Sunday 17^th April

An early wake-up call and breakfasted on toast and juice etc. before shuttle to the airport. A technical hitch before we got to fly. The views of the East coastline, river estuaries etc. were lovely from the plane window.

Naughty Nick left his passport on the plane in the seat pocket!! Delta staff not helpful and Nick not allowed back on the plane to find it.

We were met by our enthusiastic hosts, Tracy Frank (the organiser), Casey and Regula (Bruce and Sheila’s host) and after reporting the lost passport Casey drove us ‘home’. Our ‘home’ for the next week lovely. Marcus and Casey have a great big dog, Willy, a huge chocolate Labrador and he made us feel welcome too!

The drive to Casey and Marcus’ house super – Cornus florida, Magnolia grandiflora, Judas trees all looking good in full bloom. Marcus and Casey live in an orderly quiet, street with neat well kept gardens – quite large houses! Marcus cooked us brunch of tasty frittata, cupcakes and coffee – ate on the deck next the swimming pool, which looked inviting if a bit cool! We had a walk around the neighbourhood, Casey meeting and greeting all – reminded me a bit of CT suburbs before all the high walls and fences………..

After a nap and shower we went to USS Wisconsin for a tour of huge decommissioned Navy ship – quite impressive.

Thereafter to a Reception and Dinner held at The Half Moon Cruise and Celebration centre. The dinner was good, followed by welcome speeches – the chief one from Vice Admiral Robert Cooling, UK Royal Navy. His present post is Chief of Staff at NATO’s Supreme Allied Command HG for Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia USA.