lakedog72's VirtualTourist Home Page

I am in the US Army and have been since 1990 with a short break for college from 1996-1999. I have backpacked throughout Europe, been deployed seven times to six different countries. I love to travel (obviously I have this page) I am currently working on building my travel page and am new at this so I have a lot of catching up to do. I think I have a unique perception of the world since I have traveled to both the nice and not so nice places. When I retire in 5 years I want to buy a nice size sailboat and cruise around the world for a year. I am involved part time in investment realestate with hopes that I can set my self up for non stop travel for the second half of my life!

I grew up the first 17 years of my life on Lake Weir in Central Florida before joining the army to see the world. I love going home to visit because it to me is the most relaxing place in the world. The lake is beautiful and the people are friendly. Water sports are plentiful (wake boarding was practically invented there) and the bass bite all year around. If you find yourself near Lake Weir (Located between Ocala and Leesburg near the town of Summerfield) you should visit the Orange Blossom Inn tavern. Owned by my sister and me and managed by my sister Amy. An interesting fact: John Travolta owns a air ranch just north of Ocala.

My sixth deployment and first time in Iraq I was stationed at Camp Liberty next to the Baghdad International Airport. This is where Saddam had his primary Palace Complex. The inside of his main government palace (where he held most of his meetings and entertained guests) was amazing but quite gaudy. Next to this palace was a smaller palace built for his parents. There was a swimming pool there run (at this time) by the Austrailian army that was quite a treat for escaping the summer heat. All around the palace is a moat with large carp fish. If you ever get a chance to visit Iraq I highly suggest visiting this monument to a brutal dictator.