Moving Trip (Part 1) - Day 2

I got up around 0700L and ate breakfast in the hotel. During the meal I learned more about last night's commotion: two cocaine dealers (!) were in the room next to mine but didn't have the sense to stay inside. Instead, they ventured out and got into their car just as a policeman happened to do a search of the hotel parking lot. They were, apparently, acting suspiciously - so he searched them, their car and the room. Of course, they were then removed... No more disturbances after that - helped me sleep, anyway. Back on I-20 and got some gas near the Louisiana-Mississippi border - crossed the Mississippi River (first time in Vicksburg in quite awhile) around 1000L. Got off the Interstate west of Jackson and got on the Natchez Trace Parkway. I've always wanted to drive the remaining part of this historic trail - just saw a few short sections in 1993, 1994 and 2000. After getting information at a small visitor's center, I headed out on the road. The best thing about the Parkway is that there are no traffic lights, stop signs or major areas of population - and the speed limit is 50 mph. After I cleared the Jackson city limits, there was almost NO traffic for the rest of the day. I stopped a few times (Indian mounds, other historic landmarks from the 1800-1840 era) but could have driven all day with the cruise control on without ever applying the brakes (that's good, since I need new rotors...). One bad thing, though, is that there are no signs for fuel services on the entire 400+ mile parkway... It didn't matter for most of the day as I had entered with a full tank and I got great mileage (nearly 500 miles in one tank!) but it came back to bite me eventually... Found a section with odd tree damage - looked like a forest fire without the burning (trees chopped off at the top). A hand-made sign along the road identified the culprit: the Spring 2011 Tornado - wow!!! I encountered lots of deer in that area and saw some unfortunate folks' homes surrounded by tree debris on all sides. Saw lots of familiar names - the Choctaw and Chickasaw Indian tribes lived in this area before behing expelled to Oklahoma. Listened to the radio all day. One of my goals had been to stop at the Meriwether Lewis memorial (about 2/3 of the way to Nashville) and I made it there about 30 minutes before they closed. It wasn't much - although they are improving the facilities there - but it had a grave marker for one of the prominent explorers from the 1804 expedition. I feel like I've come full circle this year - with all the places I encountered Lewis and Clark, this was a fitting end. I had hoped to find some gas near that site, but still hadn't found any. Decided not to chance it and got off the Trace Parkway at US-412. Despite some disorientation on the outskirts of Columbia, Tennessee, I managed to locate a gas station. At the same time, I discovered that this was the town where President James K. Polk had lived most of his life. Decided then that this was as good a place as ever to spend the night. Made a reward night reservation on my iPhone (how handy!) and then drove over towards the hotel. Made another mistake, though, because I wasn't in the correct lane and ended up headed out of town again on US-31 (Nashville Highway) before I could turn on the Saturn Parkway and find I-65. Fortunately, my hotel was at the next exit. Checked in and then drove over to eat at nearby Stan's Restaurant. It reminded me of a Cracker Barrel (which was funny, since one of those was across the street) but they had something different: outstanding Tennessee BBQ! I enjoyed my dinner a lot (after snacks all day) and headed to my room satisfied. Spent the rest of the night planning the following day - I want to get the most out of this last chance to "dawdle" on the way to a new job...

Moving Trip (Part 1) - Day 1

The day has finally come! I need to start my new job by next Monday (confirmation letter came yesterday), so I finished up my packing this morning. After the kids got home from school, I spent some quality time with them - including a big dinner that Nicky made (fondue!). Waited until rush hour was over (1900L) before heading out of town - wanted to clear Dallas and (hopefully) Shreveport before morning. Used I-35W to I-20 and then headed out of the city. Traffic was OK out to Mesquite but really improved after that. I realized tonight that I haven't driven on this highway in almost 10 years... Made really good time to the Texas border - and realized (to my relief) that my repair of the cooling valve had been successful. Drove through the busy Shreveport area and then began to look for a hotel. Finally found one in Minden, Louisiana (Exacta Inn) and settled in for the night around 2300L. I was almost asleep when a comotion began outside - several police cars (including K9 unit). Eventually, a tow truck removed the car parked right next to mine in the parking lot (!!!!) but I guess the whole thing didn't involve me... Finally fell asleep around 0100L.

