Virginia Beach, VA (USA)

Even though I finished most of my work on Wednesday, I went in with everyone else at 0730L. Got my final write-ups complete and took care of phone messages and email archiving for several hours and then decided to look for a quick meal nearby. Since most of the old eating establishments I used to frequent have closed in the last few years, I resorted to a "roach coach" that everyone recommended. Turned out, they made a mean Philly Cheesesteak! Since it was raining, I ate in the old cafeteria - and ended up running into some old friends. Visited with them for awhile and then met up with Damon, Pete and John. Figured we'd be done with everything before 1500L - but boy, was I wrong! Ended up sitting in the conference room waiting for our de-brief for several hours. One piece of good news in the meantime, though, was that JT promised me a flight on Friday. We ended up being "released" at 1530L - but that means we'll have to finish tomorrow. Damon had skipped lunch, so he wanted to go out for happy-hour and snacks right away. All of us joined him, and we drove down to the Waterman's Restaurant (on the boardwalk in Virginia Beach). Turned out to be a good call! We shared fish tacos, buffalo style fish bites, cheesy fries, rockefeller oysters and some good beer. The weather still wasn't cooperating, so we ate inside. Still, we watched surfers and had good conversation. Drove back to our hotel around 1845L. Stopped for souvenirs on the way - I think I found some good ones (limoncello almond candies!). Packed and watched TV until around 2230L - then bed.