Jacksonville, FL (USA)

Started at 0800 again. Completed my writeups and spent a few hours working on some big projects that surfaced while we were gone. Around noon, Keith came by and told me we were going to leave TONIGHT (rather than tomorrow). I just love it when we keep changing the plans - over and over and over... He wanted us to all check out of the hotel right away (to save a few dimes, I guess) - but the NAS Jacksonville Navy Gateway Inn told me we'd get charged the same whether we were one or four hours late in our checkout. So, I wrapped everything up and then went back to the room to pack. Ate most of my remaining groceries (luckily, I didn't buy too much) and got a little done on my laptop. Met everyone back at work around 1600 - we had our debrief then. To be honest, we've been at this so many days in a row that it didn't feel right when it was all over... Our flight back to Fort Worth departed around 1900. The weather was great and flight only took two hours. Nicky and Mollie picked me up at Alliance (2100L) and we got home before it was even dark. Got a lot of work done on the trip - I'm tired...

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

Hit the ground running around 0800 today - trying to finish everything, if possible. Made a lot of progress before lunch - even had time to visit a few offices that I normally can't. Went with everyone to the Mellow Mushroom (pizza) on Fleming Island - burned a few hours but got to do more job-hunt networking. Rain hit us on the way back to work (first we've seen this week - made it much cooler). Finished all my checklists by the 1600 meeting. Spent a little time with email work and phone calls and then went back to the hotel. Met up with Bobby, Keith and Pat around 1830 and we drove over to Orange Park Mall. Everyone planned to eat at Five Guys (burgers) but I was still full from lunch... Instead, held out for movie popcorn. We got tickets for "Inception" (dream-state thriller). Not a bad flick, actually. Got back to the NAS Jacksonville Navy Gateway Inn by around 2230. Watched a little TV before bed.

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

It was hard to wake up this morning - probably only got about five hours of sleep before the alarm rang at 0600. Started at work (next inspection) by 0730. I was pretty amazed at the number of guys walking around in the building today, but I guess it was because they planned to work through the weekend. Spent several hours this morning with Randy and Ramon - got a lot done. Took a break at 1100 so I could meet up with Rob (see yesterday). We had lunch at Mulligans and caught up on Checkmate news - what a great thing to get a chance to visit with him (it's been at least 10 years). Tried to meet with Base Safety staff but they were off at a meeting. Got back to work around 1300 and made it through about 75% of my work. Had our routine 1600 debrief and then went back to hotel. Brett had asked me to show him around town - he is looking for a place to live. It had been at least five years since I had time to look for real estate in the area, so I was happy to have the opportunity. We started in Mandarin - I showed him some of the old neighborhoods along the river (near our old home). We found some good places. Took San Jose south across Julington Creek and got stuck in a bad traffic jam (blocking northbound lanes). Decided to eat dinner (Firehouse Subs) and wait for it to clear. Around 1900, started north again and looked around on Loretto - then got on I-295. FL-9A is now completed, so we drove over to see some of the newly completed homes and condos between I-95 and J. Turner Butler Boulevard. Turns out most of them are for 55 and older (no kids). Still, the neighborhoods were really classy. Took Baymeadows back over to San Jose, looking at a few more things on the way. We drove down Sunbeam and found Brett's old apartment (mid 1990s). He said it looked the same - although there were no little alligators in the community pond... Drove back over to Orange Park and looked around on the waterfront behind the Dog Track - some nice places there. Brett took me back to the NAS Jacksonville Navy Gateway Inn and we had a drink and chatted until late. Fell asleep much earlier tonight (tired!)...

