Visions of Splendor ... Part 1.
In June 1966 I was lucky enough to be selected to be sent on detached duties with the USN. Accompanied by my wife, Fay, daughter, Susan and son Kim, we left Sydney for an adventure that would stay in my memory for the rest of my life. Across the wide blue Pacific to San Diego and a year and a half of fun and very interesting times.
After settling into our 'new home' in Chula Vista I purchased a car that would withstand many miles of touring and carry us all to visit many places only heard and read about. There were some incidentals to be looked after first tho...security passes to the North Island Naval Base, finding ones way around that enormous establishment, being welcomed into VS41 (my first attachment) and generally becoming accustomed to the new surroundings. This, of course, meant having the children set up in schools and for Fay to start finding her way around too. Most of these challenges went off very smoothly and we became accustomed to our new surroundings quite quickly.
After a week or two we decided to start our wanderings. The first planned trip was to, of course, Disneyland. What an enjoyable place that is...we all acted like kids and really whooped it up...the first of many wonderful experiences.
Almost every weekend we went looking at as many places as we could manage...the desert to Yuma, Tijuana, Sea World, the Missions along the California coast....everything and anything was gazed at, photographed, climbed over...and each memory stored away to be talked about at some future time.
I have family in San Francisco, an Aunt on my fathers side, so the longest trip we undertook thus far was to visit her and meet my Grand Mother for the first time...they had left England before I was born...Gran and dads sister settled in SF and from there the family grew and separated so for me there would be a reunion. Gran' was in a nursing home after reaching 90+ but I was recognized immediately by her...a wonderful moment...the rest of that weekend was spent getting to know each other.
As we approached our first Christmas we made plans to visit a family friend in Seattle. Phone calls made and trip planned and just before the Xmas break we left to drive north (being a 'special person I was given EVERY consideration by my new found friends in the USN :) ). Called in to be with cousin Thelma and family, who lived north of SF, overnight then the long haul to Seattle. This was our first taste of cold weather but we were well prepared...and we arrived at the friends home without incident. A delightful time was had by all including a trip to Snoqualmie and the kids enjoying snow for the first time. A trip to Vancouver was a highlight even tho' the border people were somewhat suspicious about a car full of people from different places ...only kidding :)). At a function we were invited to, I was asked if I would like to see a mockup of the 'new' 747 ....Oh boy wouldn't I...a trip to Boeing...what an opportunity for an air'tech'...hopes dashed tho'...couldn't be arranged till the day after we were leaving to drive 'home'. Oh well...another time maybe :((.
Back to SD....joined another Squadron...VS37 this time..they had just returned from Vietnam after a tour on the USS Hornet and some R and R in Sydney....so when I joined them I was made immediately one of the 'team' :)) They couldn't help me enough....the world was my oyster...go anywhere, anytime...just ask. They really were a great bunch of guys.
Mid year leave was approaching so a caravan was organized from 'Special Services' and we set off once again to look at as much as we could, cramming as many miles as possible into two weeks.
Eastwards towards Las Vegas and Lake Mead, a tour of the dam a must. On to the Grand Canyon..the majesty and beauty of the canyon not exageratted...a true Vision of Splendor. North to Yellowstone via Colorado Springs, Cheyenne and the grandeur of that wonderful National Park. Our car attacked by two bears, mother and daughter/son, who wanted food but only managed to strip our extension mirrors off...THAT was 'awesome' !!
Turning south towards Salt Lake City and that wonderful dome on the magnificent church of the Mormons...the salt lakes. Devils Canyon...nearly rolled the 'van' there !! Then east to Yosemite National Park...unbelievable !!! From the chipmunks to the fire falls to the half dome mtn'. On to LA and 'home' and a good rest before the next adventure.
So many sights...far too many to recant here...all fixed in the memory. Views of magical splendor, from mountains to sea. So many people who wanted us to stop and chat...so many questions asked from both sides. A great adventure.
Sadness during this trip tho'....my Grand Mother passed away while we were traveling but we were not informed until our return because my aunt decided that we should continue the trip and make the most of the time we had. A wonderful thought on her part, in retrospect, but a little saddening to me tho'.
Later a trip to Seattle to bring South our family friend, moving to Texas for her work. Flown there by a squadron aircraft and the drive back to SD in 1 1/2 days. I loved driving on the freeways...they were great :)) and I was only booked twice in 18 months...clever huh.
Away again...this time to explore the coast of California...places like San Luis Obispo (doesn't that sound wonderful??). The giant redwoods...more national parks...SF again then north to Eureka then inland to Redding, Sacramento, Bakersfield and back to SD skirting LA (good move there...the smog !!).
During this time I was still 'working' and managed to do 4 short tours on the Hornet out of Long Beach and a trip to Washington
(just for something to do !!). spent 5 days there and visited New York...climbed over, under, photographed and looked at all that I could fit in during this short visit...the Lady with the torch...subways...busses...UN Building...Empire State tower...you name it I saw it (I think). In Washington the White House was visited, Lincoln's monument, Arlington...Kennedy's tomb..again everything that could be looked at I did. Even saw (from a distance) Air Force 1,2,3 and 4...plus all the other aircraft belonging to the President.
Finally it all had to end and we flew home with so many memories that we were almost overloaded...it took us weeks to settle into a 'normal' routine but the mind pictures remained with me till I went back in '82 to do most of it again. That is another story.
To my friends from back then and my new found friends now...you have a magnificent country...so many incredible sights to see. I have been very lucky and travelled most of the world...the memories of the 'States' are still amongst the most incredible I have. The vistas of grandeur. mountains, rivers, forests, plains...and yes...even the cities, will always remain with me.
Please look after what you have...it is so precious...see what I have seen and you will appreciate the wonders of your country.
DennisB