June.....almost July!

 I don't know where the time goes these days.....it seems to just fly by.   My last blog was in May and here it is almost July.    

We're in Walla Walla, Washington now, on our way up to Spokane.  This first leg of our summer trip will be to celebrate the "birthday week".    Jesse and Anabel have special days to celebrate in July and we can't miss those!    

 Speaking of birthdays, Dave had a "big" one in the beginning of June!    We celebrated at a nice dinner with Steve and MonaLiza at Coopers Hawk Winery.   We're all members there and that brought us some nice birthday perks.

just a little tasting before our dinner

yes, I see you

  The really big event of June, however, happened the next week.    We were honored to be able to help Steve check off one of the things on his "bucket list" - a private jet, overnight trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming!   Their blog (lowestravels.com)   will tell you the whole story, it's really his to tell, but here are some highlights through our eyes.  

waiting in Wickenburg (6:45 am)

touchdown!

The beautiful plane, a Falcon 50 three engine executive jet, flew into the little Wickenburg airport to pick us up.    What a thrill, especially for the two pilots in this first group.

After boarding, chatting with the pilots, checking everything out and getting our safety briefing, we were off.    And when I say "off" I mean OFF!!!    Steve told the PIC that it was fine with us if they used a "short field departure" or maximum performance take off, hint hint....    And they were nothing if not obliging!  

 I, not being a pilot, did not know what that meant.  I wasn't ready for it.     Brakes on full, full screaming engine power, release the brakes and OFF we go!   What a rush!      Boy did we go - and so did my full cup of tea.    Out of the cup holder, upside down on the floor, lid off, pouring down the aisle and under the bathroom door before I recovered my wits!  

It was wonderful!   The flight was smooth, and I love looking out the windows at the jigsaw puzzle below.     

Mostly, I saw variations of this.....Steve and Dave spent lots of time squeezed into position to watch the pilots do their thing and look out the windshield!

It was a short flight to Concord, California, where we picked up the rest of Steve's friends.     There were nine of us all together on this trip.    Another private pilot in the group, Rod, brought wonderful goodies to help our airtime pass happily.    Champagne (multiple bottles) and a huge charcuterie tray.   Happily the time did pass.    The views were spectacular, the bubbly was delicious and celebratory, the cheeses, fruits and pastries were yummy and beautiful and the company lively.   What a great group on a great adventure!

don't drop the food Dave!

MonaLiza and Hazel

Thanks Rod

Jackson airport

Dave, me, Hazel, Vic, ML, Steve, Rod, Lisa and Pam

Upon arrival at the Jackson Hole airport, two black limos were waiting to take us to our hotel.   We felt like we had "arrived".....

We sorted our rooms out and all walked into town for a little lunch.  Not that we needed lunch, but a brewery was calling.    No pictures, a little beer and nachos consumed, and then we split up to check out the area.    We haven't been in Jackson for many many years, so we just walked around and window shopped.

oh Dave

After a quick nap we met for dinner at The Local.   Once again, Rod brough plenty of wine just in case the restaurant didn't have enough!   Oh Rod!    I didn't take many pictures, as usual, but we all had a great time once again.

nom nom nom

Dave shows Hazel the cork trick he just learned (from Lisa)

she never passes up a tomahawk steak!

We walked home after dinner, full and happy.   Breakfast at the hotel the next morning and then off to the airport and the flight home.    What a trip!   Thanks Steve and MonaLiza......

face to face

the Man!

 Dave just walked in with a bag of Kouign Amann so - it's second cup time.    I'll tell you more about what we've been up to soon.   Stay tuned.

Oh, and one more picture.....our Annie!