Battlefield Tourist

The flight back from Khowst was awesome. We took a CH-47 back. Those are the Vietnam-era choppers that have two rotors. Often, they leave the back down, so you can look out the back of the open chopper as you zig-zag through the valleys of Afghanistan. It really is a treat.
The day couldn't have been better either. The sun was out, it was properly cool, and few clouds in the sky. The only distraction from the scenery was the Apache that was flying escort.
From the air, Afghanistan is wild. It's like this vast, arid desert, that has island of green dotted throughout certain areas. As you fly, its topography changes quickly; from barren sand to snow capped mountains, all dotted with pitched valleys. The road system as the west would ever know it, just doesn't exist here. Minus the brand new "Ring Road" (phase one runs from Kabul to Kandahar), most of the country is horribly pitted dirt roads at the best. That includes main roads to and from main cities.
We watched the road as we flew from Khowst to Kabul. We've heard it's pretty dangerous. From the air it was slow going as the dirt road twist and turns through some rugged and rural country. We've heard of busses being shot up as they pass, with the assailants running off into rugged surroundings. Perfect bandit country. Glad I'm in an armed army transport.
We fly over Bagram that back out toward a mountain where the door gunners get a little trigger time on some old Soviet wreckage. We pass close to some camels who just check us out and go about their thing.
We land and a reporter from the London-Telegragh (Keron sp?),l get up to the fron t gate to meet Ahmed. We're 15 minutes late. So we rush up there. No Ahmed. An hour later, there's Ahmed in a beat up old car. I finish getting the number from some English-speaking young Afghan looking for work. At first he thought I was in charge of hiring at Bagram. I ask him, "Do you speak English?". He says back, "Umm.. eighty percent!". So I got the number of his "english-speaking cousin" and took off. The kid wanted me to promise to tell him I'll call him this week. I told him I was off to join the Marines in Kandahar. He said, "That's o.k., I'm ready!".
The drive back to Kabul was interesting. The car had major problems. Turns out the IHA car was dropped off at the mechanic and Ahmed borrowed this other car from a friend. Needless to say, they both need a mechanic.
The worst part about this car is that if you slowed down, it would stop. I t also had no desire to make it up a hill. The best part was the electric locks that kept locking/unlocking. Mix that in with some native music and the trip was interesting.
We made it home and I turned out a story, which we fed by five. I got my first shower in three days and I chilled. Didn't eat a whole lot, just kind of laid around and thought about the upcoming mission.
The house is becoming as normal as it can. Both me and the Turks are making extra effort to show there's no problems: Eating together, sharing things, etc... Anyway, that's a good thing. For the second tie Kamaal has said he is leaving soon. He's an ok guy, just not happy here and wants to go. Perhaps it's better so we can get down to business.
Well, another major valley is in front of my. My beloved Red Wings could be knocked out Monday night. They're against the wall, but if any team can do it, it's the Wings.
Unfortunately if the Wings are knocked out, I will be forced to retire my old Red Wings hat. The same hat that has travelled the world with me, will give up the guard to a new generation. The same fate I expect of my Red Wings after this season.
Finally, a shout out to my friend Brent English in New Zealand. He has finally decided to marry and convinced a woman to do it. They're set for August. I met Brent in 1986 when I was in the Marines. I was taking a bus from San Diego to Los Angeles when I met a kiwi family that had a young boy with them named Brent. I don't remember his age exactly anymore, but I believe he was less than 10. We have written off and on ever since. Congrats Brent!! It's awesome!