Thackerville, OK (USA)

I'd been meaning to do it for a long time - finally had a chance to check out the WinStar Casino north of Forth Worth. It took about an hour to get there - had to cross the Red River into Oklahoma. When I got there, I was surprised to see the entire parking lot full (cars mostly had Texas plates...). I eventually found a place to park (long walk). The place looks really interesting from the outside: a series of building facades that represent more than 10 major civilizations (e.g., Big Ben, Colisseum, etc.). I started on one end of the building (at the poker room) and walked the full length. I found it kind of surprising that was inside the building didn't correspond with the outside facade (e.g., London on the outside and New York on the inside). Still, all of the sections of the casino were named for major world cities. There was artwork and statuary (along with themed restaurants) for each. The major theme of the (huge) casino was obviously slot machines - and I only found a few areas with other fare (one for blackjack, one for off-track betting, and a HUGE Bingo room). The casino did offer free sodas at various locations (I haven't seen that before). On the flip side, there was only one buffet - and it was mobbed (really long line). Interestingly, the rest of the restaurants were almost empty. Stopped into Toby Keith's bar - might make for a fun evening... Lots of big-name celebrities were on the schedule - probably would make for a good "date-night". Spent a few hours there and then left for home. Explored a little on the way - weather was nice.

Pueblo, CO (USA)

Had another opportunity to fly today (thanks to my friend, Ken, who came with me). We had a good mission - taking some guys home from central Colorado to Houston. Usually, we've flown in and out of Colorado Springs, but Ken decided to try Pueblo (lower elevation). Weather all the way from Fort Worth to the foot of the Rockies was AWESOME (we could see for about 100 miles at altitude). Pike's Peak was visible in the distance (snow capped) but it was nearly 20 degrees C (no coat required in Colorado in January?).  Our itinerary required two stops at Pueblo (thanks, again, to the aircraft's engine performance limitations) and two stops at Bush Intercontinental Airport.  In the course of the day, we took around 40 pax during each outbound trip and arrived at Houston at 1330L and 1730L, respectively.  Each time we landed, we got fuel, so there was time to take in the busyness of the place (and have a bite to eat). The weather wasn't bad but we couldn't see much scenery because of a scattered cloud layer at 2500 feet. Landing and takeoff was the easy part and taxiing around was a lot harder - especially in Houston. We had to follow a maze of two-letter taxi-ways and hard-to-interpret signage. This was all compounded by darkness on our last stop. Fortunately, everyone was very understanding about our unfamiliarity with the airport and helped us (except for one ground controller who directed us down a series of odd taxi-ways before actually asking where we wanted to go...). Overall, the flight profile was perfect - enough time to relax during the legs and no long delays on the ground. Nice weather always helps to make a successful day, too!  Our final leg home was uneventful and the weather was great in Fort Worth - no problems landing. Feeling very tired now, though...

Willow Grove, PA (USA)

After waking up early again, I checked out of my room at the Navy Gateway Inn at around 0730. While I was waiting with the rest of our Inspection Team, we heard rumors that we might not get a ride home (due to a maintenance issue again). Frankly, though, it didn't really matter - we headed over to the hangar to complete our inspection. I was able to get everything done (including write-ups) by 1030. Just then, Mike reported that an aircraft was on its way to get us (yayyy!) but also told us we wouldn't do the out-brief until 1400. While waiting, I ended up going to lunch with a large group of the local guys. We tried to get a bite at Lancer's Diner but it was very busy with post-church crowd. Ended up at the Brick House again (not busy at all). After we got back to the hangar, I took care of work emails until 1400 - but then learned that our out-brief was going to start later... Our air-lift arrived around 1430 - and they were not happy we couldn't leave immediately. However, we did finish all inspection requirements by 1500. It took a little time to round up the rest of our team and we ended up taking off around 1545. I had hoped to fly this leg (Raul had said I could) but only got a 1/2 hour of flight time (oh well: "beggars can't be choosers")... The rest of flight home was uneventful (played more video games) and we arrived in Fort Worth just after sunset (1845L). Mike drove me to my car and I was able to get on my way home soon after that.  This trip was actually kind of draining - I never feel like I had time to do much of anything but work, eat and sleep. At least no one could accuse us of being inefficient... 

Willow Grove, PA (USA)

At work around 0730L - and didn't stop for lunch (soup at unit store again). Very productive day overall - done with almost everything by 1600L. Debrief and back to the room. Mike wanted to see a movie tonight, but we couldn't agree on one we all liked. Ended up eating dinner at Chick-fil-A and then we took Mike to Friendly's (first time for him!) to have ice cream sundaes (mmm...). Worked on website tonight and did some packing, since it appears we will leave tomorrow after work. Bed late.

