Jalalabad in January

Dani and LCDR Spicer (Dan), customer and friend from CSTC-A, took a trip to Jbad in January. The main purpose was for a Red Zone meeting and pre-final inspection of various ANP District Headquarter buildings. Due to weather and various other situations, not everything planned was accomplished. But the trip was still enjoyable.


Dani and Dan at Qalaa.


Dani and Dan with Afghan National Police Commanders, USACE Local National employees, and the Contractor. This picture was taken following a red zone meeting.


Jalalabad isn't as cold as Kabul, but as you can tell it isn't very warm either. Dan was mid-process of getting ready, and Dani snapped this shot!



Nawab (Local National Deputy Resident Engineer) and Jennifer at the FOB (Forward Operating Base) Hughie office. We were all very cozy for the few days Dan and Dani were visiting.

The area surrounding Jalalabad. In January it was still lush and green.

Between Jalalabad and Kabul, this village caught Dani's attention due to irrigation canal that goes around the hill. Water is such a precious commodity it's interesting to see how it's utilized.

Dani and Dan spent an extra night in Jalalabad due to snowy and foggy weather in Kabul preventing flights from landing. Luckily the weather improved enough that they could catch a flight into Camp Phoenix. On the way, the cloud layer was still low, so the helo went above it. The views were amazing and the photos don't do justice.

Within 10 minutes of Kabul these mountains clearly show the snow line.

The terrain is just beautiful!

Imagine living in this valley surrounded by the mountains - and the runoff that must occur in the spring.

Arriving in Kabul, here's a typical main road and the adjacent land.

The snow in the valley had melted by the time Dani and Dan returned to Kabul, but the mountains could not hide the evidence! It was breathtaking.

All in all, the trip was successful and fun. In the last 6 months Dan and Dani took several trips together, causing trouble at various FOB's. Dan has redeployed, so Dani will have to find another travel partner, and someone who is as good a "body guard" as Dan.