COME FLY WITH ME!

"Well!  I certainly did not expect that!" are the words that are in my head at the moment.  Just when you think that your (not so) new life cannot offer anything that will make you scream, "That was awesome!" (and I do not use the latter word lightly) it happens!  

I would not say (although others may differ) that I have become a contest addict, but I do enter daily.  For weeks I have been clicking on the 'Cory Morrow Go Wheels Up' icon on the various sites, which would win me two passes to the 'weekend event', which combines motor, aviation and rock 'n roll, to put it mildly!  There was also a contest to go up in the Red Bull Air Force helicopter.  Amazing as it may seem, I (yes, me) thought this might be fun.  I entered Samantha and Grant for the same contest and told them that I wanted to be their plus one, should they win.  Samantha's face was a picture!  "You want to go up in a helicopter....on purpose!"

Monday morning started with a giggle.  I had won a hat!  Not any hat; a beanie.  The contest had been for many fabulous prizes and I had seen a few items that I thought would be fun, but the beanie was my prize, and I was excited.  "What have you won?"  came the chorus as I chuckled.  Later in the day I received a call from another radio station to say I had been picked for reserve seating for the new film, Long Shot, which would be playing on Tuesday at one of the more exclusive cinemas in Austin.  This week was already turning out to be rather exciting.  Dana did not want to go, but Samantha had also won tickets, and Edward would join her.  By the time I got home on Monday evening, I was quite thrilled with my wares.

On Tuesday morning, my email 'inbox' contained yet another prize.  Tickets to the Cory Morrow Go Wheels Up festival.  I had planned to go to Joe on Wednesday morning, and so I would pick up the tickets when I left.  The concert part of the day started at five, so if we only took advantage of that, it would be worth it!  Cory Morrow, followed by Kevin Fowler with the finale being Bret Michaels.  Samantha loves Bret Michaels!  There is a history! Of course!  Some years ago, Samantha and Edward were going to see him, and I had just had my nails decorated in a rather elaborate pattern.  I asked Edward if he liked them.  He did his usual 'oooh' sound and cocked his head to one side.  After the concert I asked if he told Bret Michaels about my nails, and he said "Of course".  Each time I ask Edward, "Do you like my nails", (as all mother-in- laws ask their son-in-laws, don't they?) he asks, "Have you shown Bret Michaels?"  Samantha commented, "You can show Bret Michaels your nails!"

I did pick up the tickets on Wednesday morning, after having a nice relaxing cup of coffee with Joe, and watching the storm clouds gather.  We were experiencing 'weather' again, and no one could say how severe it would be, but we were warned to be alert!  We had been to the movie the previous night, and I was feeling a little tired, due to an unplanned late night.  I was not overly enamoured with the movie.  It was funny in parts, but I sometimes get the feeling the writers try 'too hard'.  Cal me a prude but I do not think it is necessary to 'force the issue' by making it so raw!  However, I did laugh a little bit!  When I asked Edward what he thought about the Go Wheels Up tickets, his first words were "You can show Bret  Michaels your nails".

The shriek on Thursday morning, was coupled by suspense and then anxiety. I had just called my mother and was waiting for her to answer when I saw the email, "Winner Go Wheels Up Red Bull Helicopter".  Running down the hall came Samantha, obviously expecting to be my plus one, as the phone connected.  "Let me open it!" she said.  "No!" said I, as I felt quite protective of my win!  My mum was in a chatty mood.  I stood and took advantage of this, as we do not always have a lot of news to discuss.  It seemed as if the call took all morning, but finally I returned to my desk.  "We have had a late cancellation, so you are the winner......  Let me know ASAP.... to take place this afternoon....".  I was slightly concerned that I may have missed my chance, as Dana had an early morning dentist appointment, and we then had a power cut at the office, as the storms were rolling in.  I had not checked emails, and this had been sent two hours ago!  I was not too late!  "You may be able to take up to three guests", Kristen told me.  However, because we would have to be at the airport at 4:30pm, there was no way Dana would be able to join me.  We cleared the flight path with the boss and he said that Grant could go if he wanted to. The look on his face did not require an answer.  Excitement could not have been more clear if it was written in six foot high letters!  The best part was that I had won another two tickets to the show!  "I am not sure what is the better prize", I said.  "This or the beanie".  "The hat is pretty cool", said Grant!

