Flower Mound, TX (USA)

Had a doctor's appointment this afternoon in Flower Mound - located about 30 miles north of our home. The drive up I-35W was nice - I missed the traffic. Passed Alliance Field and the Texas Motor Speedway - both quiet... Along TX-1171 saw lots of very nice homes and ranches. Lots of building going on over in the center of Flower Mound - I guess these are people who moved out from South Lake (?). I thought it would take about 30 minutes from my work, but with some traffic and the back-roads under construction I barely made it for my appointment. Drive home seemed to be quicker - this place is worth checking out again!

Pensacola, FL (USA)

Got an early start this morning after a GREAT sleep! Stopped at Wawa for a breakfast snack and then got a ride over to Northeast Philadelphia Airport. After a couple of hours waiting for the weather in Florida (one of our stops) to improve, we instead flew down to Virginia Beach for fuel. Ended up getting to Pensacola after all - weather OK by them. Short flight over to Fort Worth with great views of Mississippi River and Texas. Nicky and the girls met me at the airport and I picked up my car with Mollie. Evening was fun, with the kids' excitement about the Irish trinkets. Had a nice dinner with them, talking about school and their fun events (kickball, Girl Scouts, etc.). Exhausted by 2200, but tried to watch a show. I don't usually fall asleep with the TV on, but this time I did... I hope I can get back to this time zone soon!

Willow Grove, PA (USA)

Woke up around 0800 and drove around looking for a place that made cheese-steaks to go. Lee's door was open (for cleaning) and they actually made food for me before they were really open for business. Very nice!  I got gas in Horsham (0915), returned my rental car (Enterprise) at 0920 and was back on NAS JRB Willow Grove by 1030. I met up with my co-workers (who had arrived on Tuesday) and visited with several other friends. My work colleagues and I were supposed to fly back to Fort Worth around 1200 but the aircraft for our lift ended up being broken at that time. We spent the next three hours trying to figure out what was going to happen before we were told we'd have to wait until tomorrow... By that point, there were no rooms left at Navy Lodge (where I stayed the other two nights), so I caught a ride with the others to the nearby Courtyard (see SEP 2007). Spent most of the evening chatting with Brady L. Realized I was still tired, so I went to bed early - the bed was really comfortable!  One more day in the Keystone State...

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

Woke up around 0800 and headed over to Auchan with Hartig. I always enjoy seeing what people I'm with will buy - olive oil, cheese, meat (etc.). I bought some new things this time - blood orange juice and sambuca. We made it back to the NAS Sigonella Navy Gateway Inn by around 0915.  After that, I packed, checked out of my room and headed over to the aircraft. Before we could depart, we had some issues with weather brief and flight plan.  The best thing about the morning, though, was that passengers were there on time!  As a result, we took off only a little late but made up the time during the flight to Ireland. This was the last day of flying with Bob M. and I told him how much I appreciated the good experience of flying with him.  My job in Fort Worth doesn't often give me a chance to get in the air on a big trip like this and I am sometimes concerned that I'm losing my edge.  He definitely helped me be my best "International/Overwater TAC."  Upon landing at Shannon, we parked in a different place from where we normally get stashed.  This led to a minor problem during engine starts because a push back was required. Seems like the whole trip has been "new things we have to fix."  One bonus of the time on the ground in Ireland - I had time to visit the Duty Free Shop, where I bought Irish flags, Shamrock Rosary Bead bracelets, etc. After departing Europe, our flight back to North America was in daylight all the way.  We did have some radio problems but made it to St. John's OK and had a great stop at Torbay. Got airborne early again (I couldn't believe that the trip was on schedule!!!). On the last leg, I saw Cape Cod and some of Long Island - very pretty. Ended up with the early descent and sun-in-the-face approach. On the ground at NAS JRB Willow Grove just before dark. Felt a bit sad about ending this mission but thanked everyone profusely, telling them I hoped we got lucky enough to fly together again soon.  After grabbing my gear, I started looking for my rental car.  At first, no luck.  Eventually, I figured out that my friend, Brady L. had it (I'd left the keys with the Duty Office).  Eventually, I got everything over to the Navy Lodge and checked into my room. It was nice to be back in the USA, but I couldn't believe how tired I am from the seven time zone changes (in both directions)! Spent a little time relaxing before hitting the hay.  Hoping for an airlift home in the morning...

