Jan 19 2009 Museum of Flight

Today I had the opportunity to spend the day with Justin as he was out of school for the day. We decided to go to the Museum of Flight in Seattle. After a good breakfast we went to his favorite store to look for military uniforms, boots etc.. I could only find a nice down jacket for him, so we headed for Seattle.

After arriving he headed straight over to some fighters that were on the outside of the building so I had to get some photo's of him next to them.

The first was a Navy A6E with the names of a flight crew who were shot down in Vietman as a Momorial. After paying the fee to enter we went into the theater to watch a special firm about the Boeing 707 called Air Force One.

Then the fun really began as we walked around the Space Exibit, learning about stories from Jules Vern to the V2 rockets used by Germany to the US Space Program to include the International Space Station. Justin deceided he would rather eat the Russian food than the US, because ours was all dryed out. I hope you like him in his Space Suit.

Of course I couldn't resist taking a picture of Justin next to an F4C like the one I crewed is Thailand.

"What a Ham"

I really LOVE this picture.

As they had a cockpit of the SR-71A there I had to get a shot. Justin asked if I worked on this one and I said I was probably in that exact seat during a refuel.

I wished I took as good a photo as Justin

Patricks Point State Park

September 21-27, 2008

Karen and I headed for Patricks Point State Park on the Northern California coast after church at about 12:30 PM, seven (7) hours later we stopped in Salem Oregon for the night.

With no actual schedule to be anywhere at any particular time we slept in till 8AM before getting ready for the day ahead. After a good breakfast I wanted to go through McMinnville OR and stop at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum as they have the last SR-71A that was on active duty with the Air Force on display.



I guess the main attraction at the Museum for the average public would be the "Spruce Goose" built by Howard Hughes, but I was there to see one of the SR-71's that I worked on at Beale AFB California while in the Air Force. After paying what I classify as a ridicules entry fee of $24 each we started looking around at some of the displays.



They had a F4 "Phantom" like the one I was Crew Chief on at Alamogordo AFB New Mexico

Then we went to the second building to see the SR71A. They had her but in the back of the building with the X15 which I feel didn't do her justice. It was so crowded with the space exhibits it was impossible to get a good full photo of the plane. Karen did get a few shots with me next to her, but I was really disappointed with the way they had her presented.

On the exterior of the Museum they had an F102A which I was the Crew Chief on in Iceland, so I had to get a few shots of her, of course.

Driving along the Oregon coast gave us the chance to see some beautiful ocean scenes which we had to get.

At sunset Karen was able to get this shot as I drove.

Tuesday morning we continued down the Oregon coast and took a few more pictures.

Then about 2 PM we arrived at Patricks Point State Park and of course as soon as we could pay the day use fee we were headed for Agate Beach. Karen is the 5 th generation of her family that has come to this spot over the years and our daughter Robin and her family enjoy coming her as well (6 th generation, and Justin your the 7 th generation). I wanted to get a few pictures of the birds in flight so I ran up to them to get them to fly so I could take there picture. Some of them turned out pretty good.

It has been said that the further down Agate Beach you walk the better Agates you will find. As you can see it's about 3 miles long.

The view walking down to the beach is still great but the climb gets tougher each year we go. This past year the winter storms washed away the path to get down the hill so the Park Rangers had to make a different path and of course it was steeper or OK maybe it's because I am a little older.

As usual we had a great time collecting Agates and it is always hard to leave such a beautiful area. But we decided to head home about 2:30 PM on Thursday and after driving for about 13 hours we pulled into the driveway at home around 3 AM of Friday morning. Even though you enjoy your time away it's always good to get home to family.

Till next time!

McChord Volksmartch

September 13, 2008

The kid's asked Karen and I to go on another 10K walk. so they arrived at the house about 5:30 AM to head south of Tacoma to McChord AFB. After going through the hastle of getting the kid's registered to get on base we followed the signs to the start of the walk.



After signing into the walk we started out. I like to take a picture of everyone before the walk and compare it to after.



It all started from the FAMCAMP called Holiday Park. The FAMCAMPS are set up on some bases to allow traveling military and retirees to camp for little or no cost depending on whether or not you have power and sewer hookups.

During the walk the base has a park set up for a few of the airplanes that have been at McChord. As it turned out they had an F102A on display. I was stationed in Iceland from 1971-1972 as a crew chief on the F102A. Justin looks so great saluting our military.

This is a full side view of the F102A.

Justin and Papa!

The fall colors are just now starting to turn.

This was taken in front of the Support Building.

Along the base proper you can see how they want everything to look right.

At about 3 miles Justin's feet started to bothering him, so he asked isn't the end right back there to the right. He said he was glad he didn't wear his combat boots.

One thing really nice about these walks is that Karen and Robin get a chance to talk alot.

About the last 2 miles were on the west side of the base and in full sun the entire distance. I know it was only in the 70's but it felt alot hotter until we turned into the trees again. At the finish everyone is glad to know that even though we felt better after 10K then we have before it's still done. After a real nice lunch that Robin brought we headed home.

Till next Time!

Coupeville

Saturday Sept 6, 2008
Today I met the kid's in Coupeville as they were manning a check point with their walking group called the Northwest Treakers. This next picture is just for you Robin.



I arrived about 12 noon and Eddie and I went for a walk to the cliff's for some photo's. This is a beautiful area just off Sherman Rd by the old cemetary. There are two of the original buildings left standing of the Ebey Homestead.



As we approached the edge of the cliff's you could feel the breeze from the water cooling down the air. The puppies were definately feeling the heat as their coats are black and amber. We cooled down while taking some shots but the best spot on the path was taken by two teenagers who were to busy with each other to let anyone else use the location.



A ranger drove up to the check point and was telling us that they are rebuilding the homestead (built in 1854)so that next year it can be used as Interpative Center. I told him it was to bad they could'nt use the old building as they were covering all the history with new wood and cement.



There is quite a noticeable difference between the homestead and the mud hut as you can see.



This area gives you a good view as to what life could have been with all the homesteads.



The contrast between the ocean and farmland was really beautiful.

Life has it's challenges

This is a time in our lives when we should be looking right around the corner to retirement. But the company I work for has hit a wall as far as negotiations with the union. These hard times play havoc on everyone. I am blessed with a great supporting wife and family that understand that although it will be hard we will always come out on top with help of GOD! It reminds me of how lucky I am to have my loving wife (Karen) and family. I know how truly blessed my life has been. Hopefully this stage of our life will be short so we can return back to a normal life, if there is such a thing.

HYACK TUNNEL

August 22, 2008

This last weekend we went on a walk through the Snoqualmie Tunnel just east of Snoqualmie Pass off Exit 54. If you have not gotten the chance to take this walk I strongly advise it. The Tunnel is 2.7 miles long, and there are picnic tables at the West end to have a nice lunch with your family.

Even though the wife is claustrophobic with the help of the family and several flashlights she made it through to the West entrance. After a good lunch we continued West along the road taking advantage of the beautiful area to get in some pictures.

After some time exploring the West side we deceided to return to the East side of the Tunnel and head for home. So I was going to get the wife ready for the walk into the Tunnel but when I turned around to talk to her my Grandson and her were already started into the Tunnel. She had a spring in her step as they sang tunes while walking. Although she still walked with a slight stagger bouncing off the Grandson and Son she was enjoying herself. We meet some nice gentelmen on the East side of the Tunnel who offered to take a picture with all of us, which we did. The ride home was quite as everyone was tired after the 6+ miles.

I am going to try and add some pictures now! Wish me luck.