Brunswick, ME (USA)

I slept well in the Mid-Atlantic Lodge (Air Force Inns) on Lajes Air Base.  I thought we were planning to leave at 1030L but there was even more confusion about the itinerary (will it ever end?), though. Took advantage of the chance to get some food and souvenirs at 0900L because there were some problems with our clearance (again). Carina was very stressed out about the way things have been going (everything via computers not working out the way she likes). However, this trip was completely different than what I've experienced over the last seven years.  Typically, I've used paper and face-to-face interactions with the locals to get things to work the way I wanted them to. This trip has been all about making changes with people who are located at computer hubs - we've never talked to them at all. I finally took it on my self to get our weather brief from the Portuguese forecaster at the airfield - that took 15 minutes and I was able to get away from Carina's worries... Still, we left late again. Flight over to Brunswick was OK - had to fly as efficiently as possible to make it without a fuel stop. Turn through there went good, too - it is a shame that they will soon close this field... While we were on the ground, found out that my trip back to Fort Worth with our aircraft had changed (again - aaaggghhh!!!). Instead of stopping for fuel there, the crew was going to try to fly all the way to San Diego. That meant that I was out of luck for getting home tonight. Eventually got some help from our travel office - they put me on a flight out of Norfolk that would depart soon after our landing in Virginia Beach. What it meant, though, was that I had to forego flying the last leg and instead had to re-pack for the flight. Bolted from the plane (1600L) and had to set up an immediate ride with the squadron duty driver.  After arriving at the Norfolk International Airport, I barely made it to the gate for the 1815 departure.  Once again, I was flying on American Airlines - fortunately, they were on time today... Final outcome was that I got back to DFW around 2030L and, after getting help from another duty driver from my office (I paid the tolls again), I arrived at home by 2200 (feeling extremely worn out). Good to see the kids - I even made it in time for (an early) Halloween!  My thoughts on this trip are very complicated - as always, flight time is great.  On the flip side, there was too much stress, constant (and some unnecessary) changes to the itinerary and people on their own plan while the rest of us waited for them. To top it off, the crew that "couldn't stop through Fort Worth" stopped instead in Kansas - probably about the time that I was getting on the flight out of Norfolk. Overall, I miss the "normal" routines of previous flights: calm and predictable people; satisfying days of work (including the sense that I've gotten the job done as scheduled) and relaxing overnight stops. Hope I get to see that next time..

Terceira, Azores (Portugal)

Slept in a bit late in my room at the Sigonella NAS Bachelor Housing - we didn't have to leave until 1300L.  After waking up, I went to lunch [at the Galley]. Got to the aircraft around noon and then learned that everyone was off on their own program again. Found out that all the (unnecessary) waffling about where we would be spending the night was all for naught - end result was that we were just going to the Azores as planned. Waited in the plane until 1400L and finally had everyone else on board.  Flew over to Rota - very nice weather. We were "racing" another aircraft and we almost caught them - but we had to slow down because the airport wasn't open until 1700L. Stop went OK in Spain, but I never had any time to shop or relax because I thought we were leaving right away (we weren't). Got out of there around 1830L and flew uneventful flight over to Terceira (Azores) and arrived at Lajes at around 1900L. Checked into the Mid-Atlantic Lodge (Air Force Inns) and then headed over to the bar - fortunately, they were still serving dinner. Stayed for several hours and then headed back to my room. Caught up on some more work (email) and then went to bed. Feeling a little uncertain about everyone's intentions... 

Cairo (Egypt)

Slept alright in the Sigonella NAS Bachelor Housing and was at the flight line on time for our mission.  However, we left late from Sicily due to some clearance complications (mostly due to yesterday's re-route). We were supposed to spend the night in Crete tonight but that was ultimately changed back to Sicily... Flight over to Qatar went well - good weather and some great views of the Red Sea (we flew over near the Sinai peninsula this time!). I was amazed at the weather when we landed - it was breezy and a pleasant 25C. What struck me most, though, was that the sun was going down while we were fueling (at 1630L). We've figured out that the time zones are really screwed up right now - some people are moving their clocks off Daylight Savings and others aren't. Made for some interesting questions throughout the trip about what the local time was. Picked up a few old friends - they needed to go to Cairo to pick up another airplane. I'd been in the back for these first two legs, so I had a chance to look out the window for landmarks (i.e., Pyramids) - never saw anything, though. This was actually my first time in Egypt - if you don't count the Suez transits from 1997, 1998 and 1999. Weather good in Cairo too. Quick stop - no chance to enjoy any of the country (too bad)... I flew us back to Sicily - uneventful. Landed around 2300L and checked (back) into the Sigonella NAS Bachelor Housing.  After dropping my bags, I barely made it over to the bar for a drink before they closed. While having a relaxing drink, I had time to go through my work email and, later, listened to Paul and Carina trying to change the route home (again!!!). Got back to the room around 0030 and watched some TV until 0200.  This trip has not been very relaxing...

