San Diego, CA (USA)

John woke me up promptly at 0445 for our 0500 drive back to San Diego. I guess it is a good thing that I'm on another time zone... Got to the Glorietta Bay Inn at around 0615 and had some breakfast while I waited for the other guys to show up. We all drove over to the airplane at around 0745 and the guys got started on the brake (parts arrived!). While waiting, I went over to meet up with Wade but learned that he was actually at the doctor's office.  Instead, I ended up visiting Don, Lawrence and Brian. Spent two hours chatting about work-related items and touring the area. I've talked to them many times by phone, but it was nice to see things in person! Drove over to the airport at 1000 to try to pick up Pete (flying in this morning from Fort Worth) - but he hadn't yet made it. His new arrival time (1300) gave me time to head back to check everyone out of the hotel. Also had time to visit with Kevin and Wade - we even had lunch. I really felt good about what I accomplished on this unscheduled trip - saw just about everyone I work with via cyberspace! And - bonus - when I got back to the plane it was fixed! Got ready to leave - all the paperwork was completed just as Pete arrived in a taxi. Flight home was OK - had to dodge a lot of weather. Very nice in Fort Worth (hot!). After all paperwork completed, arrived at the house around 2000. We got home early - but whew!

Temecula, CA (USA)

Woke up at 0730 and had breakfast at the Glorietta Bay Inn. Next, I went over to the flight line in an attempt to help the crew in getting parts.  While there, I met up with Nick and some other guys I know. Got some work done on the computer, too. Went back to the hotel at around 0930. My cousin, John, picked me up around 1015 and drove me to his home. On the way there we got to stop for immigration checks along I-15. Met up with Ann and the boys and learned that Mary and Leo were in town, too! They arrived soon after and immediately wanted to head over to the Wilson Creek Winery to buy almond champagne. We stopped for a bite to eat the the Inn & Out Burger and then drove over to enjoy one of the perks of our Wine Club membership. Mary and Leo had never been before, so we tried lots of different drinks and bought lots of bottles! Afterwards, we headed back to John & Ann's - somehow, the kids were still excited to go do something. Watched the boys hit golf balls at the driving range and chatted for most of the afternoon - weather was great! At 1800, drove over to BJ's (a micro-brewery that serves pizza and burgers). Had a good beer and buffalo chicken pizza and spent some time with Shannon and Sean. Went back to John's at around 2000 (they asked me to stay with them) and said goodbye to Mary and Leo. Watched a little TV, but went to bed rather early, since John wants to get up at 0400...

San Diego, CA (USA)

Today was the big day of the trip - three round trips between Lemoore and San Diego. We were ready, though, and everything went very well. After checking out of the Hornet Inn at NAS Lemoore, we started our mission (0800). Weather cooperated, but that also meant that there were lots of private pilots testing out the airspace and beach scenery. Dodged lots of little aircraft and managed to get all the people where they needed to be.  We were on deck a NAS North Island, all flights completed, and it appeared that we were about to depart for our flight home to Fort Worth. While the aircraft was being fueled, I ran over to pick up some food for the road and even had a few minutes to eat. Unfortunately, this was when our crew discovered a leaking brake line... After some consultation with Maintenance Control at home, we decided that we needed to give up any ideas of flying and, instead, spend the night in San Diego. Vance was really antsy and insisted that he needed to get home by tomorrow morning.  So, he suddenly he left us and went to the airport. That was a bit shocking but the rest of us checked into our hotel (Glorietta Bay Inn). I called John, Kevin and Wade to see what kind of things I could do during the next few days - I figure we won't get fixed until Friday morning. Met up with the rest of the guys for margaritas at Miguel's. Bed around 2200.

Lemoore, CA (USA)

Didn't have to start early today, but with the time-zone difference I was awake before 0600. Luckily, the day was supposed to be short, so I knew I'd have time to catch up on sleep later... Checked out of the NAS Whidbey Island Navy Gateway Inn at about 0800 and headed to the flight line.  When we took off (at around 1100), we had some awesome views of the mountains - Baker, Rainier, St. Helens, Adams, Hood. I don't think I've ever seen them so clearly! Sadly, the weather degraded on the way down to San Diego - with the reduced visibility, we actually had some trouble getting in. Fortunately, the conditions began improving while we were on the ground. Since this was a holiday, we had to wait until the next airport opened before we could depart North Island NAS. During the break, I ate lunch at Rice King and relaxed. Took off at around 1530 and flew up to Lemoore, where we spent the night. I've never stayed here before, but I've only heard how boring it was - being here on a holiday sure didn't sweeten the deal. We managed to find a McDonalds that was open, but otherwise there was almost nothing to do. The lady at the hotel (Hornet Inn) mentioned that we were near the "Raisin Capital" and a Jelly Belly factory - we considered an exploration trip but, instead, went back to the room around 1900. Watched movies all evening - sure wish I had brought my laptop...

