Goodyear Blimp Ride

Thanks to a "connection" I made earlier this summer, I was able to arrange for a ride in Airship N2A - AKA the "Goodyear Blimp Spirit of Innovation". When this ultra rare opportunity presented itself, I couldn't pass it up. Having been a private pilot for nearly 17 years, I have had some very unique "aviation" opportunities. I have gone for rides in open cockpit vintage bi-planes, been part of a 10 member 1940 J-3 Cub Club, flown a couple different twin engine planes, taken a ride in EAA's Ford Tri-Motor, and even sat at the controls of a Space Shuttle Simulator at Johnson Space Center. Well, I must say, flying at a slow 16 knots at 500 feet in a gas filled balloon that is 5 stories high and 200 feet long trumps them all. WOW.

CAPTAIN CORKY BELLANGER

The opportunity began when I met the long time girlfriend of Blimp Captain Corky Bellanger at a Ford Training Meeting. Sherry Marquis was my training "coach" at a Ford Training meeting earlier this summer and we struck up a friendship. When I learned her long time boyfriend was a Blimp Driver, I didn't hesitate to ask if I could get a ride. She said "sure" - send me an email. Well, come to find out, there are only 3 ways to get a ride in the Goodyear Blimp. 1. Be a Goodyear Executive or a friend of a Goodyear Exec. 2. Pay $4,000 a seat that goes to a charity. 3. Know one of the 6 pilots - BINGO!

DRIVING THE BLIMP

Unfortunately, we had to leave Marco at home - just too little. We had room for 6 passengers, so we took a long time friend of the family Don Palinkas - one of Belinda's college buddies dads, to fill his spot. So, Belinda, myself, Diego, Antonio, Brianna, Don, and our Captain, Corky, went for a 1 hour ride. Goodyear has 3 Blimps - one based in Ohio, one in California, and one here in Florida at Pompano Beach Airpark. It's amazing the amount of people it takes to get this somewhat crude flying machine into the air. It's an army of people. Once the ground crew has the blimp "sort of "stable, the passengers are allowed to jump inside. Corky gave it the thumbs up, pushed the throttles forward bringing to life the 6-cylinder Continental aviation engines, and we were off. It's kind of funny actually. The windows are open, so, the engines are just screaming loud. However, the large airship is barely moving. The blimp has only a large wheel next to the pilots right side for elevator control, and traditional rudder pedals - no ailerons. The avionics were basically like that of a light airplane - the traditional 6-pack of instruments. N2A has a nice avionics stack that included a Garmin GPS. The ship has a very high angle of attack on climb out - just to 1,000 feet msl. Corky leveled off, and cut the throttles - looked at me and pointed to the GPS ground speed reading with a funny grin - 16 knots - that's it. Basically, floating. Corky headed out over the intercoastal waterway and Pompano Beach - once he cleared the coast line, he push the nose about 35 degrees over - dropped 500 feet of altitude, and we were just coasting along at 500 Feet over the Atlantic coastline - windows open, engines idling, - man - what a day. The blimp is so big that you really don't feel any turbulence at all - it just sort of floats around.

GEEK WITH HIS QUESTIONS

OK - I am an airplane geek - I admit it. I had to understand better how this thing flew. So, for the next 30 minutes, Corky and I shot the breeze about flying the blimp. He was a good sport and tolerated all my stupid questions that I am sure he has answered a thousand times before. I asked Corky how he got into this form of aviation, and he told me he was "born into" the job. His father was a Goodyear Blimp pilot. Apparently, you either have to be a relative, or know somebody really high up in Goodyear to even get considered for the job. Corky had to go through all the typical aviation training however, to become qualified for the job even before he started Airship Certification. So, he is a fixed wing pilot as well with instrument and commercial ratings.

While gliding along, the other passengers just sat there in amazement that we were riding in the Goodyear Blimp. Brianna loved the beautiful blue water, Diego loved the large Yachts docked along some of the wealthiest waterways in the United States in the Fort Lauderdale area. Belinda took some video, and Don took some fantastic pictures. We flew south just inside Fort Lauderdales Airspace - floated above the city for about 10 minutes, then headed back North - this time at 36 knots as we had a tailwind.

BRINGING THE BIRD HOME

OK - All I can say about landing the Goodyear Blimp is - it's a work of art. Corky was pulling levers, working the rudder pedals, fussing with the elevator wheel, fidgeting with the throttles, it was just amazing. Then, as we touched down, about 15 people came running towards the blimp, grabbing the gondola, grabbing external lines - it was like a well rehearsed dance routine.