Arriving a little before 4:15pm, and praying for the storms to go away, we stood in an relatively empty sky port facility.  Military personnel were coming and going, but we were not sure whom we were meant to meet, and totally unsure of where we were meant to meet them.  However, a gentleman in one of the fight school offices went to find someone who could help. I started to shiver.  It was slightly chilly inside, but not that cold.  I realised that I was feeling a little nervous. "Sorry, y'all.  We were getting things set up for the weekend, and we are not sure where the pilot is.  We saw him earlier, but with the storms and all....".  A very enthusiastic guy introduced himself to us, and told us to give him a minute to sort through some things.  He seemed to be in charge of everything and ran to and fro before opening the door and beckoning us to follow.  A golf cart drew up and he hopped in and invited us to do the same.  Off we rode to the hangar that was at the other end of the road.  "No way, no way am I getting in that", I said in my head, as they pulled out what looked like a very old, two seater, propeller driven plane.  "How are we going to get her in that. We have to find a way of getting her in that", my daughter was, apparently, thinking at the same time.  I had my motion sickness wrist bands on, had taken several Dramamine tablets, and had swallowed the contents of a can of ginger ale, so I was hoping that sickness would not be a problem.  However, this was now beyond nausea; I was dealing with claustrophobia, and phobia in general!  "We may have time for one or two rides before the weather turns", said Jake, who had been telling us that they had been experiencing a lot of 'weather' recently.  "Who is going first".  In unison, Grant an Samantha pointed, and shouted, "She is!"  


Getting into the plane was not too much of a challenge.  I had to climb on to a plinth and then on to the wing before standing on the seat and positioning myself.  Asking for the third time, "So where do I put my thumbs", in order to pull the rip cord to the parachute that I had been strapped into, was responded with, "You will not need it!"  Recognising that this was not an everyday occurrence for me, the pilot was incredibly patient.  I tried very hard not to show fear, or be paranoid, or scream, or cry! I breathed steadily and worked out what sections to 'unclick' should the need arise.  "Those are part of the parachute!" I told myself when wondering when to undo the leg straps!  The plane sat at on the path to the runway as the oil loosened (don't ask for technical terms; it was the best I could decipher) and we finally headed off.  There were many firsts.  Going up in a two seater plane, being strapped into a parachute.... being strapped into a parachute....the latter being repeated over and over again!


Take off was probably one of the smoothest I have ever known.  
The back wheel went up first, presumably to level the plane, and then we were in the air.  He dipped the wings, one way, then the other to 'wave' at those on the ground, and we went on our way.  I was absolutely amazed at how much I was enjoying it.  To see the scenery from that high up, but not as high as a commercial airline, was incredible.  Coming into land, I was disappointed, but he told me we were going to do a 'fly past', and although the wheels didn't actually touch the ground, we 'took off' again.  It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life!  It appears that the plane, a T-6, was used in WWII to train the pilots before they went in the P1 and P2 fighter jets.  I was flying in a part of history!  The plane was almost an octogenarian!  

Landing back at the airport, my daughter's face had concern written all over it, but as I alighted, and she asked, cautiously, "How was it?" I screamed, "It was awesome!"  Even the parachute!

Samantha was far more calm being strapped in, and we watched as Greg, the pilot, took her on the same ride, and routine.  However, it appears that half way through he said, "Uh oh.  That's not good", and everything went quiet for a while, and the plane dropped before he said "That's got it", and they regained height.  At that point she said she had forgotten everything about the parachute lesson!  (When telling her father about this, he said, "I don't know what is funnier.  That or your mother going up in a tiny plane!)  While she was flying, Grant and I went into the hangar.  "Look.  A M.A.S.H. helicopter!" we said, in unison.  We walked up to all the planes and were not restricted.