Whidbey Island, WA (USA)

The morning started out with a fun party at Mountasia - a go-cart and arcade place the kids have enjoyed since we moved here. There were 10 kids and we got to have pizza and cake. Mollie and I raced in a two-person go-cart against Brenna and Erin's friends - it was very fun. Unfortunately, I had to leave the party early because I had a mission to the West Coast.  I hurried over the NAS JRB Fort Worth and met up the rest of the gang for our flight to Washington State. It has been a long time since I saw Vance - we went to school and worked together several years ago. We took off around 1600 and had an uneventful trip to Whidbey Island - the enroute views were tremendous. When we arrived, the weather was crisp and cool. I called Jeff and Nora - they were both enjoying their days off. I hoped to go down to the beach below Deception Pass Bridge for a cookout, but we ran out of time during our check-in to the hotel (Navy Gateway Inn). We managed to fit one stop on the coast (for a short time) on our drive to Anacortes, but everyone was really hungry by that point. We hurried over to the Brown Lantern (see SEP 2008) and had some fun for several hours - Jeff even showed up around 2030. Went back to the hotel around 2100 and got right to sleep.

Roanoke, TX (USA)

We had an opportunity to visit with some other Coogans today - our old friends from Amelia Island, FL. They actually came to town to visit their children and grand-children - what a small world! John and Mary were nice enough to let us use their pool when we visited them in JUL 1999 - the kids were just over a year old - and they have kept in touch for the last 10 years. We met up with them in a little town north of Fort Worth (called Roanoke) at Babe's Chicken (#1 - original) restaurant. It was a cool place: there were only two choices of meal (fried chicken or chicken fried steak). Sides (mashed potatoes, creamed corn, salad and biscuits) kept coming throughout the meal (as the bowls emptied). The kids had fun talking to their "cousins" and liked the staff of the place - they sang the "Hokey Pokey." After a few hours of eating and visiting, we had to say "goodbye."

Grapevine, TX (USA)

We weren't far away, so we decided to end Aunt Judy and Uncle Jim's visit over at downtown Grapevine. The closest we ever got before was when we visited the Gaylord Texan hotel (see DEC 2008). It was a great experience - the little downtown is full of shops and parks. We also squeezed in a visit to an Italian restaurant that served gelato... The little gazebo in the town square was great for pictures. After enjoying the pleasant weather, we finally had to say "goodbye" - it was sad. The girls truly had a memorable visit with their aunt and uncle - asking lots of questions about my mom when she was a kid. They were sad when we had to drive away - hope it won't be long before we can get together again! Drive home was quick and easy.

Southlake, TX (USA)

Today was a very special day - we were blessed with a chance to visit with my mom's sister and her husband (Aunt Judy & Uncle Jim). They were in town for a wedding and stayed longer so they could see us. I haven't seen them since FEB 2002, but this was the first time they have met my wife and kids. It was great to be able to spend time with them - a truly memorable day! They brought photos of their children and (17) grand-kids. For several hours we chatted at our house and then we decided to drive over to the Southlake Town Square (where I got our car registered in APR). Very little traffic in that direction - even during rush hour. When we arrived, we found that Monday is a good day to stop by (lots of shops are closed) and enjoy the "old down town" flavor of the area. We went in several nice stores and scouted out other things (the HUGE movie theatre) for another trip. We ate dinner at the Rockfish Grill - first time we've tried that one - and everyone cleaned their plates. The conversation was great and everyone was in very good spirits after that. We took lots of photos and didn't want the day to end...