Waukegan, IL (USA)

Up early - had a 0900 takeoff. Good to see everyone, especially one of my old bosses, Rob. Had some delays for aircraft repair, but only left about 45 minutes late. Flight down to New Orleans was pretty uneventful (except for a degraded auto-pilot). Saw some huge thunderstorms along the Florida Pan-handle, but they didn't affect us. Good turn in hot/humid Louisiana (glad to be on our way...). Flight up to Chicago area also pretty easy. Came in from west side of city and actually flew near Milwaukee before landing in Waukegan. Hadn't been here for nearly a decade... Flight home took us along Lake Erie. Significant weather near Philadelphia, so we had to descend very early. Rob (who grew up around here) gave us a little tour of the landmarks. Got back to NAS JRB Willow Grove by close to the expected arrival time. Finished all paperwork and was planning to call it a day when I ran into Kevin. He needed someone to fly with him early on Saturday, so I agreed to help. Then headed back to Navy Lodge to get "outfit" ready for tomorrow's festivities. Had leftovers for dinner (still tasty!). Watched TV and did laundry - then Bed.

Mendota Heights, MN (USA)

Shifting gears from Inspection Trip to Recurrent Simulator Trip... Had to be at the airport extremely early and left the Courtyard (St. Charles Avenue) by about 0430 (new time for the clock shift).  I made it to the car rental return (Hertz) right as they opened (0510). Didn't take long to get to my gate and had some time to rest before getting on the airplane. This was probably my first flight on Northwest Airlines in 20 years - it could also be my last because they are about to change to Delta. Everything was kind of nostalgic in the gates, on the flights and at the hubs. It really will be something when they are gone... Once again, I got to ride on a DC-9 series aircraft - it is interesting to see the commercial version. Our flight left New Orleans in the dark (0615) and landed in Memphis (0735) just after the sun had risen.  I actually got a couple minutes of sleep on the way (flight wasn't full). Spoke with the pilots afterwards and learned about their limited avionics - their account surprised me. I guess I've been pretty lucky all these years... During my layover, I ate a nice breakfast at the airport and had some time to work on paperwork while I waited for my connection. Eventually, I boarded another Northwest aircraft and, after taking off (1020), we made it to Minneapolis just fine (1240). I was surprised at how big the terminal was at the main airport for the Twin Cities - there was lots of walking! My bag was waiting for me at the claim area (good!) but I had a lot more walking to get my rental car. Fortunately, they were nice at Enterprise desk (1300) and I was on my way towards the hotel in short order. This time, I didn't have GPS in the car but the Google map worked just fine. My office had reserved a room for me at the Residence Inn in Eagan - luckily, it is located very near the training site. After getting checked in (1330), I considered taking a nap (still tired...).  In the end, though, I took care of more work I'd brought. After a few hours of catching up on emails, I decided to drive around the area to see what was close to the hotel. I had never been in this part of Minnesota for longer than about an hour, so driving around near St. Paul (could see the Capitol building) and along the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers (they meet here) was really interesting. Found lots of little towns/villages along the Minnesota - Mendota, Mendota Heights (etc.) - and the views were nice. Also found the training site where we'll be working all week. At the end of my excursion, just when I thought I wouldn't find one, I stumbled across a Walmart and restaurant district. While there, I shopped a little for supplies [and ate dinner] before heading back to the hotel. The weather was nice all afternoon - not as cold as I'd feared after leaving NOLA.  I spent the rest of the evening in the room and went to bed relatively early.  Training in the morning!

New Orleans, LA (USA)

I didn't have to go to Belle Chase this morning but I did need to take care of some paperwork this morning that would document my visit.  I also didn't want to take any on the road to the next stop... Since it was located near my hotel (Courtyard on St. Charles Avenue), I tried to get a late breakfast at Café du Monde.  Unfortunately, it was such a nice day that the streets were already crowded with pedestrians - the line stretched down the block! I gave up the nostalgic idea and decided, instead, to use some of the day at the Orleans Parish Archives. During this time period, I found some great genealogy information for the Coogans who've lived in this area.  Later, I visited some of their old neighborhoods and cemeteries. The latter were pretty interesting - they are mostly mausoleums (above the water table). During my exploring, I filled up the gas tank at a station on Canal Street (1625).  After returning to the hotel (1700), I stashed my genealogy notebooks and then walked over to Embers Steakhouse for dinner on the second floor balcony.  I ordered the 8 oz Prime Rib with shrimp, bathed in a great sauce and served with mashed potatoes. All the while, I watched the huge crowds below: beads, bikers, drunks, bachelorette parties, etc.  As usual, I met some nice people - at least two told me that they had never been to New Orleans. Oh, and I finally found a Hurricane worth complimenting!!! I guess it's because it was made by bartenders who had worked at Pat O's and Cat's Meow... After my delicious meal, I walked around a bit more, taking in the sights of the revelers. Back at the hotel, I packed and got ready to leave in the morning. This might be the first time I remember being at a hotel with an early flight out on the night the clocks move ahead an hour - and I don't like it. I believe I dozed off by about 2215 but my actual (old) wakeup time tomorrow = 0315!

