Sunday at the MEW-seum.

No, this is not a spelling mistake, it is a tribute to our US friends Tom & June MEW, who not only welcomed us into their beautiful Ventura condiminium for three wonderful days, but also showed us some of their very special places in their part of the United States.
Sunday started with a drive to Ojai and a very pleasant "brunch" at the Ojai Cafe Emporium. Then another beautiful drive through the surrounding canyons as we made our way to Simi Valley and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum (see I can spell). Both Tom and June are volunteer docents (guides) at the Museum, so Gail and I were given a personal guided tour with not one, but two very knowledgable tour guides. Presidential Libraries are established by all US Presidents (with one or two exceptions) at the conclusion of their term of office and include all the documents and artifacts that have accumulated during this period. The documents are mostly contained within the library for the benefit of students and researchers. Everything else is contained within the purpose built museum, and in the case of Ronald Reagan, the site, building design (including his eventual resting place) and construction were chosen and closely monitored by Reagan himself. The highlight for!
us was without question the special glass wall "room" which houses Air Force One and Marine One, the Presidential Boeing 707 and Helicopter used by Ronald Reagan. These are not replicas, but the actual aircraft, transported to this site, re-assembled and repainted by Boeing and best of all - available to walk through. The size of the 707 alone, which dominates the pavillion, gives some idea of the immense task of constructing this facility for future generations to enjoy.
Gail and I consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have been able to visit this fantastic museum and would like to record here our appreciation and gratitude to Tom and June for sharing this "love of their life" with us. Thanks Tom & June, your hospitality and friendship are greatly appreciated.
I might add that the rest of the museum was enthralling, but honestly, the images of Air Force One
will be foremost in our minds for years to come, second only to date on this trip with our Dog Sled adventure in Alaska.
Sunday concluded with dinner at a lovely waterfront restaurant.
Kevin & Gail.
www.alaska-2006.blogspot.com

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