AfghaniDan

A young man's strange, erotic journey from Milan to Minsk...and apparently, back again.

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Location: Denver, Colorado, United States

The details of my life are quite inconsequential, really. Summers in Rangoon...luge lessons...

Monday, April 10, 2006

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!

11 Comments:

Blogger Father of 3 said...

Hello Captain Dan, Great job you are doing over there. God bless all of you men. (and in Iraq and elsewhere.)

April 10, 2006 at 1:24 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hot springs and Soviet bathhouses! Nice! You ARE livin' the good life over there ... Alex and Jeets say hello!

April 10, 2006 at 2:42 PM  
Blogger LTC John said...

Yeah, that a Sov building alright. Same as at Bagram - those latrines/showers/baths were the strongest buildings they left. The tile inside gives it away. Heh heh.

April 10, 2006 at 7:44 PM  
Blogger kbug said...

I've really enjoyed all the photos, it's almost like being there...but without the sand, mud, wind, mines, etc. Yeah, I've heard from my dad that Marines can have fun just about anywhere they go and in any circumstances. Some things never change...... :) My best to all of you...stay safe.

April 12, 2006 at 2:42 PM  
Blogger Samantha West said...

Hi Capt!

What a great blog, I just found you and will return frequently.

You take care now!

Sam
.
.

April 14, 2006 at 10:44 AM  
Blogger Lieut. Col. Arnold Strong said...

Dan,

Arnold Strong here. Another milblogger getting ready for Afghanistan. Will be there within the next six weeks. Finishing our certification here in Camp Shelby, MS. Was in Iraq last year, now heading your way. My blog is at http://www.majorstrong.blogspot.com. Nothing much for now, but we're getting there. I will read your blog as often as I can. Thanks for your work. Arnold

April 17, 2006 at 8:57 AM  
Blogger DangerGirl said...

Marines playing in Mud....MEEEEEOOOOW!

I'll be dropping by A L O T :>)


Stay safe!

April 17, 2006 at 4:49 PM  
Blogger Father of 3 said...

Capt Dan..it's been a while..let us know you're ok.

April 20, 2006 at 1:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Have just found your blog after a hunt because there are not so many bloggers in your part of the world. Had one but be just came home last month so now you are my news source from Afghanistan. I have gone through and looked at your photos and they are incredible. It is a hauntingly beautiful land, seen best in the spring with the mountains still snow covered!! Thank you for your service, and all you do for us so far from home. God bless and be safe.

April 23, 2006 at 7:50 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Haven't heard peeps from you of late... hope all's well where you are.
Ciao for now

April 23, 2006 at 8:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Where ever you are and whatever you are doing, hope all is going as it should.

You are in many prayers.

April 27, 2006 at 10:15 AM  

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