Fairfield, CA (USA)

Finished with fuel and got going soon after. Tried to get a little sleep on the way back to Fort Worth, but the seats were uncomfortable (I guess I must have gotten a little sleep, though, since I got woke up by the loud people around me!). Landed at Alliance Field again - just as the sun started to crack over the eastern horizon. Weather was great - cool and clear. Drive home OK - caught the kids eating breakfast and gave them the Hawaii souvenirs. Then, took a nap - needed to be awake to see the relatives this afternoon & evening!

Honolulu, HI (USA)

Didn't have to wake up early this morning, but did anyway (I'm still thinking this five hour time difference will be hard to re-adjust to when I get home...). Met Keith and John for breakfast - we were going to the 24 hour coffee house down the street from the Hale Koa Hotel, but they had a huge crowd by 0900. Instead, at breakfast with a beach view at the hotel. They had a great buffet - guava juice, fresh pineapple and coconut syrup for the pancakes. Relaxed and enjoyed the weather for over an hour. John & Keith went to pack and I borrowed the car to drive up to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific - located on a hill above Waikiki. We had driven by it almost every day, but I was glad I had a map for the last several blocks. When I got there, I was astounded by the fact that it is located inside an old volcano (the "Punchbowl") and some areas of the cemetery have beautiful views of the whole south side of Oahu. I spent about an hour there - looking for good photo opportunities, marveling at the unique bird species and trees and paying my respect to a Coogan sailor buried there. I was also impressed by the number of families around this morning, all leaving beautiful cut flowers on their loved ones' graves. Drove back to the hotel (with about an hour to spare until we had to leave) and checked out of my room. At 1300, we left for the airport. As usual, the rest of the group was on its own program, so we all got separated again. When we finally did meet up, the Agriculture Inspector (legendary for every visit I've made to this island) was very unhappy about how he had to wait for us (what's new!). Got on the aircraft around 1600 and left soon after. I really do not like the Gulfstream that we used (again) - too crowded for comfort, bathroom smells bleed into the cockpit, seats uncomfortable. Still, I'm glad to have a ride home! Spent some time with Keith in the front, marveling at the avionics and whiz-bang features of the aircraft. I guess I would admit that the plane would be fun to FLY! Landed near San Francisco right at midnight (fuel stop).

Kane'ohe Bay, HI (USA)

I was not ready for this morning... (!). I woke up on time, but was moving very slowly after last night's excursion... Keith called and he and John had some fun at my expense all the way to work... I needed a few extra hours to get back on track, but finally did. Got all my work done, at least, and was very happy when we were headed back to the hotel. The only experience I can remember like this (related to work, anyway) was back when I learned I would get to fly jets (see JAN 1993)... Shouldn't have repeated it, I guess, but I made it through with only three other guys (14 started). Feeling better by the time we got back to the Hale Koa Hotel. Went to dinner with John and Keith in the restaurant on the ground floor. I had a great meal with lightly grilled Mahi-Mahi (and lots of water). We chatted for several hours afterwards, too. Went nearby to pick up some more souvenirs for the kids and spent the rest of the night packing. Bed around 2200 (wanted to catch up from yesterday).

Kane'ohe Bay, HI (USA)

This morning started early (Keith needed a ride so he could fly back to the Mainland). We arrived around 0730 and then I drove around the place to see what interesting things they had. It was definitely worth it - lots of beautiful views and things to do. I even had time for a haircut before we had to be at work (0900). Subsequently, I got a lot done before lunch. Things were actually clicking along nicely and it took a little effort to get away from work to have lunch. The folks here took me up to the top of a hill where there was a club serving "make your own pasta bar." It was delicious (and unexpected). Afterwards, they took me over to the highest point overlooking Kane'ohe Bay - weather was awesome and I can truly appreciate why people love living here! Worked after lunch (thought we would be done around 1630 again) until I got a call from John that everyone else was ready to go (I wasn't). Luckily, Steve was still working and I had a ride home. Finished by 1630 and we made it back to the Hale Koa Hotel before 1700. Quickly changed and then met up with most of our group by the pool bar. After a little while there (and a couple of mai tais), most of us continued down the beach in what I'll always remember as "The Beach Crawl." Point 1 was our hotel (Barefoot Bar), Point 2 the Outrigger Reef (Shorebird), Point 3 the Sheraton-Waikiki (Rimfire), Point 4 the Sheraton Royal-Hawaiian, Point 5 the Outrigger Waikiki (Duke's), Point 6 was Moana Surfrider and Point 7 was the Duke Statue on the beach. After some celebratory photos, we made the turn back for the hotel via Kalakaua Avenue. We later stopped at Jimmy Buffet's at the Beachcomber and at Kelly O'Neill's. I was able to survive with only three other guys - with mai-tais at every stop (they are like Hurricanes from New Orleans - yikes!!). Made it back to the hotel with them - under my own power (and still had my wallet & shoes) - but as I fell asleep I knew I would soon be paying this night back...

