Groton, CT

I made it to Groton, CT for the first stage of my school prior to relieving as XO on USS Topeka. Pretty uneventful trip through Detroit, MI. I arrived Saturday evening and friends Mark & Janelle picked me up and took me to their house for a little food and football watching. I got to my room on base at around midnight and set up shop. The room is alright. Clean and modern but no cooking facilities.

I have about a month here before we transition to the at sea phase where we ride a couple of submarines and do some war gaming stuff. Then back up to Groton to debrief the at sea time. I will be home for Thanksgiving and back to Newport, RI for a leadership school. Should be home for Christmas.

The Honda Fit is in the shop getting fixed after an accident Melissa had (no injuries). Total damage - $6,500. Ouch. Insurance pays for most of it, but the premiums seem likely to go up now.

I finished my ride to Glacier National Park the week before I left home. It was awesome. I posted some pictures over on my web site at www.web.mac.com/tnjallen. Not much riding in my future for now. Just have to keep looking at pictures.

That's it for now. Take care.