On Friday, as newspaper headlines read “Europe Faces More Air Travel Chaos” and “Flight Disruptions in Europe Get Even Worse,” Bob and Ron found themselves grounded in Richmond. Southern Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokull (ay-yah-FYAH’-plah-yer-kuh-duhl) glacier began erupting for the second time in a month on Wednesday, sending ash several miles into the air. Winds pushed the ash south and east across Britain, Ireland, Scandinavia, and into the heart of Europe. Millions of people have been affected; Bob and Ron, itching to get to the Hanover Fair, were among them. Maybe next year…

While visiting the Coast Guard with Rick Barden to look at a recently installed project, Bob got the grand tour from our troops guarding our coast line.  Jeremiah (SK1) took Bob on the latest craft, which cost around 3 million dollars.  This craft will do around 60 miles per hour and is used for sea rescue in the ocean under light sea conditions (defined as 10- to 15- foot swells).  It has all of the latest technologies: for example, there are joy sticks for steering instead of a typical steering wheel.  The boat has a crew of just 8 sailors.  As you can see in the photo below, Bob had to be rescued by the gallant crew while taking the tour, but lo and behold, he came out high and dry!