More Pain Train

Yesterday was a long day but a good one at that. I had an 8 stop day all over the country, ok not really as the longest leg was .9 and second longest was a .6 (that’s hours for the non flying type). We made Balad to Baghdad in 12 minutes, yes that’s shorter than most instrument patterns and we have to run the after takeoff, descent, and before landing checklist all as we say good bye to tower, then Balad Approach, then Baghdad approach, then Baghdad tower. So yes they are short but very busy flights and at the altitudes that we are flying I try and spend all of the available time looking outside and minimize the inside for changing all the comm and nav radios.

At Ali Base we stopped for some pizza, I am against spending any money when I am over here but I offered to buy the crew the pizzas but JD and Johnny picked up the tab, thanks! I don’t know why I got in a silly mood and didn’t want any pizza, then I finally tried it and wow it was good!

I also got to say hi to an old buddy that was flying with the Iraqi air force (teaching them how to fly the C-130). It was awesome to meet the Iraqi crew and they were all extremely grateful and thankful for what we do over here. It was really humbling that everyone wanted to shack my hand and say thanks. I am glad that they are getting back on their feet as they try and rebuild an air force.

After we were done with our pain train we headed to dinner and I had some well deserved carrot cake =) It was a long day but I was just glad to finally fly in the day light.

I hit the gym for a little 3.5 mile run on the tread mill as it was dark outside. The gym was packed but I lucked out as I just walked onto a machine. By the time I got back to the room and showered I was up for 19 hours and ready for bed!
Now I am just hanging out in my room as we are on standby duty. I am catching up on emails and getting some paper work done that I have been putting off. Oh I also transferred my bath room kit to my new DOPP kit that uncle Bill sent, if I do say so myself I think I am going to like this new roomier bag =)

OK well time to write more emails and such. I am also trying to plan a trip to FL the first week of March to see Scott and Karyn. Ahh to sit on the beach again with a nice cold beverage in my hand… almost brings a tear to my eye.

Aloha!