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

Went in again around 0800. Got all my write-ups done in the morning and then got drafted into a selection board that was being held in the building. I had gotten a little hint of it last night, but didn't really know what it entailed. While I reviewed packages, one name jumped out at me - my old friend Rob (roommate from 98/99 Cruise). Wow - he really has come a long way! I had a chance to shake his hand and learn he's the boss now! Back in the board, found the process to be interesting but time-consuming. Luckily, I brought my lunch, because before I knew it, it was already 1500. Came out of the meeting and found the rest of our team rushing around - trying to get the inspection done today! We made it, but everyone was pretty tired by the time we headed back to the hotel (1730). Decided to stay at the T-Bar tonight - they had pizza. Visited with nearly everyone I know in Jacksonville until long after dark and then got into an interesting conversation with a guy named Ed who had some job-hunt tips for me. He might not have been trying to sell me on a future career, but I liked the stuff he said. Lots of new things to think about. Bar stayed open until after 2300. Couldn't sleep for several hours - watched TV at the Navy Gateway Inn until after midnight.

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

Didn't have to begin early - started at 0800 this morning. Because I made such good progress yesterday, spent the morning wrapping up some other inspection items and visiting folks around the building. Around 1100, walked over to see Chris. Met several old friends from Atlanta who had to move down here since the Base closed. After chatting for a while, we drove over for lunch at Tijuana Flats (tasty Mexican food). Realized what time it was around 1300, when the guys drove me back to see the Air Traffic team. Made some good progress there and then headed back to meet up with Keith and Bobby. After resolving some more emails and phone messages, we finished up our day (debrief). Back at the NAS Jacksonville Navy Gateway Inn, quickly changed and then went with Keith to pick up our boss at the airport. Not a bad trip at 1645 - I was surprised. The reason for this was the great improvement they had made for the Blanding Boulevard exit (a two land exit much earlier than it used to be!). The airport seemed a little different, but who knows after 10+ years... Pat arrived right after we drove up. Got him to the hotel and then we went out for dinner at Miller's Ale House in Orange Park. Dinner, beer and conversation was good - spent a few hours there. Went back to the hotel and went to bed (2200).

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

Had a very early start this morning - out of the hotel around 0700. Got our meetings out of the way quickly (Keith's uniform SNAFU was unnoticed). Met up with Nando later and got to work. Spent several hours looking over the programs - went a lot easier because of my visit in NOV 2009... Took a break around noon (ate lunch I packed). Took care of email tasking and checked some other correspondence before getting back to work with Nando around 1300. He had originally been planning to be out of town on Wednesday and Thursday, so I wrapped up the whole inspection at 1530. Group debrief at 1600 - then back to the NAS Jacksonville Navy Gateway Inn. Nando picked me up around 1700 and we drove over to Sarnelli's - a great Italian Restaurant down the road. He had never been, but I never get tired of the pleasant atmosphere, delicious food and nice service. Afterwards, he dropped me back off at the hotel. Checked in the T-Bar and found it was just closing (2000) - but I did run into an old friend, Brett! That was very unexpected - I didn't even know he was in town - and at the same hotel! We both bought some beer and then sat out on the river for a few hours, catching up on news. Raccoons started to appear - all over the place! Got to bed at around 2200.

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[CFLSW Inspection Trip] Got a call late last night that we were departing about eight hours early. Luckily, Nicky got me to Alliance Field just in time (at least one person missed the flight).  Our plane departed at around 0900L, enroute to Virginia Beach. Flight went quickly and we had the whole plane to ourselves. Ate lunch I had brought with me and read a little. Because of construction at the airport, we got to experience a huge crosswind landing - OUCH! Plane then got crowded with more passengers but our flight down to Jax went quickly too (arrived around 1500L). We were greeted by Chris & Red (and their teams). Picked up our rental cars and headed over to do a little work. Ended up seeing some old friends, who showed me around. Found out I could even get a haircut while I waited for Bobby and Keith. After a few hours, went to our hotel (NAS Jacksonville Navy Gateway Inn). Hadn't stayed in the place for nearly 10 years... On our way out to shop, had a few beers at the T-Bar. Keith suddenly realized he didn't have his uniforms, so we got someone to drive us to the store (made it with 10 minutes to spare). I did a little grocery shopping. Later drove out for dinner with the guys - we went to Mama Fu's Asian House in Mandarin (near our old house). Afterwards, went back to the room. Watched some TV and got my stuff ready for the morning.

