Day 1, Billericay to Dayton

MONDAY

Billericay to Heathrow - We left Billericay almost on time, Ron came to say goodbye and was a little upset at not going with us on this adventure. Some nice words of encouragement were said and everyone although excited, a little disappointed that she was not going to share a great week with us.

Heathrow Airport - Well it started so well until we reached check-in and Lucy decides that she now doesn’t want to travel with us (she forgot her ESTA form) the use of Barry’s iPhone soon got the form number from Lucy’s email account. The next issue was with Tracey (Suett) and Krissie explaining to security why they had bolts, multi-coloured flags and an excessive amount of PVC tape.

We are now all sat in the Bridge pub air side just about to tuck into breakfast, so everyone is little happier.

Plane 1st leg - All safe and on the plane and heading for Atlanta, a little bit of trauma on the take off, it’s apparent that Jessica Brown really does not like flying, James does a good job of consoling her with a playful slap.

17:40 UK time, 4 hours into the first leg of air travel with 5 hours to go until we touch-down in Atlanta. The majority of the MF team are snoozing (except me) even Dougie and Jess are quiet. We have traveled 2049 miles at a speed of just over 500mph, outside temperature is -45F. Life in 1st class is great with my 2nd glass of champagne on its way (big thanks to Ron for getting us a great deal)

01:00 UK Time, 20:00 local time. Getting through USA security and border control was reasonably painless and we got all the luggage off to be transferred to our next flight. Being ordered to get the cases onto the escalator was an unnerving experience.

We are now sitting outside the gate waiting for the 2nd flight, very tired and longing for our beds, a few people have wandered off to get something to eat. I have just bought a fast meal from one of the many food outlets in the airport, I have to admit that I could not understand a thing they said to me apart from the last thing said as my order was handed over by a VERY large lady that resembled the washer woman from Tom and Jerry "there's your fries, hot and spicy just like you like them baby"  I think she likes me.

Wahoo! Michael Shapiro has just arrived and is on the same flight as us

Getting onto the plane was an absolute disaster after the plane was changed for a smaller one, all the seat allocations had to be redone.

It’s now 03:22 UK time and we have been on the go for nearly 22 hours. By the miracle of the electronic internet and the relief of $5.95 this blog has been updated at 25,000 feet at 3:34 UK time somewhere between Atlanta and Dayton, thank you and good night from all at Mayflower World Guard 2010.