Portland, ME (USA)

Was trying to sleep in this morning, but a little kid pulled the fire alarm at 0600... Couldn't get back to sleep, so played around on the internet for a little while. Was able to get some of the follow-up paperwork from the inspection visit completed and plan my next trip for next week. Checked out of my room at the NAS Brunswick CBQ and departed the base by around 1000.  I first drove up to Lewiston to check out their library (someone in my genealogy group has Coogan ancestors from there). It only took a little bit of time to find some good stuff and I got back on the road by around 1130. Next, I explored Freeport (LL Bean store and headquarters is there). Eventually, I worked my way down to Portland and checked out the waterfront and Old Port. Looks like a nice place to stay... Started to get worried about making my flight (weather not looking too good between Portland and Norfolk), so I filled up my gas tank at 1350 (Mobil station) and turned in my car at the Enterprise office (1415).  I was really early to the airport but it's important to note that my office had scheduled my departure on the last flight out.  Despite trying, though, I couldn't get a seat assignment earlier this morning and this made me nervous about not having a confirmed spot.  I thought I could fix that when I arrived but, unfortunately, United Airlines doesn't give seats out until 30 minutes before takeoff.  Another disappointing scenario: during my transit through TSA, I was forced to throw away several small containers I'd bought that had jam and maple syrup - dang...  After getting inside the gate area, I spent had a nice dinner at a Brew Pub. Also read a bit and time flew by. Made it on the full plane and we departed Maine just after 1900.  The trip to Dulles went OK (weather was not a factor) and we landed at around 2100. During the layover in Virginia, rain started and the flight filled up and I got nervous that I might get stranded (still no seat assignment).  Fortunately, I made it the aircraft and we left at 2215.  By the time we landed in Norfolk (a bit late, 2330), conditions were only misty. After getting my car out of the parking garage (0005),  I had a pretty easy drive home (arrived at 0030). Despite some hassles along the way (most in the commercial airline arena), this was a good trip.  I hope that the next few years of inspections (for my job) are like this!