Branson, MO (USA)

Kids would have slept in again, but this time I woke them up at 0830L. Katie and John made delicious pancakes in the room on their griddle and we got everyone back down the the water park by 1000L. Kids had fun for a couple of hours while I checked us out of the hotel rooms. Later, I walked around to shoot video and buy souvenirs. Even had a chance to drop off a patch for the "Wall of Honor" in the main building. Got everyone out of the pool around noon and we headed down the street for lunch (Taco Bell). Kids had a good time visiting and enjoying each others' company (wish we could do this kind of thing more often...). Finished around 1300L and then drove back down to Old Branson to shop for a short time. We got some tasty treats at an old fashioned candy store. Sadly, the time had come (1400L) for us to part - we said goodbye in town and then headed south. I had decided to see if the route through Arkansas was faster or more interesting... I must say, driving through the Ozarks (via US-65) was regenerating (only eight hours from DFW area - almost the same distance to the Davis Mountains...). I'd like to return - could be a fun weekend anywhere between Branson and Little Rock. Found whitewater rafting (complete with Duckies - see AUG 2007) and other excitement at the Buffalo River Recreation Area (national park). Made pretty good time - just a short delay in Marshall for fuel and Subway sandwiches (1530L). Rain sprinkles as we arrived in Conway - off and on all the way to Texarkana (via I-40 east, I-430 and I-30 west). Made really good time to Texas border. Talked to Katie on the phone and learned their family was able to visit Mansfield and Laura Ingalls Wilder's home (see AUG 2008). Rest of drive was pretty uneventful - no traffic jams or really bad weather all the way. Stopped for fuel and restrooms in Greenville, TX, and then made good time through Dallas and Fort Worth. Home at 2230L - whew!

Branson, MO (USA)

Everyone else slept VERY late (1100L), but I got some work done that I brought with me (conditions of my days off). Around noon we headed over to Papa Grand's Pizza buffet - in the Grand Country vacation town. We all enjoyed some great food, sitting in the presence of "the world's largest banjo"... Next on the agenda was swimming! Had some fun on the great indoor water slides, lazy river and standing under the 1000 gallon bucket as it emptied on the floor. We also enjoyed an outdoor water park. Ella showed off some new swimming moves in the adjacent swimming pool. Eventually, everyone was in there! I'd say we got about five hours of play in park - the kids really had a great time. Went back to the room around 1800L and changed. Piled into our mini-van again and headed down to Branson Landing (took Stanley Drive and Cliff Drive for a more scenic / less traffic trip). Found parking on the main street through Old Branson and walked down to the lake side. John and I found a happy hour at the San Francisco Oven, where we relaxed for about an hour (drinking Anchor Steam beers). Eventually met up with Katie, Nicky and the kids (they had been exploring the many shops) and got in line for dinner at Shorty Smalls. They had told us the wait would be around 30 minutes. We enjoyed the cooler (high 20s C) weather and watched boaters on Lake Taneycomo. More than an hour later we learned that they had grossly underestimated everyone's wait time (many other guests were angry at this point). When we finally got inside the door, the hostess tried to seat our party of 10 in two (very distant) booths. Fortunately, the manager intervened and found two tables for us that were close - and added free nachos for each table. Dinner was delicious - everyone tried something different (BBQ, fish, sandwiches, etc.). The kids even got chocolate ice cream bars for desert. Afterwards, we walked back along the Landing to the Fire and Water show (very impressive) - everyone screamed when the fire "puffed." Back in the car around 2230L, drove back to the hotel in a big traffic jam. Got kids to bed close to midnight and then John and I fell asleep waiting for Katie and Nicky (went to Walmart & chatted).

