Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Of C17 planes and Kangaroos


In 2 days we will be taking a "military hop" to Australia (if all goes as planned).  A military hop is free for military, dependents, and retirees as long as there is space available on the plane.  To get a hop, you just keep checking flight plans until you see a flight you are interested in and hope that everything falls into place for you to get on the plane.  You can't sign up until the day before, and you just show up in hopes there is room enough for you!  This is a picture of a C17 cargo plane which is the plane we will be hoping to hitch a ride on.  The good news for us is that are good friend is flying the plane and is working with us to ensure we know flight plans and that there is space for us.  Yes, in this is case it really is WHO you know.  We have been keeping our eyes on flight plans waiting for one to work out for us to go to Australia, and this one is planned perfectly so far.  We will be there for 10 days, spending a few in Sydney seeing the sites, and then will head to Canberra to visit with Joel's brother Caleb and his wife Amanda.  We are super excited.  The kids are dying to see kangaroos...it is all they talk about, pretend playing that they are using their passports to get on a plane to go see kangaroos.  We aren't even that nervous about the flight with 3 kids (which will be about 9 hours) because there are no "seats" in a C17 cargo plane.  We essentially lay sleeping bags out, let the kids play games, throw a frisbee.  Plus our friend's are also going on the flight so our kids will have playmates.  I am not sure we will ever be able to travel the normal way again!  Anyways, hopefully my next post will have some cool pictures from Down Under. 

6 comments:

  1. Have fun girl!! The two best things about a C-17 flight:
    1. You can't hear your baby crying
    2. No one else can hear your baby crying

    See ya when you get back!

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  2. Sounds so exciting Mary! Hope all goes well and I look forward to seeing your pictures.

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  3. Congratulations Mary. I hope everything goes smoothly. Have a great time down under and take lots of pics. That's one trip I'll definitely have to live vicariously through you to enjoy.

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  4. Sure wish we could ride along. Mom and I are thrilled that you all will be spending some time with Caleb and Amanda! Any "LOST" film sights in Australia?

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  5. I want to see some kangaroo's too!! Take lots of pictures and have a great time.

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  6. You'll have to let us know how that goes! We would love to do something like that, but unfortunately probably won't ever get to since Eric is leaving and won't be back until soon before our PCS date! UGH! Can we catch a break here? Anyway...ya'll have a great time! My inlaws flew a c-17 to Germany to see Eric's brother and they loved it!

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