So far things have been pretty crazy. We are the southernmost American force in Afghanistan, located near the Helmand River, the "fish hook" area in southern Helmand Province. Our mission has consisted of drug and weapon interdiction along the "rat lines" leading into and out of Pakistan, as well as a strong counterinsurgency campaign. We have been quite successful in confiscating huge amounts of opiates and marijuana. Humping through pot fields in the middle of the night can surprise the senses when you're not expecting it! I'm only talking about the aroma here... The locals are polite and friendly, but wouldn't you be if armed Marines just showed up on your compound? They offer flat bread and chai tea, which often doesn't agree with me but we partake in good faith. The children love when we bring toys and candy and two days ago, when I had Cobras overhead, I got one of the little ones to say "helicopter." Cute. It's very third world here. No electricity, mud houses, hand dug irrigation canals. We are posted up close to the old silk route where Alexander the Great, Genghis Kahn and the self-proclaimed god and Persian emperor Xerxes traveled. Ancient ruins spot the countryside along the Helmand River and the Khaneshin Castle is a little over 6 miles away. I can't imagine going outside the wire for a quick 10k run to the castle!

As for training, I've been able to run inside our combat outpost - which is ever growing outwards, making my runs along the berm longer each time. Our sand-bag gym has grown in size and quality over the last few months too: we now have dumbbells and the civilian contractors have built some wooden benches. Creativity is the key if you want to get your swell on! The weather has been fairly mild, cold at night, warm during the day and for the most part quite pleasant. It looks like we're on the upward trend for temperature change so I guess that means it will be getting pretty hot soon. I have never longed for a Fort Worth summer as I do now! My job should be complete by the end of May and at that time, I'll return to Camp Pendleton to debrief. Until then, each day is one more closer to coming home. I hope you all are well and ready to kick some major butt this season. I Can't wait to get back into race shape to join you. Talk to you soon, Trip Ps. The picture attached is just before going out on a mission. Scary huh ;)

Trip ready to go on Patrol