by the beach with a mai tai. Surf was really up (tide higher?) and the crashing waves were nearly all the noise that I could hear. Late this evening, I learned there was a USO across the street at a hotel - went over to check it out and found they had hot chili (good) and movies, internet, reading (etc.). Very classy place - and kid friendly. By around 2200, all of our guys were there.

Guam (USA)

Still broken - no repair in sight. This could be a long visit... Had a lot of coordinating to do before I got to go anywhere, so really didn't see much of the Pacific Islands Club today. I laid out under an umbrella near the pool and relaxed for a few hours before Thor told me he had a vehicle! Around 1600, we left Tumon Bay and drove south to the tip of Guam. Along the way, we saw the landing site where Magellan discovered the island in 1521, some old forts and great beaches - the ocean comes right up to the road in some places. Just before sunset, we saw a sign for "Jeff's Pirates Cove" and pulled over at the first real sign of tourism/food in quite a while. It turns out that a Japanese soldier, Shoichi Yokoi, surrendered to the local people here in 1972 - 28 years after the war ended! He was living in the mountains nearby and finally decided the war was over... He was a local celebrity and bar favorite (when he visited from Japan) until his death in the 1990s. We went in to look at the souvenirs and saw there was a bar. We were just planning to have a drink but we ended up talking with some of the other customers (semi-locals). Since they were in the same line of work, we chatted for awhile and they told us to stick around for Jeff's 60th Birthday Party - it was today! We felt a little uncomfortable at first, but by the time everyone was singing "Happy Birthday" we were invited to partake in free beer and lobster! Some of the employees wondered who we were, I think (remember the movie "Wedding Crashers"?), but we stuck by our new "friends" and made more acquaintances - including Jeff. It turns out he is from Buzzard's Bay - only a few miles from where I grew up. He had some other friends from Cape Cod in attendance, and I had an interesting chat with one of them - he was an aquacultural engineer (growing coral reefs, planting fisheries, etc.) who works all over the South Pacific (very interesting). Thor wasn't feeling well, so we took our leave around 2000. Spent the rest of the night trying to coordinate our return mission (no luck - not sure when help will arrive). We may have to go back to Japan to get fixed, ultimately...

Tumon Bay, Guam (USA)

Slept in at the Pacific Islands Club (Tumon Bay, Guam) until work started calling in earnest... After that, I spent time on the internet and phone most of the morning. PIC gave me four free drinks ($25) because I am a return customer - that took a little of the edge off! Had late lunch at Jamaican place again. Spent most of the day down by the pool and along the beach. Did some snorkeling - first in a pool with fake coral but lots of real fish, then out in the ocean. Equipment rental is free. Sat on the beach, enjoying the weather (not as humid as last time). Tried out the big waterslide - that was a fun experience. Had a massage at the newly renovated Jiivana Spa - lasted about an hour and was a good recharge. This was only my second massage ever and the masseuse worked some of my pain areas (knee, lower back & shoulder). Dinner at a nearby Thai restaurant (deserted on a Tuesday night - hmmm...). Tourism seems to be way down since last visit and I think lots of the places around here are barely getting by. We saw more activity when we walked down to the end of Tumon Bay where the Hard Rock Cafe and other malls were - that is where we normally stay. It was a nice evening to be outside - a little humid but mostly comfortable. Had a few drinks later and went to bed around midnight.