Sigonella, Sicilia (Italy)

Up early (0500) to ensure we got an early start. It was a good thing - most of our passengers were late for the bus. Eventually, we departed the Royal Sun Hotel. By the time we got back to the airplane, it was 0700.  I was already annoyed about the two hour transportation issue - it makes flight preparation difficult. Despite such problems, we still took off from Souda Bay Air Station about a half hour early (whew!).  We then flew across Egypt and Saudi Arabia without problems until we got close to Bahraini airspace. At that point, we encountered some confusion about our routing - fortunately, we ultimately made it into Qatari airspace OK. We got held up high for awhile (controller wasting time?) but landed early. Another frustration began as soon as we were on the ground, though - the stops there are very slow because the ground crews are not efficient.  Knowing this in advance allowed us to plan for nearly two hours of sitting. This lessened the annoyance a bit... Finally got everyone aboard but then had some problems with fuel and aircraft gross weight calculations. When we finally got rolling on the runway (at nearly 40 degrees C), I was very glad the runway was long... "Old Nellie" got us airborne safely again and the return flight was pretty easy. Food made by the crew still impressing - they love surprising me!  Another pleasant element of the trip: flying with Bob M. has been great!  I was hesitant to try to do such an aggressive mission with only two pilots but we have done well as a team.  We arrived over Crete in the daylight and even got to fly down the north coast of the island instead of doing the entire approach. After we landed at Souda Bay Air Station, the crew told me that there might be a problem with the aircraft. Luckily, we knew it would be possible to get some repairs done in Sigonella - we swiftly departed Greece and flew to Sicily (it took about an hour and a half).  Even with all the delays and difficulties today, we still arrived about a half hour early (compared to our mission documents)! On the ground, we were met by some old maintenance friends - it was good to see them (especially since we needed repair!). After about an hour, the plane was fixed. Checked into the NAS Sigonella Navy Gateway Inn and made a beeline for Jox Club nearby. Got to hang out with three or four groups of people I know - it was fun to visit with them and I bought a lot of drinks. Finished the night a little late - everyone in very good spirits after a great day!

Chania, Crete (Greece)

Airborne through the night (flying with Bob M.) and we made good time through French and Italian airspace. Cappuccino kept me going - as did some good views of Paris and Rome. We arrived at Souda Bay Air Station in the dark but, by the time we completed the entire approach, the sun had risen. We spent several hours getting picked up and taken to our hotel (Royal Sun again). When we got there, it was already 0800L. The bar was open (!) and some of the crew wanted to hang out and enjoy a job well done before trying to get some sleep. Not wanting to miss out on the fun, I stayed for a few hours to enjoy beer and ouzo. At around 1100, everyone (including me) piled into some cabs and drove down to Chania. It was a beautiful day and we walked around for a few hours. I eventually got separated from the rest of the group - they were popping in and out of stores. Spent a short time enjoying the sun near the small harbor that I last visited in JAN 1999. It was such a nice day that I decided to walk back to the hotel. It wasn't too hard and it helped make me feel sleepy - I decided to take a nap for a few hours... Woke up again around 1700 and went to check email. By this time, most of our passengers and part of my crew was there. Decided to hang out with everyone - but realized soon after that we were inside our crew rest window. It was actually a good thing because we'd already been a fun morning! As I departed for my room, I noticed some of the non-fliers tackling lots of ouzo (we'll see what happens with that tomorrow...). Ended up going to bed at 2200...  What a day!

Shannon (Ireland)

Woke early (0600), checked out of my room at the Navy Lodge and got over to work. I've been a little apprehensive about the itinerary for our flight - it is very aggressive (all the way to Crete in one day). Fortunately, Bob M. had done most of the planning - we just had a few loose ends to tie up before we could go. After departing Willow Grove, we flew up to St. John's, Newfoundland, for a fuel stop. This time, we tried out Irving Aviation - the third (different) FBO I've used at Torbay. They did pretty well, but we had another problem with our flight plan due to NAT tracks running West during our transit. Re-ran the flight plan again and got it approved.  Downside: we were then about an hour behind schedule.  This was easily forgotten though - after we got airborne, crew started bringing food - delicious salad, a rice & olive dish and some hot rolls. I must say that they treat a guest pilot very well! Crossing the Pond was otherwise uneventful and we got to Shannon around 2300L. Declan met us again (though he has a new company) and we fixed a few minor issues with the plane while the passengers visited the Duty Free Shop. On our way again (about two hours behind schedule) just before midnight...

