The Texan T-6 Warbird- Greg's 40th Bday present

23 June 2007 Saturday
Every year it gets more difficult to figure out what Greg would like for his birthday. You see, Greg is an Odie (O.D.- an outdoor dog). He loves to be outside and he loves to pee in the bushes, and if given an opportunity would prefer to run naked with Mother Nature.

We had to make Greg's BIG 40 something to remember for years to come. So I happened to save an advertisement from years ago and gave Kevin Keagin a call. Although Greg's birthday isn't officially 'til tomorrow- we bought him a flight package on the last day of Kevin's tour here in the Bay area before they took off to Sacramento, Oregon, and Idaho.

One of 2 warbird planes ready for flight.

Kevin's company is based in St. Louis and they tour the western states offering flight packages to ride their vintage warbirds, the T-6 Texans. I purchased a flight involving Greg to take a front cockpit seat and to have him experience G-forces doing barrel rolls and loops. Our friend, Dr. Bob even came by to see Greg take off at the Concord Buchanan airport.

To see Kevin's Warbirds Website click here: American Warbirds

Greg was excited and even hunted for his aviators sunglasses for the occasion, which he is holding.

Thumbs up and ready to go!

Kai frowning, he shrieked earlier by an approaching grounded plane headed in his direction.

"Say bye to daddy, Kai!"

If I could give Greg shear pleasure with an added adrenalin rush, then I knew I was successful. And sure enough I was! Greg was all smiles and exhilarated! (There he is wildly waving at me). He not only got to do aerial acrobatics but he got to take control of the plane to do tricks! Although that wasn't part of the packaged deal, I guess Kevin had confidence in Greg discovering he had earned his pilot's license 7 years ago, albeit not a frequent flyer.

Video: Greg in a T6 Texan Warbird

Even this adrenalin junkie needs a quiet moment kicking back and drinking Jamba Juice.

Afterwards we stopped in Concord to get a much deserved Jamba Juice and to browse through REI- lo and behold, what coincidence, but Greg receives an e-mail from my mother that he was just given an REI gift certificate. (There he is checking his e-mail on his Blackberry). Again he was pleased with his fortune, he just loves this store! We were able to use it immediately just by reading the authorization numbers to the cashier. Amazing how technology works!