WHAT A RIDE

If there is one thing I took away from the flight, it was this. One of man's greatest accomplishments is powered flight. It's been 4 years since I have personally piloted a light airplane. This lazy ride at 500 feet made me remember why I got into flying in the first place. It also reminded me of those short 3 years I was flying Cub N25WF around Minnesota - low and slow with the windows open. I realize that I miss it deeply. There is just something about conquering gravity that is so seductive. The Blimp is truly an American Icon, and Goodyear, like Ford, is one of those all American Brands. I am so thankful to Sherry Marquis, and her Boyfriend Captain Corky Bellanger for sharing it with us.

Vacation!!!

It was family summer vacation time for us this past week. I took the entire week off work and we spent a great week hanging around Florida. We did several fun things.
TAMPA - CLEARWATER BEACH AND BUSCH GARDENS
On Monday and Tuesday, we went over to the Tampa area and cashed in some Hilton Hotel points (the kids love staying in hotels). We spent Monday at Clearwater Beach. Monday night we found a very nice - reasonably priced seafood restaurant on Tampa Bay. Tuesday we went to Busch Gardens. It was a slightly overcast day with light rain - which was actually good because it kept the crowds down. Belinda, Diego, Antonio and Brianna went on a "safari" animal tour (Marco was too little so he and I sat out). That was pretty fun for them. They got to feed Giraffes up close. Antonio and I went on a rollercoast ride - the Cheetah Chase. It was Antonio's first roller coaster ride. He really enjoyed it.

On Wednesday, we stayed at home. Diego and Antonio participated in a golf clinic and the rest of the day was spent just bumming around the house.
GOODYEAR BLIMP RIDE
Thursday was the highlight of the week. We drove down to South Florida for a once in a lifetime experience - we rode on the Goodyear Blimp "Spirit of Innovation". I am going to write a separate blog about that experience - it was awesome!
LION SAFARI WORLD AND A MARLINS GAME
During the day on Friday, we went to Lion Safari World near Royal Palm Beach. It's a really nice wildlife park in which you actually drive your vehicle through 75% of it. I enjoyed seeing the animals up close. The kids liked the splash park that they played in at the end of the day. In the evening, Belinda met up with her college buddy Sharon Powers and myself, Antonio and Diego, and her husband Mike and son Dexter went to the Florida Marlins VS Philadelphia Phillie's game at Dolphin Stadium. Not the most exciting ballgame, but, it was fun to be at the ballpark hanging out with the boys!

Today we are just chillin out. I went for a motorcycle ride this morning to the Eustis, FL area with 3 buddies for breakfast at a local "greasy spoon". We spent the afternoon splashing in the pool and I am about ready to throw some steaks on the grill. No complaints here.

Overall, it was one of the best vacations we have had in recent years. It was a nice combination of fun activities, good food, a couple of days of bumming around, and some much needed "away from work" time for me. Be sure to check out my photobucket site where I saved the pictures under the vacation 2008 tab.

I can Swim

Marco (19 months old) has been going to ISR (Infant Survival Resource) swimming lessons for about 2 months. ISR is a wonderful program that teaches infants how to roll over on their backs and float - should they accidentally fall into a swimming pool or other body of water. It's critically important that parents of small children put their infants in this program - especially if they have a pool. Infant death statistics in pools are just plain scary in Florida. We have a pool at our house, and utilize our infant gate religiously. However, accidents do happen.

When we moved to Florida 4 years ago, Diego could already swim, but Brianna and Antonio could not. We enrolled them in the training immediately. Antonio is now a "fish", and Brianna does pretty good too. So, there was no question that we needed to put Marco in the course.

CERTIFICATION DAY

In order for the child to complete the ISR course and become certified, they must demonstrate that they can "fall in the pool with all their clothes and shoes on - roll over on their back on their own, and make their way to the edge of the pool". Today, Marco completed that task and became certified!.

Make no mistake, we still have to watch him like a hawk around water - but, this is one step towards safe fun in the pool!

Sanford River Rats Baseball

Last night was a perfect summer night here in Florida. The daily afternoon showers never came, and there was a light breeze blowing (still very hot though). Belinda organized an evening out with 2 other families to attend a Sanford River Rats baseball Game. They were the Rubin's and the Mazzarado's - neighbors of ours. Our kids all play together and they get along well.