Philadelphia, PA (USA)

Dropped off my car at work before heading over to DFW (with a duty driver). Almost immediately, I encountered my first roadblock of the day was when the airline told me that my ticket hadn't been purchased properly by my office... Luckily, the lady at the counter was able to fix this quickly and I made it through security with about 15 minutes to spare. My American Airlines flight to Philly was pretty good - quick, actually. We departed from Texas on time (1055) and, after landing in Pennsylvania, I was able to pick up my rental car (Enterprise) quickly, too (1520L). Unfortunately, after getting on I-95 and driving down to I-476 (the "quick way" to Willow Grove), I found out that landing at around the time of rush hour in Philadelphia is a big mistake... Ended up on lots of surface streets and in a big traffic jam on US-1. Listened to the radio - big news today was death of Phillies announcer Harry Kalas. About an hour and a half later (1730) I arrived at the Navy Lodge.  Trying to be efficient, I called in an order for a cheesesteak, got checked into my room and then went to Lee's Hoagies to pick up my delicious dinner.  While off base, I did some shopping nearby (supplies for the road).  Back in my room, I spent several hours packing (I had to reconfigure my bags for the trip). Went to bed relatively early because I have to get up early for my trip to Europe!

Brunswick, ME (USA)

Had planned to sleep late this morning but some knucklehead started to test the fire alarms... Since I couldn't sleep, I finished packing and then checked out of the Navy Gateway Inn.  Next, I went over to Subway to pick up some lunch (to go) and met up with the rest of the Inspection Team. Our airlift arrived on time (1300) and we soon departed NAS Brunswick.  Since we were on a scheduled JOSAC mission, we first had to stop in Charlotte, NC.  Our time on the ground there was short and we were soon headed west toward home.  The enroute weather wasn't very nice until around the TX-LA border. While riding in the back of the aircraft, I chatted with lots of people on the plane - everyone still excited about last night! We arrived at NAS JRB Fort Worth at around 1700L. Once on the ground, I stayed at work for a few hours to get paperwork done.  This actually allowed some of my friends in Willow Grove to contact our unit with a request that I fly with them again next week! Hadn't planned on being out of the office for so long, but I can't pass up a trip.  Hope Nicky will understand...  Made it home to the family by 2000.  It was a great week!

West Point, ME (USA)

Started my day early again by heading to the squadron (soon after waking) to complete the Inspection.  Fortunately, it was an easy morning. I was actually finished with all my work and had time to go to lunch with everyone one more time. This time, we tried a nearby Golf Club that had all you can eat tacos. It was very popular and crowded. Once lunch was over, we all went back at work for a final closeout (meetings, awards ceremonies, farewells). We were finished at around 1600 and Pete picked me up from the Navy Gateway Inn so we could drive to John's summer rental at "West Point" (actually Phippsburg). Our entire team was there - and our communal donations had made it possible to purchase one lobster for each person, steaks, chicken, corn-on-the-cob and assortments of pies and cake. To be honest, this was my first time ever eating a freshly cooked lobster. John showed everyone where to get the meat and I was pretty successful. I guess I have been missing out on a lot of this over the years (I grew up on Cape Cod!)... Everyone "dug in" and the mood was great (not to mention the outstanding weather and view from the decks...). We could see a couple of islands out in Casco Bay - very pretty - and lots of lobster traps on people's property. We stayed until around 2130 and then went back to NAS Brunswick. In my room, I watched TV and packed until late. This place has been awesome to visit over the years. However, unless I make a big effort, this may be the last time I ever get to come here...

