More from the JAF

Continuing the all-access (not really) tour of Jalalabad Airfield, we see a most typical scene on a JAF morning. I think because of the pretty snow coverings, I've taken roughly 500 photos of the surrounding mountains.

Afghan commandos speed by in their vehicles on their way to training. You've got to be careful running around here...not just because of the mines, but because of nutcase drivers who don't have to obey such trivial things as speed limits or troop safety.

Did somebody say 'aircraft wreckage'? No? Well, here it is anyway. There are a few leftover reminders of conflict past (and probably just bad piloting) that litter the airfield area...

Here's another doozy. This guy came so close! The only surprise to me is that it hasn't been hauled off for scrap metal. But ah, there may be no such shortage...now it's all coming together.

Supposedly a former Soviet bathhouse, this sits off the dirt trail surrounding the airfield. There is a reason for its location, as some hot springs bubble in the marshy pit alongside it. All I know is to stay the hell away on Thursdays...

Or just stay away from it altogether, for that matter. See the little red sign in the corner? Mines, mines, everywhere in this country.

No mines here, at least of the literal variety. Just another long chow line. But at least it's in the sun...

Then came the rains. Powerful thunderstorms, followed by some weird tropical-feeling soaking rain, changed up the desert pace of J-bad for a few days...

And a mud camp it becomes. Not to worry, though, as the J-bad sun hardens things up quickly enough. See, there it goes already.

And what good is a little mud if Marines can't have fun in it, anyway?

Now the winds of the past few days...that's just been strange. Last night they picked up in hurricane force gusts, and as we're in tents, it was one of the most disruptive nights of sleep I've ever attempted. I think I got in a half-hour of consecutive shuteye at one point.

That reminds me- what on earth am I doing up right now? OK, when flags are snapping high enough that they point up, and it stays that way long enough for me to actually take a decent photo of it, that means it is serious wind, people.

Thus concludes your viewing day. Please tip your bartenders and waitresses...Lord knows they need the extra cash when this many Marines and soldiers are away. Thank you!