From the Past to the Future

Two days ago we had the honor of meeting up with an elderly WWII veteran. Today it was about the next generation. Our poor Young Eagles rides that have been rescheduled for three different days were finally able to go today. We lost several of them due to the repeated date changes, but we got in over twenty rides in after all. The skies were low and the rain started hitting around noon anyway, but the guys got them done at last. For most of the kids it will be just an interesting morning, and it's good to get exposure to different experiences in life. And who knows-maybe one will end up catching the dreaded flying virus...just like many of us did as kids.

We joke that along with the "Young Eagles" rides, we need "Old Buzzard" rides too. Those are usually called "Discovery Flights", but it just doesn't have quite the same ring to it. ;)

We were also reminiscing about the days when you just took a kid up for a ride, everyone had a good time, and went home. Today you have to meet certain criteria, fill out a bunch of paperwork, etc. Progress? In some ways, yes; in others, I'm not so sure. At least for now we can still do it...mostly. Some schools are already turning down the option for liability reasons. You know, "Liability" with a capital "L"; that thing that is slowly ruling-and strangling-a wide variety of events, products, and...enjoyment...in life. I wonder what things will be like by the time Kaylee is an adult. Will everyone be walking around in bubble wrap? But hey, for today it is still available, and I talked to one 16-year-old girl who did some hands-on flying herself and felt like she'd accomplished something special. I say she's right...