Bath, ME (USA)

After a good sleep, I went to do a workout at the NAS Brunswick gym before heading to the squadron for Day 2 of the Inspection. Decided to skip lunch and work on through - might be able to complete the inspection early this time! Along the way, I also got some work done I brought with me. The result of all my efforts was that I ended up finishing today around 1630. Back in my room at the Navy Gateway Inn, I quickly changed and then went with John into Bath to pick up some souvenirs for the kids and Nicky. I was able to again locate the little gift shop (Lisa Marie's "Maine Made Gifts") that provided such popular gifts when I visited last year. Bought "moose smooch," some lobster candy & "sea glass" candy and a book about harbor seals. Next, we went back over to Marnee's Cookies again to pick up delicious caramel chunk, white chocolate and other cool combinations. I remembered the owner - she is a twin and we had chatted last time I was there. Ended up having dinner down the street with John at J. R. Maxwell & Co. They have a great dinner special - a "Twofer." It's good on the wallet and serving size! John and I each got the fish & scallops in cheese sauce. Also tried a Twisted Tea drink - mmm. Felt very satisfied afterwards... Back to the hotel around 2100.  In my room, I got a lot more work done - this meant, though, that I went to bed late.  Another interesting day in Maine!

Phippsburg, ME (USA)

Got up early and headed in to work. Met up with some old friends and had the usual introductory meetings. Got going with the Inspection by around 0900 and worked until noon. John mentioned that he has a few rental properties around here, so he suggested we go to lunch and then check them out! We ate a Mateo's Hacienda - a quaint little joint in Bath. They make a great quesadilla! Afterwards we drove down ME-209 to the tip of the "finger" of land just west of the Kennebec River to see where John used to live. We were all stunned when he showed us the places he owns there - he and his brother rent them all summer long! One of the properties was nearly 10,000 square feet (decks included) and splits into two units. Views were tremendous!!! We walked around the neighborhood and saw some other units, too. Later, we drove over to Sebasco Harbor Resort - one of those classic summer retreats for the "old money." Phippsburg looks like a great place to relax, but the remote nature and alternatives closer to Kittery and Portland probably hurts tourism it a little... Went back to work around 1400 and finished up for the day at 1615. Went back to my room at the NAS Brunswick Navy Gateway Inn to change and then headed over to the Club to have a social event with our hosts. Met a lot of new people and enjoyed pizza and beer for several hours. Went back to my room at 2000 and watched some TV. I'd planned to do some paperwork, but ended up going to sleep early again.  Fun day!

Bath, ME (USA)

[Inspection Trip] I was scheduled (along with my colleagues) for a trip to Maine this week and arrived early at the NAS JRB.  Despite my hopes, we didn't end up leaving Fort Worth until around 1230 - I consoled myself by getting lots of work done before we left. During the flight to NAS Brunswick, I had a chance to get an hour of flight time with some old friends (Charlie and Bob). Our route featured a spectacular view of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty - wow!  We arrived "Down East" at around 1830L.  However, we didn't get on deck immediately because the crew had to do a missed approach (due to ceilings, rain and wind).  Actually, I thought we might have to divert - fortunately, I was wrong. Glad to be in Maine again (see MAY 2008). After getting transportation arranged, I went to check in at the Navy Gateway Inn.  I was given a very nice room - score! I quickly changed and then went out with several of the guys to have dinner at a place called "The Cabin" in Bath.  Apparently, they are pretty well known for their pizza. The group split a delicious Shrimp Scampi (white sauce) pizza and we all enjoyed the ambiance.  In some ways, it felt like we were sitting in an old ship's captain's mess - the place was dimly lit, with wooden tables and chairs. Afterwards, we drove around town a little.  We were back on base and I was in my hotel room by 2100. Before bed, I got organized for the next day.  It'll be a busy week!

Southlake, TX (USA)

Heard from friends that the TX Department of Motor Vehicles in Southlake was a great place to get done with registrations - short lines, friendly people. I had a heck of a time getting there this morning - took US-377 north and then some back-roads. Unfortunately, I timed this drive with the schools starting their days - all 10 of them! I never saw so many schools so close together! The to get to Southlake Parkway (TX-170) took forever. When I finally arrived at the plaza where the DMV was, I was pleasantly surprised by the layout - it is a fancy little "downtown" shopping area with an old-style courthouse-looking building in the middle. Everything went as advertised - drive home was easier (I kept to the main roads). My buddy says he likes to go to the movies up here - might be fun to try it again!