Awaiting the arrival of Hurricane Irene..

Howzit folks, here's the weekend report:  On Friday night, several of us went to the final parade of the season for the Marine Corps. at 8th & I, which is a one hour and fifteen minute performance of music and precision marching, the Evening Parade features "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, "The Commandant's Own" The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Marine Corps Color Guard, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Ceremonial Marchers, and LCpl. Chesty XIII, the official mascot of Marine Barracks Washington.

Saturday, a large group returned to DC for the tour of the Pentagon.  The Pentagon police gave us all a behind the scenes tour (thanks Jamie for setting this up) and most significantly, spoke about the tragic events that occurred at the Pentagon on 9-11.  THIS TOUR WAS AWESOME!!!  The Pentagon is huge and very secure.  

Saturday night and into Sunday was the waiting period for the arrival of Hurricane Irene.  Had a hurricane party of sorts in the Boardroom.  The storm did some damage in the Carolinas and the coastal areas of Virginia, but we were very fortunate here in Quantico.  The system is now a tropical storm and continues to move north up the coast.  Hopefully no one else loses their lives.

We start Week #8 tomorrow.  Until next time, be safe.  Aloha.

Week #7-Although the classes are done....

Aloha folks,  What a week it was or still is actually.  Of course you heard about the 5.8 earthquake which scared the living s**t out of a lot of people.  As a result, our gang went to Vinny's for dinner.  Nice pizza and pasta place but the lasagna could have been a larger serving, like the one that was served at Criniti's in Philly.  Anyway, it was okay.  Then we were informed that several of the folks from NA 246 were down at the Main Street Grill which was close by, so we ventured over there.  Place was rockin'!!!!  Great time had by all and the next day was the "Winged Monkey" challenge.  Hooooo  Boy was it a tough one for many.  Excellent circuit training and we all got through it with little difficulty.

Wednesday after the challenge, the much anticipated "International Night" which is when the international students prepare dishes from their respective countries for the rest of us to sample.  Along with the food came "the alcohol"!!!!   There was some potent stuff being poured and downed and the event was a great success.  Thanks to all the International Students for a job well done.  The aftermath was not pretty though....some people had a little bit too much and they were struggling on Thursday and even today.  All in good fun.

Thursday night was the "Strongman/woman" Contest and due to the pending weather conditions, it was moved indoors, so no Gator Pull.  Session 246 has some strong and strong willed individuals who all put on a great exhibition of strength for the audience. 

Now the big news is Hurricane Irene, which is a category 2 storm at this time and has forced evacuations along the eastern coast.  From what I am gathering, we are well inland and the impact on Quantico should be wind and rain.  Still tracking the system but let's hope for the best.

The weekend is upon us and I will update you earlier if the need arises, but until next time, be safe.

EARTHQUAAAAAAAKE!!!

Howzit folks.  Just started our Physical Fitness class in the homeroom and the place starts shaking.  The instructor John looks puzzled and then the shaking starts to get stronger and stronger.  Head for the hills!!!!  Everyone exited the structure and our fitness class went to the track and of course, did some stretching and moving around.  Completed our hill runs, hit the showers and found out that although we would be able to enter the buildings, the Fire Department would be conducting inspections and the last class of the day was cancelled.  Everyone is okay, but the cafeteria is flooded due to a break in a water line so we have to make other arrangements.

Tomorrow is the "Winged Monkey" challenge, which is a 30 minute circuit challenge and looking forward to it.  See what I say about it in the next blog.

As a sidebar, went to this place called Tim's River Shore Restaurant in Dumfries and after having a slightly difficult time finding it, we actually needed to cross the railroad tracks and drive on a gravel road, found it along side the Potomac River.  Nice local place and they are known for their all you can eat crab.  Ordered that and it was a blast eating steamed blue crab seasoned with Old Bay spices.  After the carnage and the flying shrapnel, we left satisfied and full. 

On Saturday night, I was invited to go along to a place called Bonefish Grill and I believe its in Fredericksburg.  Very nice restaurant and packed with people.  Had the crab crusted pompano fish and it was very tasty and filling.  I got two filets and soybean and corn succotash and garlic mash.  Great food.

Anyway, still finding out more about the earthquake, which registered in at 5.9.  We're still deciding on where to eat as the roads are quite congested as well. 

