May 13, 2005

Short And So Very Sweet

I scheduled today's ride to allow for a late start and early arrival as we were to ride into the home of the Thunderbirds at Nellis AFB and I wanted a little time to look over the hanger and such. It was a good thing I did. A number of things happened that the planning was able to create space for.

Having worked on business projects and travel journals and graphics until about midnight last night, I dropped into the rack and immediately passed out. Total oblivion. Weary bones and all in need of rest. No more than a minute or two later at 0630 (military time...also saves typing am or pm), my cell phone rang and rang and rang. Couldn't find it in the dark and my druggy stupor. It went to message. Then it rang again to let me know I had failed to answer. Now
awake, I had Don call my number so we could find the %^%$# phone and answer it. He said hello. I said goodbye. We crawled back into our welcome beds for another hour of sleep...or so we thought. Huh!?! Jake calls next and says turn on the tv to MSNBC...they are announcing the base closures (he had stayed with a friend). We decided the gods intended for us to be awake so we got up, showered and shaved, and went to Wal-Mart for a little power shopping. Don bought a replacement chip for his camera (the other one broke), and a new watch that he claims I owe him because when he tried to adjust the lumbar support on the seat, the car door ripped his cheap a*@ watch off his wrist. Now he is thinking of filing a complaint with my insurance company and I know my rates are going up. This is getting crazy...just some good fun and a little diversion.

We left Wal-Mart (where I, also, had some important business to do) after I bought an anniversary card for my lovely wife of 38 years, Donna. She had sent a card and an exciting history book of V-E Day with Don for me to have and read on this trip. He gave it to me this moring with a sigh of relief at not having to keep the secret anymore.  I, as usual, did nothing of note. I've got to slow down some day and try to smell the slow roses. One of the greatest things I love about this wife and best est friend of mine is how she can magically overlook all my faults and let me know in the darkest of moments that the tunnel opens up only a few feet ahead. She's the best!!!

So we finally get started and it's not a problem because I have scheduled a very short, the shortest, run for today. We launch from Kingman, three princes still looking for a crown (corona...remember Tucson?), and take IH 40 to US 93 toward Las Vegas, Nevada. Don has visited many times and Jake and I were stationed there at Nellis AFB in the early 1970's. It was like a homecoming considering the mission we were on. We took some shots along the way and stopped at Hoover Dam for some more. The level of the lake is alarming. It is so low and is evidence of the drought that has plagued the Rockies for so long. Also, no trucks or buses are allowed to cross it.  They are building a nice by-pass of the dam itself but it will not be done until 2008.  An indirect effect of the terrorists...can't bomb? - can cause us to do many things at great expense. It is a war and we need to keep that in mind. It was then a straight shot into town through Henderson, NV, and to the base for a visit to the squadron where all these memories had birth almost 35 years ago. Getting there was a comedy of good proportions.

We pulled into the Visitor's Center and, as good citizens, we asked for permission to enter the base. The helpful young airman told us we needed proof of insurance, registration certification, and valid driver's license for two bikes and a truck. No problem ... uh... problem. Didn't have all the current paperwork for either the truck or the motorcycle. It looked hopeless. We were done and out of options. So we went to the parking lot and decided that we weren't visitors after all and merely drove to the gate with the DoD stickers on the bike and the truck, showed our ID's, and went were we needed to go. So much for trying to be one who follows the rules. We got no slack...we gave it right back. Love it. What a trip.

So we visited the squadron and took some pictures and had some great memories and wished we were back there again. It is a deep feeling for a Thunderbird to know that he/she was there, is there, and will be there forever. The phrase 'Once a Thunderbird - Always a Thunderbird' is not lost on those of us who respect the values, honor and commitment that go with the title. We are truly blessed to be part of a great team of professionals!

Okay...enough of that...Don and Jake are trying to get me away from this computer so they can lose money somewhere in this growing town. I suppose they will want to eat dinner/supper (depending on where you grew up) as well.

A good day in retrospect. I'm feeling solid and fulfilled. Mission is still on track.

Here's today's crop of images..there are more but can't flood you with them all (Full Album HERE):