London, England (United Kingdom)

Unbelievable day! Started in the wee hours (continuing flight from 31 MAY). On the NAT, we saw lots of other east-bound aircraft - nearly flying in formation - throughout the night. Some stayed close all the way, but others blew us away with their speed while we conserved fuel... Saw fringes of light on the northern horizon all night and then a brilliant orange crescent of moon around 0500L. Didn't feel tired until the sun came up and shone in our faces for the last two hours. Weather was beautiful on the western Irish coast - could see Galway Bay, Arran Isles and other terrain features that are usually obscured. Weather degraded, though, until we landed in Mildenhall Air Base around 0730L. Glad we made it in - it would have really sucked to have to fly for much longer. Took a nap for about three hours after getting checked into the Gateway (Air Force) Inn. Met the rest of the guys around 1300 so we could try to get to London. When we left, I really didn't think it would work out. However, the directions from the friendly locals were great: a nearly 30 pound taxi to the Ely train station (saw the pretty cathedral on the way); a 14 pound round-trip train & Underground pass (best deal when we bought four tickets); a one hour and 15 minute train ride to King's Cross/St. Pancras; and a "Tube" ride to Tower Gateway station ("Mind the Gap!"). We were in the city, walking near the Tower of London, in less than two hours! Very misty. We walked for a bit in the financial district (all closed) and found a nice pub that served all the local beers and had fish & chips. After awhile, we walked around the Tower and enjoyed the Thames views of the Tower Bridge. Most of the attractions were closing by this point, but it was nice to walk. Later, we took the Tube again to Westminster. Came out on the "Houses of Parliament" tunnel and got a view of Big Ben from about 30 feet from the base! Really spectangular angle! Could see the London Eye, but thought better of using our precious time to visit it. Instead, walked around Westminster Abbey (closed for church services) and then down to where we could see 10 Downing Street. Continued over to Trafalgar Square. At this point, I found a map on the ground and we learned that we were near the St. James Park and Buckingham Palace. Enjoyed a stroll with much improved weather (sun was actually poking out of the clouds by this point) down "the Mall" (parade route for the Royals). Reached Buckingham and Victoria monument around 2000. Enjoyed a little more of the parks nearby before heading up to Piccadilly for some quick shopping. Finally went over to Green Park Tube station - only to discover they were working on the trains. Luckily, another train went back to King's Cross/St. Pancras. Our train left about an hour later - had a good sandwich in the station. Train ride back to Ely was long - and I was exhausted by this point... Fortunately, cab was waiting at the station and we had a quick ride home. Driver told us about the local area (good story about the "island of eels"). Bed around 2300. Whew!!!!!