Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - "Home Sweet Home" (for a while) - Sunday, 11 Oct 09

There are many tents lined in rows, but none other is like this one because this one is where I live; this is my home (for a while).

The Navy Seabee's have graciously allowed a "foreigner" into their space; which I'm very thankful for because I'd be squeezed in with the Marines otherwise. Seabee's are creative and proud; hence the handle on our door that you see here.

This is my corner of the tent. Not much to write home about (wait, isn't that kind of what I'm doing here). Anyway, now that I've received sheets and a real pillow from friends I'll be able to upgrade from the sleeping bag!!! The simple things can mean SOOO much!! I have no bunkmate so I'm able to spread out a bit and use the top bunk for 'stuff'.

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - You never know...

You never know what's going to be coming at you when you come around the bend in the road!! (Sorry for the blurry pic, I was trying to catch the shot before they passed by).

Of course, these guys can make a 'road' wherever they choose too!

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - Sunset - Wednesday, 7 Oct 09

Even in the most austere environments we're still provided something beautiful on occasion. The colors only lasted a short time, but their continual change made for a very nice ending to the day! The glow of the setting sun silhouettes an MRAP vehicle in the foreground.

Another angle of the same MRAP with the multi-colored sunset in the distance.

The night sky shown in a kaleidoscope of colors beyond the "skyline" of Camp Leatherneck.

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - Berm Work - Monday, 5 Oct 09

One of many outposts which provide an extended view of the desert beyond.

While looking at this picture it almost looks like a huge gorge you'd see somewhere in the southwestern US. It's actually a cut in one of our berms where we're preparing to install a drainage pipe.

It wasn't just a small pipe being installed either.

Working in any environment here is never a clean task. This poor equipment operator was covered in dust by the time we were finished.

As the sun fell closer to the horizon the final touches we made on the reconstruction of the berm.

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - Old Hesco Barrier Wall - Sunday, 4 Oct 09

While looking over our expansion area earlier today we came across this old Hesco barrier wall that has deteriorated over time. When I first saw them in the distance I wonder what kind of ancient stone wall was running along the terrain. As we got closer I could see it wasn't as historically significant as I first thought. Compacted soils still stands as the elements continue to cause it to erode day by day.

Shadows cast on the desert base from the remnants of the Hesco barrier wall.

Several different degrees of errosion can be seen from a distance while looking at the wall as it stretches along the ridgeline.

One last shot of a different stretch of wall from a different angle.

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - A Little Desert Volleyball With The Brits - Saturday, 3 Oct 09

Apparently there has been a long standing engagement between our very small Air Force group (including our three civilian counterparts) and some of the Brits at Camp Bastion for Saturday afternoon volleyball games. Well, far be it from me and the other new arrivals to let something like this get lost! Not a very serious game, but still a good afternoon away from work.

The photos don't show it very well, but this was a pretty breezy day with plenty of dust involved. We're hopeful next week will bring a more pleasant day.

We had to learn a few new rules too. Using your foot or head is acceptable play in these games. Net serves are also legal. It all adds to the fun of the game.

Oh yeah, the courts are about 4'-5' shorter than we're used to. Again, keeps the game interesting. :)

I'm sure this was the look of "aw, come on, how could that have gone out on the serve"!?!

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - My New Home

I've arrived at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - my new home for the next six months! Hopefully I'll continue to have access to this blog so I can add to it as I the days progress toward my return. The camp entrance sign as seen when coming from the British side of the camp - Camp Bastion.

It's no wonder why EVERYTHING is covered in dust/dirt after seeing dust devils like this roll across the desert!

Here comes another one heading right toward me as I travel from Camp Bastion to Camp Leatherneck.

One of the many "jingle trucks" that make deliveries to the base. Interesting choice of design.