Willow Grove, PA (USA)

Late start today - due to six inches of snow in the early AM. Eventually got to work (0900L) at the next unit (had to interrupt around 1130L for the final out-brief of the first unit). Got a lot done (worked through lunch - Lee's hoagie) and wrapped up around 1530L. Started to get a lot of calls from San Diego (Bill)... Did our afternoon de-brief and then headed back to the room (COLD!!!!). Went out to dinner at the Brick House Tavern. Took care of work emails after we got back. Went to bed earlier than normal...

Wrightstown, NJ (USA)

Had planned to drive over to the unit's new facility in New Jersey, but some operations over there prevented our departure until around 1130L. I had coordinated a visit with the new support staff and took Olli and Tim to meet them. Olli drove me there (I still haven't figured out the best route - AKA "easy to remember" - to drive from urban Philly to rural central Jersey...). Our visit was very productive - and we made some good contacts. After lunch at Manchu Wok, I rode back with the rest of our inspection team (who had arrived later). Finished up my inspection before our 1600 de-brief meeting: one unit done - one left to finish (starting tomorrow). Went back to my room before Mike, Mark and Damon did (good thing, too, since they stayed at work until 1900L...). As I walked into the hotel (they have us sharing a common room with four sleeping areas off of that), I ran into some guys I know (John and Bill). We sat in the common area and had a few beers - we ended up chatting for awhile about the job market and incoming weather (they both wanted to get out of town before it hit). When another friend, [Matt], arrived, he offered to take us to dinner the Easton Buffet. Wasn't my plan - Chinese twice in one day - but it was good... Back to my room around 2000L - and a message from Mike that they were just leaving for dinner (glad I didn't wait). Worked on my inspection write-ups and finished them around 2200L. Watched TV (and the weather outside) until around 2330L.

Willow Grove, PA (USA)

Trusted Blackberry to wake me up - but didn't realize that mine doesn't update the local time! Fortunately, I woke up at 0645L for other reasons (including paper-thin walls). Began inspection at 0800. After a 15 minute "kick-off", I began a walkthrough with the Chief (his first Safety inspection) and got a lot done before lunch. I ended up buying a can of soup from the unit store so I could keep working through lunch - but it was worth it (got lots done today). Had our regular de-brief at 1600 and then went back to the room. The rest of our group took a long time to decide to go our for dinner - but we eventually drove down to Otto's, a German restaurant near Tonelli's. It was great! For around $20, I got a real flavor (no pun intended) of some different kinds of German cuisine: spaetzle (first time), goulash (mmm), kabab and sausage. Very nice atmosphere and friendly staff. There was talk of a huge snowstorm coming on the 21st, so we stocked up on groceries at the Giant (supermarket) nearby. Watched TV in my room until tired - bed around 2330L.

Willow Grove, PA (USA)

We were supposed to leave for an inspection trip this morning at 0900L. Instead, found out when we arrived at work (0700L) that the aircraft was broken. Waited for a few hours before the squadron figured out that we could fly aboard another aircraft that was already on a mission through Killeen, TX and Norfolk. Weather wasn't good, either - but we got on our way around 1030L. Tough getting into Killeen - once there, we picked up some folks who had been stranded for several days (they were very happy to leave...). Played video games and read a magazine on the way to Norfolk. A guy (Carter) who worked for me when I was in Atlanta was on the plane - it was good to catch up with him. Another old friend, Joe, was one of the pilots, so I had a chance to chat with him for awhile between legs. Our stop in Norfolk took a very long time but we eventually made it to Willow Grove (1645L). VERY cold and windy (slush everywhere). Wade met us and got us to our rental cars.  We then drove over to our quarters (Navy Gateway Inn; too bad the Lodge closed but that is the BRAC for you...).  Unfortunately, it then took more than an hour to check in the 13 folks in our group. Finally done with that, we all went to Tonelli's for dinner (always good!). Played video games until really late...

San Antonio, TX (USA)

It had been a long time since I flew, so I was very excited to get a chance to go today. Our brief was at 0730 and weather was just good enough (barely) for us to take off from Fort Worth (Carswell) on time. We started to see the ground just as we crossed the Mississippi. It was good to be back in the cockpit! Made stops in Camp Springs (nice view of DC) and Virginia Beach (pretty views of Chesapeake and Eastern Shore). Realized that it had been a LONG time since I was there... Weather wasn't too bad until we were finishing our third leg in San Antonio (Kelly) - but we made it in before sunset with some low ceilings. While on the ground, made repeated calls to Fort Worth for an indication of just how bad weather would be at home field - every clue seemed to say we wouldn't be able to land... Fortunately, we must have hit a good patch of clouds, since we made it in almost on schedule (and one approach). Finished paperwork around 2000L and drove home.