Branson, MO (USA)

We all got up at 0530L so we could beat the traffic. Left around 0615L. On I-35W north (and then I-35), not much traffic. Ended up timing Oklahoma City traffic just right, too - switched to I-44. Toll road pretty easy (except for the requirement to have exact change for the unmanned exits... We actually got stuck behind someone at the toll booth who didn't bring any money! Saw lots of Indian reservations - might be interesting to stop. Weather was pretty nice (mostly clear, mid 20s C). Stopped for gas in Tulsa - at a gas station with a major police operation in progress (luckily didn't affect us). Hadn't been in that little city in over 20 years (see OCT 1989). Continued on I-44 (toll road again) through Oklahoma - made it to Missouri around 1215L. Ozarks became evident - pretty. Got off the interstate in Springfield - took US-65 South. Hit a huge rainstorm!!! Luckily, it was just for a few minutes. Arrived in Branson around 1415L. We are staying at the Grand Country Inn - pretty neat place (restaurant, game room, variety shows, water park - all on the property). Had some trouble checking in (they had misunderstood our reservation requests - but the manager fixed everything). Had to pay in advance... That all took some time, but we avoided another huge rainstorm. We got unpacked in our connecting bedroom "suite". Katie and her family arrived soon after - in my dad's RV. It was great to see them all and the kids were all excited about having time together. Everyone changed and went to the water park. Katie, Nicky and I worked out plans for the evening, deciding on Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede. Kids came back around 1745L and we changed for the dinner show. Crammed everyone into our mini-van (it worked!). Made it to the "pre-show" just in time. Our tickets included free "boot cups" and drinks - and we added delicious buckets of popcorn, which the kids scarfed down quickly. While we waited to enter the arena, we were entertained in the Carriage Room by David Lucas. He performed some amazing stunts with chairs, rings, tennis rackets and golf clubs - he even played music and told funny jokes. Around 1930L we filed into the huge arena and got front row seating for the main event. We saw plenty of horse riding, audience participation stunts, pig racing and - even better - we were treated to some fun North versus South cheering and competition. I watched the kids faces and could tell they REALLY enjoyed the performance. We even bought some little flags to wave - the kids like that too. During the entertainment, a waitress came by every few minutes to deposit some new kind of tasty food on our plates (no silverware): biscuits, soup, a whole rotisserie chicken, pork loin, potato wedge, corn on the cob. Johnnie commented later that it was good "but they kept giving me food when I didn't ask for it!" It took a long time to leave the arena after the show but we got to talk to the performers. Photos of the family (taken as we had entered) were OK - we wanted to buy them but ended up re-taking them for an even more memorable keepsake. Walked back to the car via the horse stables. Drove back to the hotel in our "clown car" (as John called it) and we arrived just in time to watch a motorcycle show in the parking lot (guys rode around in a cage!). Kids liked that. Back at the room, heard them giggling for at least another hour in the room next door (connected by a door, fortunately) - they all liked being with their cousins... What a fun day!

Waco, TX (USA)

Completed my last NATOPS check today - with Brady. We had an afternoon takeoff and flew down to Waco to do all the approaches. Was glad to get a chance to fly in the airplane (first time since early June). Weather was pretty good all day - had some great views of Fort Worth on the way home. Spent the last half hour of the flight in the jump seat, watching another check ride.

Denver, CO (USA)

Like I said, it was only a nap...  I was startled awake at 0330L (!) by my alarm. Luckily, had already packed everything and was able to leave the Embassy Suites by 0400L. The drive back to the airport was OK but I had to pay closer attention than usual (it was dark, I was tired). Check-out process was quicker at the Budget rental car counter (finished at 0410) - a shuttle was waiting, too! Arrived at airport and had to go up and down in the terminal to get checked-in and go through security. Finally got done (after probably 45 minutes) but then found I had to take a train to the concourse. Eventually (0515), I got to my gate.  (The more I travel, the happier I am with the overall process at DFW...). Had a short time to check work email and do some other business online (free Wi-Fi). Boarded my American Airlines flight on time (0600) - the plane nearly full this time. Mercifully, the trip back to DFW seemed to go pretty quickly and the weather was good until we got close to home.  After that, rain...  We actually landed early (before 0900) and then had to wait for about 30 minutes to reach the gate.  Fortunately, my bag came through claim pretty quick. Nicky picked me up at DFW and we got home around 1000L. Very tired...

