Honolulu, HI (USA)

I was awake on time and hoped we could get going early again.  However, we had a lot of trouble getting ahold Majuro Operations and I started to wonder if we'd be unable to leave Guam.  It is always a hard one to coordinate... Fortunately, I reached them just before our ride arrived to pick us up from at the hotel (Guam Resort & Spa by Marriott).  Even with all the worry and work, we managed to take off about two hours early.  We were all hoping it would pay off with longer time on the ground in Hawaii. Encountered lots of weather on the way to Majuro. Finally got clear about 300 miles west of Kwajelein. Saw lots of atolls along the way and listened to some funny conversations on the radio. We've gotten to know one of the guys in Japan quite well - we talk to him each day to relay for us and he seems to enjoy the conversation (I guess he got stuck working on the holiday weekend...). As we were arriving in the Marshall Islands, we ended up in a conversation with an aircraft that had just taken off (VFR) from Majuro as we were approaching the island. First time I've ever gotten an urgent message about traffic from Oceanic... We tried to help him out (his radio was weak) so that he could continue his flight down to Australia. He started to make us mad after about 20 minutes, though - the more we helped him, the more bossy and annoying he got. We eventually landed and let another plane try to work things out for him. On the ground, we saw our friend Claus again (we always joke that he secretly tells himself "It's my island!"). Back on our way again after less than an hour. Immediately heard the annoying private pilot again - but we ignored him on the radio (we let Majuro try to sort it out). Boy, was he ticked off - he had to come back to land and refuel because he ended up getting denied clearance to continue (must be an expensive lesson to learn: don't take off without clearance...). Crossed the date line and got to relive yesterday... Flight was actually pretty easy to Hawaii - got our passengers there almost three hours early and got good service. This time we are staying at the Hilton Waikiki / Prince Kuhio. Arrived around 2300 and had just enough time to walk down to Duke's for some drinks and a late-night snack before they closed (0030). Everyone was in really good spirits - just have one more (long) day of flying to get the rest of the trip done. Later walked down to Kelley O'Neill's. Back to the hotel around 0200 and went to bed.

Majuro (Marshall Islands)

After days of trying to get moving, we were finally able to check out of the Pacific Islands Club, leave Tumon Bay and return to Andersen AFB for our departure from Guam.  We were onboard our aircraft early but had maintenance problems.  Eventually, we got going and were finally headed east. We saw lots of atolls on the way - most with no people to the Marshall Islands. After a few people, we sighted the thin strand of Majuro - it looked very tropical (narrow) and people have spread around the buildable land. Our fuel stop was good - some shops opened to let us see their wares: wood carving, shells and other crafts. I guess some commercial aircraft use this place, too. We were on our way to Hawaii in late afternoon and arrived in Honolulu by 2200L.  After getting transportation to Waikiki, we checked into the Hilton Hawaiian Village (2345). Most of us went out to Kelley O'Neil's (Irish Pub) and we stayed until 0300. We'll be repeating April 4th again but this first one was pretty good...

Majuro (Marshall Islands)

Woke up in Waikiki this morning. Had breakfast at Denny's (0745L ?) before checking out of the Outrigger Reef.  We then headed to Hickam Field and departed with nice weather (as usual for the Hawaiian Islands). One big difference: this was my first time taking the "Southern Route" and that made the day very interesting. We stopped for gas on a small island in the Marshalls - water, water, water, water, landing... There was a German guy who did almost everything there, including pumping fuel and providing other services. After getting airborne again, we made it into Guam pretty early.  This time, we are staying at the Hyatt Regency at Tumon Bay (checked in at 1745L). Most of the others were mad that we were so far down the beach from our normal hotel.  I guess they were annoyed that they had to take taxis to the "fun"...  For my part, I was happy staying at our hotel, which had a great buffet with "free flowing wine." I like this place!