Newhalem, WA (USA)

This morning, after checking out of the Navy Lodge, I met with my team for breakfast at Frank's Place in Oak Harbor (they had great food). Once at the hangar, we wrapped up our inspection before 0900.  Seemed like a lot of traveling to be able to finish everything so quickly...  Afterwards, I parted ways with the rest of the group (they had to go to Bellingham for their flight to SEA-TAC). Meanwhile, I had some free time before my own flight left and decided to do some sightseeing.  Leaving NAS Whidbey Island, I drove (via WA-20) all the way into the mountains on the east side of I-5. I didn't have enough time to truly enjoy the drive - there was always the impending "deadline" of needing to be at the airport. In any case, I saw some great sights: bald eagles, pretty fall foliage (yellow) and great views of Mount Baker. The highway paralleled the Skagit River and the evidence of salmon running (fishermen, splashes) was everywhere. I was able to get into the heart of the North Cascades National Park (and Ross Lake Recreation Area) and truly enjoyed the experience. It would definitely be worth returning to the area (and, there is a KOA?). The air was crisp and cool, with faint scents of the evergreens and a hint of the approaching cold weather. It was all very refreshing! Before I drove out of the mountains, I watched the salmon up close: they were sunning along the edge of the river. Wish I could stay... Backtracked to I-5 (took some time because of traffic and lights in a few little towns). My drive to the south went alright (pretty quick, actually) until I reached Everett - then it was slow nearly all the way into the city. I did make it to SEA-TAC by around 1330 but then it took me some time to get gas for the rental car. Things still looked good as I turned in my rental car (1405) and I walked into a nearly empty terminal. Unfortunately, things then got interesting - I still had over an hour, but something was very wrong with my ticket (likely due to the cancelation of the Bellingham legs)... Fortunately, the nice lady at the American Airlines counter took care of the problem.  She said it wasn't difficult because the flight to Texas wasn't very full.  After this delay, though, I only had about 45 minutes to get to the gate.  Luckily, TSA screening was quick and I even had time to pick up souvenirs. The flight home (departed Seattle area at 1530) was OK (especially since I brought plenty of reading materials and didn't have anyone in my row) and we arrived at DFW at 2100L. It took a bit of effort to get back to my car in the extended parking lot: first, I had to wait for shuttle, the driver then took the long way around the parking lot.  In the end, I ended up getting out and walking because it was quicker.  The decision to bring only carry-on bags turned out to be the best decision of the whole trip - at least that didn't add delay in my leaving the airport...  I was on the road to Fort Worth by 2125 and was sitting in my own driveway by 2215.  What an amazing month of travel!  The kids and Nicky seem to be glad that I should be home for a bit - I am too!