Unfortunately, weather stopped Grant having a turn.  He was not too upset (so he said) but his face lit up again when Jake told him that 'his flight' had been set up for 9:30 am on Saturday morning, before the show opened!  Travelling back on the golf cart we were asked what tickets we had.  "General admission", said I.  "We will look after you", said Jake.  He spotted Cory Morrow's truck but could not find the man himself.  "Maybe you can meet him on Saturday", he said.

I could not stop talking about my flight virtually all night.  Dana was laughing at me, and the next day everyone sat in amazement as I told them what I did.  Mainly because flying is one of my biggest 'hates'.  Maybe my phobia will now ............ time will tell!

Storms rolled in on Thursday night, and Friday saw a lot of weather.  Tornado warnings were issued.  Warnings of large sized hail stones were issued.  A general 'Go home.  Turn around don't drown.  Go to a lower level internal room' warning was given. We watched the lightening all around, and the rain was not pouring but teeming!  I spoke to Richard, who found my adventure amazing, and was laughing at the thought of me not only getting in the plane, but staying in the plane!  "I am not sure what is the better prize", I said.  "This or the beanie".  "The hat is pretty amazing", said Richard!

Saturday morning was as beautiful as the day before had been ugly! Up and dressed early, my bag filled with a change of clothes, sunscreen and a canteen of water, I was ready to go at 8.  We drove to the sky port, and parked outside the facility in a space reserved for rental car passengers.  "That's okay.  They are not open today", said a member of staff as we entered and I voiced my concern.  Grant arrived a few minutes later parked in the other rental car space, and Jake appeared a few minutes after that.  On the golf cart we hopped and over to the hanger we rode.  Greg was waiting for Grant, and Greg's wife, also a pilot, helped him strap in and gave him the 'safety briefing'.  Soon he was up in the air.  The plane waved before disappearing out of sight.  After about twenty minutes, they came back into sight, did the 'fly pass' and landed soon after.  Grant's face was a picture.  They had 'barrel rolled', and 'looped',  He was so excited, he came up and hugged me.  "Thank you so much!" he said.  I felt like a mum having given my son something spectacular, and maybe he felt the same!  I was quite emotional.  I wondered if I would have enjoyed the 'stunts', but in retrospect I think it would have been a bad idea, as I was experiencing a modicum of 'whiplash' like symptoms.  When Grant mentioned the 'G-force' and 'keep your legs stiff', I knew I had gone as far as I could!

Jake came to pick us up and took us to the entrance, where he told the lady to issue us with three 'lightening passes', which translated were VIP tickets!  "This will get you into the VIP tent and down front for the concert!"  Grant had asked if he could bring his sister, as the radio host had told me that I could bring up to three guests.  "Sure, go and get her and just come back here.  I will remember you", said the girl at the desk.  Could this day get any better!

Sitting in the WWII bomber, in the pilot's seat and then in the gunner's seat, having had to crawl through the tunnel to get to the forward cockpit, was yet another amazing experience.  I wondered what my dad would have made of this.  Although I miss him every day, there are some times that I miss him more than others, and this was one of them, as I could not share this with him.  We went into the museum and laughed at the fact that the ropes were now preventing people from getting too close to the old aircraft.

After a while Grant left to get Emily.  "You will not be able to park in the sky port area again", Jake had told him.  "That is VIP parking, and once you give up your spot.....".  Samantha and I had considered leaving for a while, but chose not to lose our place!  Instead we went to the VIP covered portion and bought some overpriced lunch, and waited for the airshow.  Considering our 'prize' I should not have grumbled at the prices!

