Day 102

My journey concluded today with my trip to the northern part of the country. Many hours were spent in the terminal waiting for a flight inbound that was delayed multiple times. But first, another breakfast at the German dining facility…it was great, again. Many hours past and mid-afternoon, we finally headed up and over the Hindu Kush mountains for about an hour then landed back at my home base. Below is my favorite photo from this short trip over the mountains. Besides some rough turbulence after takeoff, it was a good flight.

Back at the base, I got a ride back to the office and sure enough, my personal and work e-mail had exploded. I started to pick at the list but it was overwhelming. Plus, my neck was killing me and is even worse tonight as I type. It hurts to even turn it a single inch in either direction. I have no doubt it’s stress. This same thing happened back home and it was stress. The thing is…even removing the stress causes this to linger. It lasted for a long time back pre-deployment and luckily, I hadn’t seen it yet…until yesterday. Now it’s on me with a vengeance.

Back on my side of the base for the evening, I had some dinner then called it a night. I had lots and lots of e-mails to work on and I’m still not done…but I can’t keep my eyes open anymore so I’ve got to hit the sack. I’m very thankful to the many of you who have sent texts and e-mails while I was traveling. I really, really do appreciate your support!  I leave you tonight with a photo I snapped of this old man riding his bicycle near a base I was at yesterday. I just thought it was a great pic and tells you a bit about the culture over here. Oh yea...remember the bear? The one that I promised my girls that would stay with me 24/7 until my return? They sent it to me in the first care package. Well...more proof on the right, here, that it continues its travels right alongside me.

Goodnight, everyone.