I always knew that someday I would soar. I got to go on my first real plane ride. I was taken by a gentleman from my church, Mr. Swann, who has instilled a love of flying in his whole family. His children all are pilots too. As for me it was awesome and inspirational, but when offered to fly the plane, I respectfully declined. While the ride was exhilarating, I still had the sense of responsibility to my children not to leave them motherless. Mark was able to do some sharp turns with me in the plane and that was the very best! The clouds were so majestic from so high in the sky, and the whole world looked so peaceful and well designed from up there. It struck me while flying that it was the same feeling of awe that I would have years ago sitting on top of Sonora Peak, or some other wonderful spot high up in the Sierra's, but without all of the effort to hike there. I miss those days, and being in the sky if only for a moment in time brought me back there. Back to a place where the world makes sense, and you are rightfully placed within it. Where the beauty of man made and God made come harmoniously together. I wish I could fly away to nowhere when ever I felt like it. The burdens of life left on the ground far below. The journey took me over the windmills (which I have always loved to watch), over Red Rock Canyon, over vacationing quad campers in the desert, over California City, over mountain ranges, and over the Mojave Airport's bone yard, as well as getting to make an early morning touch down at the far end of Lake Isabella. It was wonderful! We had breakfast in a quaint little diner that looked more like some one's living room in an old log cabin, then a real restaurant. It was by far the very best breakfast I have ever eaten. I am not sure if it was the wonderfully rich hot chocolate with whipped cream melting in the top of a common mug, the deliciously spicy Santa Fe omelet, or if it was the atmosphere, and the company that we got to share it with. All of these old pilots were sitting behind us talking shop in front of a wood stove drinking their coffee. It was beyond a dream, the sights, the smells. I felt like I was in my favorite movie "Always"! I half expected "Pete and Dyrinda" to walk in at any moment. Yet, with all of that it was fun to know that I still got to fly back home again, and the trip was not over by a long shot. Upon returning home I could look down on the lake and see men sitting in their boats fishing. I felt like the tanker in the opening scenes ready to scoop up water and fly it to a fire. The whole experience was like getting to meet yourself for the very first time. I really loved it. I love planes, always have, but this place, and this time in my life, has awaken a sleeping giant that I did not even know existed. Will I ever be a pilot someday? No one knows for certain, but what I do know is until then I am going to enjoy the ride. No matter if I am in a plane or not, I will continue to soar to new heights, and meet new challenges. I will continue to delight in going to air shows, seeing fly overs of F-18's, listening to sonic booms, and in the feeling of the rattle of your rib cage with the roar of their engines as they go over my head! I will continue to delight in the love of aviation itself. Today was a great day, but tomorrow is going to be even better! Come Fly Away With Me...
