Picto Diary - 28, 29 May 2015 - Vets

Above: WWII vets sitting in wheel chairs lined up at Salt Lake City International Airport. 28 May 2015.

I didn't have time to inquire on the occasion of vets presence. Seeing these guys, all 85 plus, lined up, was definitely a lump in throat moment.

Above: Bournemouth Pier. Bournemouth, England. 29 May 2015.

Start point for motorcycle trip to Isle of Man TT. We pick up our bikes tomorrow, 30 May 2015.

Trip organized by motorcycle touring company, MotoDiscovery. Tour leader, Lynn Brown assisted by Simon Suggs, who, among others, drives the luggage van.

Lynn, a Boise based architect, is a good friend of my friends Ernie and Rhonda, also Boise. All participated in Big Cat 2006 McCall. Rode with Ernie and Rhonda circa 2005 in Ethiopia.

The flight over was excellent as such flights go. I flew Economy Plus, which allows for plenty of leg room. The two hour connection in Philadelphia (arriving from Salt Lake City) was perfect, connecting at adjacent gates. There was a good restaurant very close. The 757 air craft from Philadelphia to London was about one third full. I had access to three seats in Economy Plus and could lie down... though I profess to not having slept much, notwithstanding.

I thought airlines were filling all their seats these days. It has been ten years (or so it seems) since I have flown on a mostly empty aircraft. Once, in the early 1980's, I flew a milk run Pan Am flight from Taipei to Hong Kong, where I was the only passenger on the 747.

Addendum:


I certainly agree with your thoughts, it's very disappointing that today's generation in general; do not appreciate the past people[Americans] who made total sacrifices. I participated in Veterans Day and the populace certainly don't reflect those who gave ALL- we would probably be speaking German !! I attitude is positive just my observation.

Mr. Z3
Ojai, CA