Pearl Harbor, HI (USA)

Today was one of the most interesting days of the trip. It began early again, but we only had to meet with our hosts for a couple of hours. Went back to the Hale Koa Hotel and relaxed near the beach (had lunch too) for a couple of hours. Then, changed back into work clothes for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a visit to the USS Missouri ("Mighty Mo" - BB-63). It is moored in Pearl Harbor within a stone's throw of the USS Arizona. In fact, it appears to be very close to where the USS Oklahoma capsized during the 07 DEC 1941 attack. After we finished a very inspiring ceremony - and a personalized tour of the ship with a retired crew-member, we drove around on Ford's Island. Keith and I brought a change of clothes so we wouldn't have to stay in our "penalty suits" all day (everyone else drove all the way back to the hotel!!!). We had a great time seeing the views from the island - ships and a huge early warning radar platform. We left Ford's Island and discovered the HUGE exchange complex - found some good souvenirs. Afterwards, we drove around on the old Pearl Harbor submarine base - visiting a memorial to the nearly 4000 men who died during World War II - and later found ourselves driving along the coast near the Honolulu International Airport. Fortunately, this was good timing for our next work-related event - a cookout on the ocean at Foster Point. It turned out to be a nice event - great music, special dishes prepared by our hosts and a beautiful sunset. The weather was very pleasant (never too hot or cold). We had no trouble getting back to the hotel (2100) and I took the opportunity to use the internet (signal worked from Hilton Hawaiian Village nearby). Watched some TV and went to bed relatively early...

Honolulu, HI (USA)

Got up earlier today so we could make the physical training event that our hosts were holding. We got there right at 0700 and it was already getting hot & sweaty. Still, it didn't last long and we had some good fun. Afterwards, I went over to change for work and found the water was out at the gym. Luckily, the pool next door had water. I was one of the first to make it in to work and I got a lot done before the rest of the crowd showed up. Lunch was another great spouses' club creation (BBQ). Worked until around 1600 and actually finished when everyone else did. We just have to wrap up a few more loose ends tomorrow morning and we'll be done here! We drove back to Waikiki and I was back to my room at the Hale Koa Hotel by around 1715. Ate dinner (with Keith and John) in the hotel but just had an appetizer. Afterwards, Keith and I drove over to Ward's Cinemas to see the movie "X Men Origins: Wolverine" - it was pretty good. Back at the hotel around 2300 - bed...

Honolulu, HI (USA)

Some knucklehead thought it would be a great idea if we left the Hale Koa Hotel this morning at 0645. The guys we were inspecting didn't think we would arrive until 0830, so when we showed up at 0715, they were not happy... I think it was because they had some amazing plans for our visit (just like yesterday's arrival). I got a lot of paperwork (from home) done while waiting for the official kick-off. After that, we were back on track. My counterpart, Jim, was also the coordinator for the whole event, so there were a lot of distractions... At lunch time, we got to have a delicious meal prepared by the wives club and the executive unit these guys have for VIP passengers. After lunch, continued the review. Probably only about 3/4 done when (1630) Steve (our boss) told us to wrap things up for the return to the hotel. I do have some of tomorrow, so it wasn't that bad, I guess. Changed quickly at the hotel and then met Keith again for a walk down to dinner at Gyu Kaku (Japanese BBQ - see APR 2004). It was just like I remembered - Kirin beer, beef tongue, scallops & shrimp, great soup and salad. Definitely worth it (it had better be, for the PRICE!). Walked back to the hotel via some late night shops. Debated some more with Keith on the way. Ended up watching some TV until very late...

