Nomad Life - Day 76

I was awake at 0400 again (with alarm) and spent the morning in meetings (the first one was at 0600 local!).  The weather was much better and I opened the blinds of Charlie and Janna's guest room so I could bask in the sunny San Diego vibe.  I skipped breakfast but later took a break for an early lunch (1000).  This also turned out to be a natural stopping point for my telework, since Charlie was about to depart on a trip.  I got my car packed up and then ended up talking with Charlie and Janna (current events, my travel plans, the yield of their avocado trees, etc.) until almost 1100.  Reluctantly, I then said goodbye to my generous friends and left the Pacific Beach neighborhood.  During the morning, my mind kept reverting to thoughts of the logistical challenges of finding a new hotel in Los Angeles that had on-site parking "big enough" for my car.  The puzzle eventually seemed unsolvable and I decided to try to get an extra night in the NAS North Island Navy Lodge.  Meanwhile, I had more immediate concerns: getting my first haircut since July!  At Charlie's recommendation, I drove a short distance to the east and located Almendine's Barber Shop - I was able to walk in and get my hair cut just like I wanted - the price was reasonable too.  Once finished with that task (1130), I continued east until I could get on CA-163, which took me through Fashion Valley (where Nicky used to work in the mid 1990s) and towards the Coronado Bay Bridge.  After briefly traveling on I-5 (south), I crossed the bay (spectacular views, as usual) and, after passing through the pretty neighborhoods of Coronado, arrived at the Main Gate for the Naval Air Station (1150).  It took Google Maps to remind me of the route to the Navy Lodge but I experienced a lot of Deja vu enroute.  My hope of getting an extra night on base (in lieu of a Los Angeles hotel) was met with a smile by the wonderful staff at the Lodge - they also let me check in immediately!  Settled in my room soon after that (1200), I resumed teleworking.  The view from my room was awesome and, with the beach only a few yards away, a light sea breeze and some warming sun, I opened up all my windows to enjoy the ambiance.  My telework day was finished at 1530 and I then spent some more time working on consolidating travel bags, organizing my stuff and prepping for my upcoming departure for Southeast Asia.  Remembering my changed plans for the coming days (i.e., no trip to Los Angeles), I got in touch with Kevin and Ashley.  Starting at 1630, I walked around near the Navy Lodge (including the beach and some roads on the far western edge of the NAS) to get some exercise.  There were plenty of new birds to catalogue and I got a front row seat for Osprey (Navy aircraft) and Helo operations.  After exhausting the available pathways nearby, I ventured deeper into the base (i.e., away from the ocean) and made my way to where I remembered the World Famous I Bar was located.  This watering hole was the premier location for celebrations during my time on base (1990s) and I was extremely pleased to find that it was open for business when I arrived (1730).  There seemed to be a squadron function so the bar was packed.  To pass the time while I was waiting to get a drink, I explored the walls and ceilings - they were peppered with examples of patches, models, plaques and photos of many of my former colleagues.  Some new displays were evident, though, since all the S-3 Viking squadrons had since decommissioned and the NAS North Island mission had changed during the intervening years.  One item of interest, to me, was the photo of President George W. Bush and his S-3 crew - that landing (near the end of the Iraq War) was very memorable and I was glad to see that the I Bar had not failed to preserve the occasion.  Eventually, I got a beer and, after making my way (slowly) around the bar, found a place to sit.  I'd noticed that a young Lieutenant nearby had bought the whole room a "round of cheer" and I asked him what had caused that generosity.  He explained that it was the one year anniversary of the loss of two of his closest friends in the EA-18G ("Growler") community.  I immediately recalled that event and commiserated with the young officer.  He, along with the (lady) bartender, ended up being very interested in my own reasons for being in the I Bar and I spent the next few hours visiting,  After I received some texts from my daughters, I forgot that there was a new rule about not letting your cell phone touch the bar - the resulting faux pas led to me buying a house of cheer - fortunately, by then, there were only two other people who were drinking beer.  My new LT friend apologized profusely for "not being a good wingman" but I feel like I got off extremely easy...  At 2000, I said goodbye to the remaining patrons and the bartender, who suggested I not wait another 30 years to return to the World Famous I Bar.  Capping off my day I walked back towards the Navy Lodge and completed my daily 10K steps in the process of trying to reach my room.  Before bed, I did some more organizing, read a bit and worked on some puzzles.  There was no doubt about it being time for bed - the 0400 wakeups have seen to that.  By 2145, I turned out the light and headed off to sleep.  What a great trip down memory lane!