April 4th - The U.S.S. Midway

The big thing that Dad wanted to do this trip was visit the aircraft carrier, The U.S.S. Midway. Named after the Battle of Midway it was commissioned about two weeks after WWII ended. It was really neat. You get these audio tours that you get to listen to. It talks about a lot of planes but for the most part I skipped over those. We had lunch on the peir looking over the ocean. That was really nice. Then Granddad wanted to have the WHOLE family for dinner (on him) and he took us to the La Jolla (la HOI-la) hotel for dinner at Clam's restaurant. It was really nice and Granddad was very generous and took the bill. Another fun story. On our way to the hotel some one spotted a Bentley/Rolls Royce dealership. Now Panda and Raccoon have been going crazy over sweet cars and they wanted to look at them after dinner. After dinner Dad accidentally took a wrong turn and sitting in front of us was a Maserati and Ferrari dealership! Panda, Raccoon, and even Darling Sister was in seventh heaven. Then we went to the other car dealership and then we came back to our hotel. Pictures Below:
I like the perspective on this one.


The enlisted men sleeping area.


Propeller number 2 engine room. On an
average day it would be 120* in here.


Older Brother likes this spot.


There she is in all her glory.


This table was in the Chief Petty Officers (CPO) mess hall. It is called the POW/MIA table and each item is symbolic.

• The table is small to symbolize the frailty of one prisoner against his oppressors.


• The table cloth is white to symbolize the purity of intention to heed their country's call to arms.


• The single rose in the vase reminds us of the families and loved ones who keep the faith awaiting our comrades-in-arms' return.


• The red ribbon attests to the unyielding determination of the thousands who demand a proper accounting for our missing.


• The lemon slice upon the bread plate reminds us of their bitter fate.


• The salt upon the bread plate is symbolic of their families' tears as they wait.


• The glass is inverted as they cannot toast with us tonight.


• The seat is empty for those who are not here.

Outside of the car dealership.

God Bless.