Two full days of airplanes!

On our way back to the big island. We have a reservation in Otsu tonight and have about 5-6 hours (our estimate) to go. Just stopped for lunch at McDonald's - the only restaurant we have visited. After the first experience, I have had an order of fries and soft serve ice cream. Heathy! Joe has been getting the burgers but I haven't mastered how to say meat and bun only yet. Hope to look that up tonight on the Internet.

Yesterday we were at Nyrabura outside Miyasaki. The weather was great early and then became sketchy. By late morning it had cleared again, and we got some great pictures of F4s, F15s and T4s and a few others. By mid afternoon, the clouds had rolled back in, but we feel it was a successful event!

Today, we were at Tsuiki outside Yukuhashi. Again, we had a few periods with clouds but sunny for the most. We photographed F2s, F15s and some more T4s. Great spots-very close. There were about 15 -20 other photographers at both locations (all Japanese). We could only stay till a little after 1:00 pm because we need to get to our next location!

Another fabulous event from yesterday was we were able to park the car in the hotel garage! This Tokoyo-Inn also had the elevator garage that we weren't successful with in Miyazaki. The girl at the front desk did a little better job with directions (our fault) and we learned that you have to fold the side view mirrors in. It really is an amazing

system. The card is keyed for a specific space.
When you get your car out, you must deposit the card in order for the system to work. You also have to be patient as the lift is working but there are no lights to indicate that you have successfully initiated the system.

As we were approaching the air base this morning, we were driving through a residential area. The kids were all on their way to school. It seems as if elementary students in many places do not wear uniforms. However, most all of the older students are wearing uniforms. These students in these little towns, have different "backpacks" from what I remember seeing in other locations.

P.S. Bummer arrived late at hotel only to find the garage was already full so we couldn't put our knowledge to good use! Instead, Joe had to park down the street at a public garage and had trouble getting the machine to accept the money...