New Orleans, LA (USA)

This morning, I got up at around 0630 and ate breakfast at the hotel (Courtyard on St. Charles Avenue). Even though I departed immediately afterwards, I still didn't get to Belle Chasse until 0815 due to the traffic and some crazy roads [(see DEC 2008)].  Greg was waiting and we resumed the inspection. We were almost done by lunch time so we went out for some seafood at Li'l G's. I had the crawfish cakes over alfredo noodles - mmm! Went back to work at around 1400 and was finished with Greg by around 1530. Before departing the area, I drove over to see Tracy but, once I figured out that he wasn't around, I explored a little but before heading back to the city. For some reason, it seemed easier to get to the hotel tonight.  Perhaps it's because I figured out the "one-way" patterns... Regardless, there were street cars and lots of pedestrians everywhere! Still feeling full from lunch, I almost didn't go out tonight.  However, I wanted to get some post cards for the kids and explore Bourbon Street again. During my excursion, I found another watered-down Hurricane (booo!)... I also located an old hang-out from the time when Nicky and I were dating.  The Embers Steakhouse (see AUG 1993) overlooks St. Peter & Bourbon and is located right across from the Cat's Meow. This was a nice trip down memory lane.  After locating items for the family, I headed back to the hotel early. Watched TV until late.

New Orleans, LA (USA)

[Solo Inspection Trip] Woke up really early (0430) so I could drive over to DFW Airport in time to make my flight to New Orleans. This was my first time trying to park there and took a little bit to find the exact lot that my office wanted me to use... Fortunately, I was successful in my search and made it through security OK.  The airport was busy - I was surprised at the number of people this early on a Thursday. Had a bit of time to relax before getting on the plane (American Airlines). After departing from Texas (0730), the flight went by very quickly - I was in a three way conversation with some nearby passengers about housing, sights to see in Dallas and New Orleans and different career paths.  Interesting!  We landed at around 0840 and I was pleased to find my checked bag waiting at the claim area.  Very soon after that (0905), I got my rental car (from Hertz). I was glad to have GPS in the vehicle again - unfortunately, they charged me this time (I guess I've just been getting lucky)... Before driving too far, I changed into my work clothes and then headed to work in Belle Chasse. Met Greg there and got started with the inspection by around 1000. We worked for awhile until it was time for lunch; we went over to the nearby American Pizza & Wings restaurant and I had a Stromboli that filled me up for the rest of the day! Back at the office afterwards, I spent several more hours working in the afternoon. I finally left for my hotel at around 1700 and encountered some of the horrendous traffic that everyone always complains about for NOLA. Again, the GPS came in handy - it kept me moving on some surface streets I would never have known about otherwise. I checked into the Courtyard on St. Charles Avenue (near Canal Street) by 1735. After getting changed, I headed out to explore the French Quarter. When I visited the last time (see DEC 2008), the place was kind of dull and dumpy and not like I remembered from the early 1990s. Tonight, however, the place was busy and everyone was having a great time. Everything was open, too - I guess Mardi Gras gets things moving for the season... I found a hole in the wall place that was willing to sell me a (watered down) Hurricane. Later, I went in for a drink at Pat O'Brien's.  At least that place had the same ambiance as I'd previously enjoyed (see JAN 1993, NOV 1993, etc.). Along the way, I had a beer called "Abita" (local, Louisiana brew) - it was good. Even though it seemed later, I was back in my room by 2100 and went to bed soon afterwards.  This is going to be an interesting trip!

New Orleans, LA (USA)

Woke up early at my hotel (Crowne Plaza on Canal Street) - I'd hoped to sleep later because our departure was at 1300.  Oh well... Ate breakfast at a Krystal's I saw last night and explored on Canal Street. Not much happening, but got bothered by lots of people wanting me to buy things... Did a bit of reading before meeting up with the other guys around 1100.  We checked out of the hotel and then left the center of New Orleans.  We made one stop at Salvo's Restaurant - an old favorite from my NAS Meridian days - and I bought po-boys for Nicky.  After returning to Belle Chase, we got airborne on time and had a good flight (lots of cloud cover) back to Fort Worth. Landed before 1500 and went straight home. Unfortunately, I've got a cold coming on...

