Gentlemen, Start your engines!

We’re off! The big day finally arrived, and we are on our way east! I was naturally nervous about leaving "that one thing" behind, but I think I did a pretty good job of planning and packing. Of course it doesn't matter now...!! 

Laura drove me into the squadron, and after checking in, dropping off some final bags, we brunched over at Brugger’s bagels before we said our goodbyes. 

 Getting out of town went really smoothly AFTER I desperately ran down to the clinic to get a last minute "pre-deployment blood draw" to ensure I STILL did not have HIV. (Seems like no matter how many times you ask if there is anything else to do… there is always one more someone has suddenly thought up.) 

 The flight up to St. Johns was a smooth 5 hour drive along the coast. Landed in balmy 83 degree weather and parked at the local FBO (Fixed Base Operator) who must love all the C-130s moving back and forth across the world, stopping in and buying expensive gas and parking spots. St. Johns is a gorgeous place in the summer, and I made sure I took a couple of pictures to remember it. 

 We stayed in the Fairmont Hotel overlooking St. Johns harbor which was only about a 5 minute walk to a multitude of bars and restaurants, which our two plane-loads of Americans quickly filled. Too bad it is so far from home, it would make a great summer vacation spot! (Exactly the opposite in the winter… I’ve been here several times during the fall and winter, and it is pretty desolate!) Tomorrow we head to England!