Vail, CO (USA)

After getting up (0545L) and eating breakfast, I drove over to the simulator building (0630L). The doors were closed until around 0650L, so couldn't check work email until sim nearly started.  Oh well... Spent several hours training and then finished for the week (1130L). Woohoo!  Said goodbye to Ron, Dave and Joe and headed back to the Embassy Suites. Tried to get a flight out later in the day but wasn't able to find anything - settled for departure early Saturday.  Silver lining: this gave me a few hours to explore!  Originally planned to visit the Coors Brewery, but heard about bad weather inbound to Denver. Instead, explored Red Rocks southwest of town - really cool. I can see why everyone in Colorado is in such good shape: people were walking for exercise in the rocks and amphitheater. I, on the other hand, could really feel the altitude as I walked up the trails and explored around the property. Weather still OK (not hot at all, just overcast), so got gas and lunch before heading west on I-70 (still trying to beat the weather that was on the horizon...). Hit a HUGE traffic jam as I approached Idaho Springs - took a long time to get going again. After that, though, the roads were pretty clear. Had a little rain as I climbed - kept pressing towards Vail. Saw a pretty lake - with clearing skies - as I passed Frisco. After getting through Eisenhower Tunnel (Continental Divide inside), climbed to Vail Pass (~10K!). Got off at first Vail exit and explored the enticing condo area. Drove down to Vail Village and walked around - very nice! Seemed a little like a German town. Saw some real estate prices - $1 Million plus!!! Picked up souvenirs and took a look at the green mountain side before heading back to the car. It started to rain again. As I drove out of town, I saw another example of why Colorado folks have such a reputation for fitness: bikers were having a great time riding up and down the mountainous Gore Valley Bike Trail (I don't know how they do it!). Took my time driving back to Denver - stopped at historic Georgetown and looked around. Also drove over to a bighorn sheep viewing area - but didn't see any. Took a dirt road towards US-40 and got stuck by construction for a bit. Chatted with the road workers. Back on I-70 towards Idaho Springs until CO-103. South towards Mount Evans (highest road in US). Enjoyable scenery and a little wildlife on the 14 mile road to the park entry (Arapahoe National Forest). Passed Echo Lake (pretty) and used the park pass to get on the road up the mountain. Another 14 miles later (awesome views, mountain goats everywhere, even marmots), made it to the summit. Even with some rain (and lots of wind), could see down to Denver area. Rainbows on the mountain... Did I forget to mention the sheer drop-off road with no guard rails? I must admit, I was nervous a few times when an SUV came driving by in the other direction - one false move and aaaaaaaaagggghhhh... Lots more mountain goats and even pretty views of the alpine tree line. Stopped (on Ron's recommendation) at the Echo Lake Lodge for dinner. He had mentioned how good the buffalo chili was - and he was right! I also enjoyed some homemade pie there and had good conversation with my waiter (a Czech kid who had arrived in the US two days before). Lost track of time for a little bit - until it started to get a little dark - then picked up some things for the kids. On the road about 1930L - finished the 14 miles down and took I-70 back to the hotel. Great views of the Denver skyline (you know, I never went downtown at all...). Got gas again (at Jenny's Market in Golden) before returning to pack for my trip home. Watched a little TV. Before I knew it, the time was 2300L. Decided to take a nap before my flight...

Denver, CO (USA)

Woke up at 0545L again, had breakfast at the Embassy Suites and then drove over to the sim (early - 0630L). Worked on some emails before the sim started. We finished at 1230L today - almost done with this recurrent training! Afterwards, I drove over to visit Joy at the Denver County Jail (where she worked).  It was actually very close - almost TOO close - to my hotel!  Going inside was a very interesting experience; it was a little unsettling to see what it is like "on the inside." Ended up skipping lunch and returned to my hotel to work on some more emails/business from home. At 1600, I met Joy at Bar Louie (Northfield Stapleton) and had an enjoyable visit during their Happy Hour. Afterwards, I went clothes shopping (something I never have time to do at home) at the JC Penny across the street. Also explored the mall for a few hours.  Eventually, I went back to my hotel and studied for a short time. Before bed, I watched TV - fell asleep by 2230.