Manta (Ecuador)

Had a chance to visit Ecuador today - first time! Flew (with Greg S.) from Fort Worth to a place called Manta, a coastal city in the north of the country.  It was a six hour flight but we had good weather and saw lots of the Yucatan and Panama. Didn't get to stay on the ground too long, but I had time to scout out some opportunities for the next visit. The difficult thing about Ecuador is that they don't have a good radar for flight following - this means you are mostly on your own! Still, made it out of there OK before the sun set. The return flight was pretty dull (clouds had rolled in) except for the beautiful night view of Cancun and Cozumel.  We arrived in New Orleans (Belle Chase) at around 2130L. Had some trouble getting the aircraft "put to bed" but eventually drove to our hotel, the Crowne Plaza located on Canal Street (in the French Quarter). It has been nearly 10 years since the last time I was here - and even longer since I walked down Bourbon Street. It has really changed and not for the better, unfortunately. I walked most of the street and only recognized a few places from the mid-1990s - I guess the rest closed up... Still found a place that made a good Hurricane... Went to bed relatively early - exhausted.

New Orleans, LA (USA)

Got a call this morning that New Orleans was evacuating - and that they needed me to help out. I was kind of surprised, since Hurricane Gustave wasn't predicted to make landfall until around Tuesday, but I went in to work anyway (1030). We left around 1400 - flew over to Louis Armstrong International. When we got there, it was pure chaos. Waited around five hours to get going again - destinations for the evacuees kept changing (San Antonio, Fort Smith, Louisville, Nashville). Eventually took off with nearly 90 onboard. Got priority handling all the way and landed in Nashville just before 2200. A huge crowd of people met us and whisked the passengers away [I found out later we were the first ones to show up today - a Nashville Channel 5 TV crew took a movie of our arrival]. On the way back to Fort Worth again around 2300. Wanted to keep going tonight, but our hour limit had been reached by that point... Back home after midnight.

Honolulu, HI (USA)

[WESTPAC DET] This was a very painful trip! We had four long legs, all of us were packed like sardines in the aircraft, and the six time zones barely masked the fact that I was awake for over 23 hours... On the plus side, the weather was great - we could see each of the destination city skylines (Jacksonville, New Orleans, San Diego and Honolulu) very clearly. Needless to say though, I was VERY relieved when we arrived at our hotel (Hilton Hawaiian Village) at 1045L.  I was also VERY exhausted and fell asleep without looking for fun on the beach...

New Orleans, LA (USA)

[with Karl - from Norfolk (attempts to Stennis Center, MS) to Atlanta to New Orleans to Norfolk]

New Orleans, LA (USA)

[flying with Micah - Norfolk to Pope to Jacksonville (FL) to Norfolk to New Orleans to Camp Springs to Norfolk]

New Orleans, LA (USA)

[New Orleans - just after Katrina - itinerary uncertain (Brett)]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 7

[Departed Hobbs in the morning. Got gas before we left town (0800L). Picked up lunch at Taco Bell in Eastland, Texas (0145L). Stopped for gas in Grand Prairie, Texas (1530L). Gas, dinner (Arbys) and souvenirs in Greenwood, Louisiana (1830L). (hotel location uncertain - did we stay with Nicky's parents?)]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 1

[left Atlanta very early (called Grammy for her Birthday) - drove west on I-20 and stopped for breakfast (at Cracker Barrel ?) in Meridian - saw Nicky's parents - got gas in Vicksburg, Mississippi - gas in Dallas, Texas (2045L) - continued until we got to Fort Worth, where we stayed in the Townplace Suites (checked in at 2115)]

Las Vegas, NV (USA)

Flew from Atlanta, bound for Las Vegas! Stopped for fuel [at Shreveport Regional ?] and picked up dinner at Subway (1830L). [Rest of the flight itinerary uncertain.] Arrived at [McCarron Airport] after dark. After we put the plane to bed, we got a ride to the Excalibur. Wow!!! It was stunning, really, to see all the activity and entertainment possibilities. This was actually my first time in Las Vegas as an adult (my previous experience as a teenager in 1984 was much different, of course). Met everyone for dinner at the hotel buffet (2100L). After we were done, we walked around the Strip. The other guys have visited the city much more often and they showed me the major highlights. We ended up at a bar at New York-New York, watching the traffic and people. I'm glad it wasn't the middle of the day - because it was REALLY hot, even after 2200! Went to bed late...

Key West, FL (USA)

[date uncertain (could be 21st) - Wing Conference Pickup - lots of guest pilots - flew from Atlanta to Key West, then to New Orleans (long landing by guest pilot), then to Millington, then back home]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 7

[left Lewisville, Texas, around 0830L - drove down to I-20 - breakfast in Marshall at Golden Corral (1050L) - stopped for gas in Tallulah, Louisiana (1410L) - continued to Mississippi - in Meridian after dark]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 1

[left Meridian early in the morning - gas fillup in Vicksburg, Mississippi (0900L) - got lunch at Schlotzsky's in Marshall, Texas (1220L) - stopped for the night in Wichita Falls]