Until next time, be safe.  Aloha

Week #6-In The Books!!!

Howzit from Washington Dormitory #415.  The week started off with anticipation of the 4.2 mile challenge Munchkin Run on Wednesday.  That would have to wait for now.  There was a dinner for Session 246 at the Officer's Club given by IACP and it was a suit and tie affair.  After classes, we all went there, some imbibed, others waited for the dinner, others were recuperating from the Philly trip.  (Thanks George and Robert)  Nice time at the dinner and we all headed back to the dorms.

People were still talking about the impending Munchkin Run....ooooh the anticipation!!!  Tuesday came and went and then it was WEDNESDAY Morning....4.2 miles...nothing but a thing or so it was said.  The weather was ideal for the trail run and as soon as it started, well...maybe about 20 minutes or so later, some were finishing the run.  Good Job.  The trek took us into scenic areas, well at least I thought they were scenic.  There were probably others who were saying...What the hell!!!  Anyway, we all made it back to the base intact and although a little sore, glad that the run was completed.

They told us from the beginning....beware of the NA Virus.  No it wasn't a computer virus...it was the bug that normally rears its ugly head when you least expect it.  My roomie Jeff got it, probably from the joint lavs that we share with our fellow NA students, who were heard hacking and coughing a few days prior.  YES...this guy from Hawaii caught the NA virus and it put a halt to swimming for now.  I am stuck at 32 miles.  Hoped to complete it this week, but the body told me to take a rest, which I am.

We had a steak dinner provided by the 5.11 company and the steaks were great!!!  Even had a second helping.  Anyone and everyone here is attired in their gear and this was a chance for them to show some Aloha.  There were prizes given away, including this tactical flashlight.  Four were to be raffled off and the kid from Hawaii was the last recipient.  Some of the students have told me that this light is issued to their officers.  Can't wait to test it out.  Thanks 5.11!!!

The weekend is now upon us and I think our gang is headed to a crab shack for some all you can eat crab.  Will keep you posted on that.  Until next time, be safe and Aloha for now.

Philly Trip

Happy Monday...Spent the weekend in Philly with about 55 FBINA cohorts and had a great time there.  The city is a mixture of old and new and the architecture of many of the older structures is simply amazing.  Toured the Philadelphia PD facilities and got to see some of their functions.  Went over to the Irish Pub for dinner and drinks and it was great times there.  Although we were down in the cellar, we were close to the restrooms and it was just a hop up the stairway to the hub of the activity.

Got a chance to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall which is currently undergoing a major renovation. 

The weather was not real cooperative, but we did have a chance to run up the stairs to the Philadelphia Museum, went to the impressive Comcast Center, and Criniti's for some italian food before starting our trek back to Quantico, which was an event in itself.  The bus was lunging forward and back so many times we thought it was going to breakdown.  Then the traffic AND the thunderstorm slowed us down a great deal.  We all made it back, but a little fatigued.  No worries. 

This is the 6th Week already.  Will keep you posted on the progress.  Aloha

Week #5-Done!!!

Week #5 came and went.  Monday, the night after returning from the New York trip, our Evidentiary Photography class went to DC for a night shoot of the monuments at the National Mall.  Coach Bob took us to "Famous Dave's" for some great food.  I have been there four times since the start of the session and I have the same thing....Beef Brisket.  Will probably return a couple more times again.  Got back to the NA at about 12:30 am and Tuesday morning was a little slower than usual.
 
The Lion's Leap 5K Challenge Run was the biggest hurdle, but all of Session #246 completed the course without incident.  Good Job folks!!!

There was a session cookout at "The Point" with "Hoss" and his gang manning the grills.  Great food and drinks and the scenery was great. 

Thursday, I was invited to grab some lunch at this place call "Chick Fil A" which is a chain restaurant that serves what else...chicken.  Grilled and fried, chunks or sandwich, the food was pretty good.

Last night, I was invited to go with the gang to a place called "Buffalo Wild Wings".  Wings and LCD tv's all over the place.  People were there to watch NFL football.  Grabbed a dozen wings with some Carribean Jerk sauce on it.....hot, spicy, damn good.  Needed a few Heineken Lights to wash it down and cool the palate.

In a couple of minutes, we are heading out the door, off the base, onto I-95 and to Philadelphia for an overnight trip.  Will keep you guys posted.  Until then, be safe and Aloha.