OUR VACATION

Our first stop on this great vacation was at Thousand Oaks, north west of Los Angeles and was more than I could have asked for. Knowing that I wanted to see the Ronald Reagan Library our hosts Cliff and Anna, made this our first stop. We spent the afternoon exploring the many small films of the Presidency years and especially aboard the AirForce One which was established on the premises with the help of Boeings and the Library personnel. They explained that Boeings Co. had to take out the engine entirely, disassemble the plane, ship it, and reassemble it inside the museum..

President Ronald Reagan had this helicopter and the AirForce One always at his disposal. Inside the plane was elite, in that he had a minimal whitehouse office set-up with complete facilities for his supporting staff and the First Lady.

This helicopter was used by Ronald Reagan as well as Air Force One. The tour of that presidential plane was very rewarding. As you boarded AirForce One they took pictures of your group which you could purchase later if so desired. So we wandered the grounds. Outside the Library we were allowed to wander through the beautiful grounds and park area. We did not take pictures of President Reagan's gravesight which is also on these grounds. Cliff and Anna Bohnert were our hosts and they outdid themselves in entertaining us this trip Inside of the Library itself there were many stops with short movies to explain the history of his presidency. In addition you could actually take a tour of the Library. We chose to see and read everything at our own discretion.   This view of the portion of the Berlin Wall tells of one of the major accomplishments of President Reagan's era through the Cold War in Germany. "Tear down this wall" are words the world will never forget, especially since President Gorbachev brought to reality.

The next day we headed for Santa Monica. Importantly we saundered down the 3rd St Prominade where they have amateur entertainers anywhere along that entire street, hoping for dollar tips. Finally we reached the Santa Monica Pier where they have an entire parking lot on the beach. At the beginning of the walk they have the original Merry-Go-Round, now 100 years old, preserved in it's own rotunda. Proceeding down the walk to the pier were souvenier shops and seafood restaurants; finally a real carnival center with action rides and other entertainment. We ended up on the miles of long beachfront. What a day.

This is the original Merry-Go-Round Built one hundred years ago and preserved in excellent shape and still in operation today in the large building at the entrance of the Santa Monica Pier. To the right are the many cars parked for this D-Day Activities.

	3rd Street Prominade in Santa Monica is a section of town full of entertainers and scenery, on the way to the beachfront. Above: A schulptured hedge throwing actual water is among many sights seen along this 3td Street Prominade. Left: Father amd Son worked together with unbelievable acrobatics. This boy was standing on the father's head using only one hand to balance. Incredible.

San Luis Obispo

Travelling on Highway 101 as we neared San Luis Obispo we could not but stop at the famous Madonna Inn and take these few pictures. Further on there is the Hearst Castle on Highway 1, but we could not take this side trip at this time.

The chandelier seems to take center stage as we photo this from the staircase. Everything is in pink.	This is the gift shop so full of elegant relics, all well displayed one could hardly fail to purchase something.
A visit to the Madonna Innon Highway 101 in San Luis Obispo is a must. Look at the beautiful dining room above. Then visit the Gift Shop to find beautiful souveniers you will treasure for years. Be sure to go down the stairs to the wine shop and check out the rest-rooms. Beautiful fixtures in tile and gold will take your breath away.
	The Rest Rooms took center stage. This is the Ladie's room entrance area alone.

Camaron Park near Sacramento

Steve and Kimberly summer at Steve's sister Nancys place in Shingles Springs, Camaron Park near Sacramento. We didn't get pictures of the many vineyards we saw along the highway but we did get to go wine-tasting.

They took us around the Air Park where the garages in the huge ranch style homes hold not only cars but small planes. From the landing strip one could taxi their plane down a wide street to their own airplane garage attached to the house.