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...