"Seen one airshow, seen them all", I was thinking, having seen some pretty spectacular shows in my time.  However, I felt a sense of emotion when the show started, and four men jumped from the Red Bull Air Force helicopter, ripped their parachutes, and one held the Stars and Stripes.  As soon as it was flying, Cory Morrow asked for men to remove their hats, for all to stand, and he sang the National Anthem.  As I have said before, until I lived here, I never felt the emotion of this event, nor the patriotism that is clearly still very much alive!  It was very powerful!  The military were honoured, and the 'old brass' as they called the bombers and fighters, were flying.  There were lots of stunts, including landing a plane on a truck, and our plane doing flips and loops.  Two brothers flying two very different planes (one being our plane) took to the air and did what they called the 'Bro show', and flew in unison which apparently was not easy due to the major differences in the two aircraft, to wit one being modern and one relatively ancient!  Then came a pilot and his wife, flying a 'biplane', where she was strapped to the wing, and then whilst in the air, she climbed on to the top and he flew loops and barrel rolls.  "What do you think of her?" said the announcer.  My comment was fortunately not heard by others.  "Amazing!" No!  "Fantastic!", No!  "Stupid!"  Much as I admired her, I could not think of a better adjective!  Was I jealous?  I doubted it.  She wasn't strapped into a parachute!

After the show, we made our way to the stage, which apparently had had to be rebuilt at 4am, after the storms.  Taking our places at the front, we wondered if we would be allowed any nearer the stage, as we were currently behind barriers.  Grant and Emily were on their way with chairs!  The couple standing next to us were from Cedar Park, the next town on from Samantha, and my daughter had been telling them how we got the tickets. (I know not how the conversation started,)  The lady had been bought a 'meet and greet' by her husband, to see Bret Michaels, but the price was too rich for my daughter, and much as she would have loved to have had the opportunity, she considered it an extravagance.  After all, we had been treated to a great deal!  Everyone was now chatting with each other, and our new 'friend' won the raffle for a guitar.  I didn't know there was a raffle!  I was genuinely delighted for her and felt the thrill of a win!

As the show started, we realised that we could go in front of the barriers, with chairs, and watch the show from the foot of the stage!  We did not need asking twice! Half way through Cory Morrow's show, Grant and Emily appeared, with chairs.  I needed one!  I was exhausted.  It was a hot day, and I had probably not ingested as much liquid as I should!  My head was hurting, and I wanted to enjoy as much as I could.  After the performance, Cory 'met' us people, and signed autographs.  He told me that he was going to England with his family later this year.  He was very personable, and just wanted everyone to have a good time.  The 'festival' was for charity and all proceeds go to local charities, and to keeping the museum and aircraft alive.  A very humble man, he had time for everyone!  This is what I love about Texas, and Texans. The next star was another 'home grown'.  Kevin Fowler is another enormous name in 'Country' and beyond!  After his show, he too came out to meet his fans.  The performance had everyone upon their feet and singing.  Even I rose from my chair a couple of times!  

When Bret Michaels was introduced, the crowd went mad.  We were at the foot of the stage, and he came forward to shake hands and hand out guitar picks.  Grant had bought Emily a 'meet and greet' ticket and she was thrilled.  She told all around her what her brother had done for her, and the crowd were all delighted.  Samantha decided that a hand shake and being so close would suffice.  I received a hand shake!  Bret Michaels touched my nails!  Samantha held up my hand and took a picture for Edward, and then, apparently went 'live' on facebook.  Everyone was excited for everyone else's experience.  It was as if we were one big family, or at a friendship reunion! 

The show finally came to an end and we made our way out.  It had been an amazing day, and week.  I wondered if I would return on Sunday, but doubted it as my head was spinning and I was feeling a little fragile.  Grant came up to me and hugged me again. "You have no idea how much this has meant to me", he said. "This is one of the greatest days of my life.  Next to my kids being born, it is the greatest!"  I was delighted.

I did not return today, as I needed to recoup!  I thought a nice quiet day might be a better idea.  Dana and I had a nice breakfast and chatted with some other patrons whom we see on occasion.  It had been an amazing week, and it would take a long time until my feet hit the ground, but I am sure they will!  Next week?  Well time will tell.  I may even receive my hat!  How can I improve this week's event in .............. another story?