Shannon (Ireland)

Arrived in Shannon to some low clouds and drizzle (windy, too!). Everything was closed in the terminal this time (duty free shop) - but turn was quick. We saw another plane from home - lucky bastards got to spend the night here! We took off around 0030L and flew over England, France and Italy on our way down to Sicily. Weather was nice - could see lots of landmarks. Arrived around 0330L. Got checked into the Sigonella NAS Bachelor Housing and spent a little while with some old friends at a little pub that was still open. Got to sleep around 0500 and didn't wake up until 1100. Had some leftovers (from the flight over) for lunch and intended to meet up with Paul and Carina around 1230 (for some shopping) - but neither showed. Went over to the aircraft to see if they were there and found Carina. Found out our itinerary was changed (again) and we had a lot of work to do to make that happen. Had a few minutes to visit Andy - works next door. Didn't end up going out until nearly 1600. We eventually had an opportunity to visit the Auchan for some local products. On the way back we stopped for dinner in Mota at the Dona Fortunata restaurant - always good. Walked down the street afterwards and found the (usual) gelato shop. Thought about getting some cookies from Carmelo the baker (see DEC 2008) - but his shop was gone. Back at the gelato shop, met a guy who knew the backstory on this. He pointed me towards another bakery and we headed over there for the delicious cookies the kids liked last time. Had an issue with getting some Euro - Paul bailed me out. Got a whole box of the individually wrapped cookies - some flavored with almonds, others with oranges (mmmm...). Back at home around 1000. Packed up and went to bed.

Gander, Newfoundland & Labrador (Canada)

After an OK sleep in the NAS Oceana CBH, I had trouble getting to work this morning (barely made it on time).  Fortunately, everyone else was later.  As a result, we ended up getting a late start - but not because of the efforts of Carina (a new person who is very intense and plans everything to exact specifications). Actually, our delay was due to a last minute change to our itinerary (Sicily vice Crete). Got airborne by 0930 - I was flying today. Flight up to Canada went well - weather was good enough to see New York City as we flew by. Stopped through Gander this time - turnaround went well and weather was very pleasant. Got flying again quickly and flew all the way to Ireland - with the time-zone changes, we were on final for Shannon (Ireland) just before midnight...

Virginia Beach, VA (USA)

[CENTCOM Mission] Had an early flight to Norfolk this morning and got a ride to ZDFW Airport from guys at work (I paid the tolls for them). After getting dropped off (0700), I made it through to the gate very quickly - so quickly, in fact, that I had over two hours to kill. Spent most of it at the USO (very nice in DFW). Just after 0900, I got on the (American Airlines) aircraft on time but then sat for over 30 minutes (waiting on the pilot!). Eventually on our way - but I had read everything I brought already (very bored all the way...). In Norfolk by 1445L (over an hour late) but my bag was ready before I arrived at the baggage claim! Fortunately, I got another ride from the local squadron duty office, checked into the NAS Oceana CBH and was also able to get food for tomorrow's mission.  Even better, I had time to visit some old friends. Spent the rest of the afternoon watching football until Ken K. called. Went to dinner with him and his son, Jake - at Jake's BBQ in Virginia Beach. Back at the room around 2100 - finished rearranging my bags before bed.

Point Mugu, CA (USA)

Got packed to leave and checked out of the NBVC Beach Motel at Point Mugu before 0900 - soon after that, I heard that we had slid until at least 1030. Had time to pick up some snacks and a newspaper. We were waiting - for what seemed liked forever - for our Boss to be ready to go. Eventually, we got in the air (1130) - but the time zone change was a day-killer. Flight home was monotonous and long (but not as bad as the way West). Arrived in Fort Worth at 1730L and couldn't wait to get off the plane... Beeline to the car, got gas and made it home before 1830. Trip was OK - first time on the Herc, first time at Point Mugu - met lots of nice people and saw some great things.

