The Long Flight to Misawa

Josh has now arrived in Misawa but it took him six days to get there when it should have just taken him two.  

Day 1-

We dropped him off at the airport in Las Vegas with no hitches or worries. Little did we know that this would be the only smooth portion of the trip. He arrived in Seattle at 10:30pm and went up to the USO to check in and take a shower and get some rest. 

Day 2-

Josh went down stairs at 1:45am to wait in line for the 2:30am check in. He turned in a copy of his orders and checked his bags and then it was waiting until 8:30am to board.  The plane was scheduled for an on time departure and had pulled back from the gate when the pilot came on the overhead speaker and said that an indicator light had come on.  All the passengers needed to get off the plane so the crew could look at it. They thought it would be an easy fix and should be back on schedule in about an hour. They were boarded a second time and pulled away from the ramp and taxied toward the runway but stopped short and sat for a while. This was about 1:00PM in the afternoon. The pilot came back on the radio and said that the issue was not resolved and they could not fly at all and the flight would be cancelled that day. Josh was instructed to pick up my bags and we would be given further instructions at the baggage claim. The bags arrived after about 45 min of waiting. The airline said we would be given a travel voucher that would cover food and a hotel.  They were told to report back at 2:30am to check back in. 

Day 3- 

Josh checked and was told the flight was delayed until around 1:30pm. He hung around the terminal until 1:00pm when they were told that the flight was not going to be going that day and they should go back to the hotel. They were told that a second aircraft was being flown in because the first one was not going to be fixed that next day. 

Day 4-

Josh checked in at 6:30am.  The new plane arrived and everything was looking good. Then the Airline rep announced that during the pre-flight inspection of the new jet, a fuel leak had been discovered and the flight was cancelled. Yes, two airplanes stuck on the ground and back to the hotel Josh went. This time without his bags because they were checked and the airline was not going to release them.

Day 5-

Josh was told to check in at 4:30am.  About 45 min before loading the plane they were told that the flight was not happening and they should go to the baggage claim to get their stuff. The long processional of tired travelers shuffled to get bags and another voucher for the hotel because they had cleared the rooms. At that time they were told that the hotel was not available and they might be stuck in the airport. That made people angry but the airport staff called and found rooms for everyone. Some of the younger airmen doubled in rooms for the night but Josh was able to get a room on my own. They were told to check back in at 6:00am the next day. 

Day 6-

After a good night sleep and the beginning of stomach issues Josh made it to the airport. As the departure time of 1:30pm grew closer people become more nervous. At 12:30pm, a functioning aircraft pulled up to the gate but they were still not convinced because they had seen this before. Then the call for strollers and other large items was made. The air started to become electric as we may just get out of our current state in a few moments. Then the call for families was made and people became even more excited. Soon they were seats but still not totally relaxed because they had been here twice before. The pilot came on and said that we had been cleared for takeoff- 9hr and 30 min. of flight time. They were given two hot meals and encouraged to walk up and down the rows when the ride was smooth. The land of the rising sun was finally in view and it was GREEN- no brown or dirt, just tall green trees with real grass and humidity. 

Since his arrival, Josh has worked fast.  He has gotten our house, a car, some yen, and new phones as Japan has it's own carriers.  He should have everything all set up for us when our arrival time comes.

Enjoying our time time in Las Vegas while Josh is working hard in Japan.  With our cousins, the Berger's, at the Bellagio Gardens.