Honolulu, HI (USA)

[Inspection Trip] Woke early (0530) and drove over to pick up Keith - he had flown previously the plane we were going to use for our trip and had left it at Alliance Field. I've often driven by there, but had never used it for a mission before. We were the first ones there, so I had a chance to check out the Gulfstream IV that was going to fly us to Hawaii. We took off around 0900 - weather was rolling in and we had some bumps on the way to 45,000 feet (my first time that high - in any aircraft!). Not much scenery on the way, but when we got to San Diego, I was really glad for the executive size windows (big!). On the ground for about an hour - had a chance to pick up some food and visit with some old friends who live there. Back in the air again, hooked up my computer and was able to play my video games for about four of the five and a half hour flight. Our arrival in Kane'hoe Bay was breathtaking (mountains, beaches, Gilligan's Island!) - now I know what Floyd (our neighbor in Virginia) meant when he used to come back from Hawaii... We are on an inspection visit, but that didn't stop our hosts from treating us like tourists to the islands - we received warm Alohas and flower leis. My favorite, though, was the very fresh pineapple! After some paperwork, Keith and I ended up being the last to leave for the hotel - and we didn't have a map. We explored a little around the base (not on purpose) but eventually ended up on HI-61 (the correct one, we learned later). At the end of that road (the Pali Highway), we ended up driving in Waikiki looking for familiar landmarks. I had never even looked for Chinatown, but it would be worth it someday... We arrived at the hotel (this time, the Hale Koa) and found that we had actually beat a few from our group! Check in (to room 666!) was easy and I had to kill about two hours before meeting up with everyone for Happy Hour at the Barefoot Bar (on the beach). I've had a drink at this place almost every time I visit the island, but it was usually a small group. After several hours of introductions from our hosts and at least one mai tai, a smaller group of us (including a few guys with their wives) walked over to the Outrigger Reef (one of the hotels I stayed in many times before) and had dinner in the Shorebird Restaurant there. Everyone else grilled their own kabobs - I was already full (and eating my fourth meal with the five hour time change!). Instead, I enjoyed a salad and we chatted for several hours. Back to the hotel around 2200. Keith and I had a great debate on the way back - too bad we had to go to sleep already. Time awake since this "morning": 22 hours...

Dallas, TX (USA)

We've been wanting to see the Tutankhamun Exhibition at the Dallas Museum of Art for several months and we finally got our chance today. We left the house around 1100 and made it over to Dallas (with some bad traffic on the I-820 again) in just over an hour. We had no problem finding a place to park, but when we started to walk it was clear we should have brought an umbrella! No problem with lines, but we found out that the exhibition was using a queue system - and he would have to wait for four hours to get in to see Tut. Oh well, the ticket price included a tour of the rest of the museum. We had a great time visiting all of the displays - art from all over the world. There were paintings by Monet, Etruscan sculpture and lots of gold. There were even some mummies - a hit with the kids. We actually saw almost everything - and there were no lines. It was clear, however, that the Tut exhibit was going to be just like Disney World. All day long we heard the crowds and saw the lines throughout the building. At least someone thought of putting the queue under a covered tent (came in handy when the huge thunderstorm began)! We spent about an hour in a "kid's zone" - where we made golden crowns for our visit to the "Boy King." Around 1530 we made it in the queue and waited for about half an hour before they let us into the exhibit. I had seen the Exhibition when it toured the States in the 1970s - and I remembered the golden mask. Unfortunately (and they didn't tell us until we were inside), that impressive piece didn't come with the exhibit this time. In fact, most of the artifacts in the display were 18th Dynasty BEFORE Tut. The lines were terrible - no organization inside the display. If we had waited to see each item, we would have spent three to four hours waiting. Instead, I got the kids to sneak into the crowds around an artifact and get their fill of Ancient Egypt. I do think they were truly impressed, especially when we got to the final rooms of the exhibit. There were actual necklaces, chairs and other funerary items from Tut's tomb there - and lots of video to show the items that weren't on the tour. I am glad we visited the DMA - it was definitely worth the trip - but I was a little disappointed about what the Tut Exhibit contained. Oh well - the kids will remember it! They'll even remember the run back to the car in the pouring rain... On the way back to Fort Worth, we were in a huge thunderstorm. I turned on the radio and we heard about softball size hail and the fact that the Dallas Cowboys practice facility (nearby) had COLLAPSED!!! Eventually, things calmed down again - that is North Texas in the Spring! We had made plans to eat at the Saltgrass Steakhouse (see JUL 2008) and we were able to do that, despite the weather. Everyone enjoyed that a lot! Kids were in good spirits, talking all about what they had seen. We need to visit Dallas again for some more culture!