Malibu, CA (USA)

Another long day... Rob got us some special tacos (little, with spicy meat) for lunch so I could finish up the paperwork and final check-out. Our team was actually able to wrap everything up by 1700. Thought I would have a little more time this afternoon for souvenir hunting, but ended up barely getting on the road by 1800. I borrowed Keith's Prius this time (it is really a different kind of car to drive!). I've tried European and Japanese diesel cars with "credit-card" keys and push button starters - but this car even had a backup camera and the little shifter and "park" button made for an interesting time. I would bet that this car prevents drunk drivers from getting on the road... Eric came with me and we found ONE place that sold T-Shirts - after driving nearly all the way to Duke's again! Turned around by 1900 and drove back to Neptune's Net ("surf shack"). I had recognized this place yesterday - it has been in two movies that I remembered: "Point Break" and "The Fast and the Furious" (actually on TV last night!). We had a bit of sunset left -could still see lots of surfers... The temperatures had really dropped off by the time we got our food. The rest of the crew showed up about 30 minutes later. Everyone agreed that the ambiance was good. Back at the NBVC Beach Motel at Point Mugu around 2130. Found out we wouldn't be leaving until at least 1000 tomorrow morning, so I skipped packing and went to bed.

Malibu, CA (USA)

Worked nearly all day today - without lunch. Getting Rob up to speed on the process we use on these trips... Weather still great (15-25 C, sunny) over the course of the day. Around 1630, met up with Rob again and went down the PCH to see the sights of nearby Malibu. Took our time, stopping in some of the neighborhoods to check out houses for sale and the views (reminded me of the movie "Life as a House"). We drove around on the campus of Pepperdine University and saw some great views of the setting sun in the distance. Kept driving down the coast until we arrived at Duke's (name-sake of the bar in the Outrigger in Honolulu). They had $4 valet parking! Got a great seat on the water and saw the last evidence of the sunset. Atmosphere was similar to Hawaii, but there really isn't any substitute for the tropic breezes (even with the mai-tai)... Other guys arrived around 1930. I had the catch of the day, mahi-mahi, with parmigiana and macadamia nuts (mmmm...). Drive home was really easy (no traffic) - made it back to NBVC Beach Motel at Point Mugu in short order. Spent a little time watching TV and then got to sleep.

Camarillo, CA (USA)

Up really early for work - got a lot done before 1130. Had lunch with guys from work and then finished up in the afternoon. Thought everyone would want to enjoy the great weather, but most of the other guys just wanted to take it easy... Borrowed one of the cars and drove around the area. Found some more great wildlife (seals, pelicans) and discovered that I was in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Even drove down to Mugu Rock (I heard it was broken off from the rest of the ridge when road crews blasted through for a re-route of the Pacific Coast Highway). Drove up to Port Hueneme and around the fields - saw lots of pickers coming out as the sun was going down (I guess there is still a lot of produce growing out there...). Eventually made it to CA-101 in Camarillo, where Keith said we should have dinner. Found Yolanda's pretty easily after first exploring the many outlet malls nearby... Arrived about 20 minutes before everyone else - early enough to really enjoy a 42-ounce margarita! Keith's parents - and the rest of the gang - arrived around 1900. We had a great time and didn't leave until nearly 2200. Too tired when we got back to the NBVC Beach Motel at Point Mugu, so I went right to sleep...

Point Mugu, CA (USA)

[CFLSW Inspection Trip] Actually got out of Fort Worth before 0900 - and it was lucky, too - first flight on a Hercules... Took nearly five and a half hours to get to Point Mugu. I have been near this place before (see 1995 and 1996) but never stopped for any length of time. After the usual check-in process, we headed over to the Beach Motel (MWR Lodging & RV Park). Eric had some errands to run, so I stayed in my room for a few hours (even took a nap!). Around 1800, walked down the beach to a mixer. On the way, saw lots of harbor seals resting in the tidal basin and found a monument to the Alaska Air Flight 261. I wrote one of my masters degree papers on that accident, so this was an interesting surprise. Enjoyed some good food and the Monday Night football game. Back at the room around 2200 - watched a little more of the game and then went to bed.