The "River Rat's" are part of a summer college baseball league in Florida. The players on each of the teams in the league are from various colleges in the southeast U.S. In summary, the game was probably the worst baseball I have ever seen. I have a feeling these guys playing were the "b-teamers" trying to get more playing time - but I could be wrong???

Well, even though the "game" stunk, it was a great time hangin out with friends. The kids had a blast running around the stadium and eating junk food. The price was right too - most of the kids got in free, and the concession stand food was really inexpensive. Great way to spend an evening!

9 Stitches for Antonio

Pools are fun - and almost a necessity in Florida because of the heat. However, I find that they are really just another great source of "injury" when you have little kids. Antonio thought it was a good idea to perfect his "front flips" today. Well, after a few, he wacked his head pretty good on the side of the pool. I wasn't there, but, I was able to make it to the doctor to help Belinda "hold him down" while they numbed the wound for the stitches.

Just another day in the live of the Johnstons!

Date Night at the Toby Keith Concert in Tampa

Two weeks ago, Belinda and I did something we rarely due - we got a babysitter and went on a date. It's pretty tough to find a babysitter when you have 4 kids. We have a great network of friends though, and found someone who wanted to "swap" some babysitting hours with them. That's about the only way we can do it - we just can't afford to pay anyone. These kids in Florida charge an arm and a leg!

Anyway, this was another one of those "Thank You Ford" events. Toby Keith is the spokesperson for Ford Trucks - has been for several years now. He brands Ford vehicles into his concert tours. The Regional Offices get a large ticket package that we leverage with local radio and tv stations for "consumer activation". We normally set a few tickets aside and try to take care of any employees that want to attend. The opportunity usually includes a backstage tour and meet and greet.

I have met Toby 3 other times - it's funny - same thing every time. He shakes your hand, says "Hey buddy, enjoy the show", they take the picture - and you are quickly ushered back to the seating area. Not too glamarous! But, the concert - FANTASTIC! Montgomery Gentry opened for Toby - I really like their music - that was a nice treat. Toby just rocks. There is a reason Toby won CMA Entertainer of the year in 2003 - he really puts on a live show!

Belinda really enjoyed the show. I don't think she cared too much for Toby before the show, but she was dancing in the aisles with some of her former Ford Co-Workers. It was a very fun night. We have to make more time for just the two of us - it's very healthy!

NASCAR Coke Zero 400 at Daytona

Saturday night was part 2 of my really cool NASCAR weekend at Daytona International Speedway. I spent the day hanging out with a friend from the office, Greg Wood. We did about the same stuff that I did Friday night walked around the garage, met some of the drivers, took a bunch of pictures, tried not to look like nerdy tourists. Thanks to Ford Racing Chief Technical Manager, Doug Hervey, Greg and I got to attend the drivers meeting. THAT WAS WAY COOL! We also watched the first 60 laps from Boris Said's pit before we made our way over to the air conditioned Ford Suite in the frontstretch tower.

Before the race, we also spent about 30 minutes at the legendary Wood Brothers Racing hauler. We talked to Eddie Wood and Len Wood. I asked Len a technical question, and the guy just wouldn't stop talking and sharing stuff. If you have ever noticed on TV that the COT Cars track a little sideways, well, there is some art to the design of the axles and wheel hubs. Len showed us how they do it. We congratulated Jon Wood, driver of the #21 Ford Air Force Fusion for making into the field Saturday night, and Len pointed out a problem. Apparently they put some really thin qualifing oil in the car to be as little faster. This particular race is an "impound" race, so they are not allowed to work on the cars after qualifying. So, Jon had to come in on lap 2 and drain/refill the oil or the motor would probably blow around lap 10.

Next NASCAR adventure for me will be Homestead Miami Speedway in November for the Ford 400. Hopefully, there will be a Ford in victory lane as well as a Ford driver celebrating the Championship. I think Carl Edwards has a solid chance this year if Kyle Busch would just start having some bad luck!

Nascar Daytona Winn Dixie 250

I think my love of racing began when I was a small boy in Indiana. My dad took me to my first race at the Terre Haute "Action Track" dirt speedway to watch sprint cars. I was hooked. Over the years, I have been fortunate to attend races at some of the most famous circuits in the country and watch all different kinds of racing at tracks such as Indianapolis, Michigan, Homestead, Sebring, various midwest dirt tracks, and my favorite - Daytona! In my opinion, there is no better place in the world than to watch a race than the Daytona International Speedway. For a stock car racing fan, it's pretty much the center of the universe! I am blessed to live in the great state of Florida, and also blessed to work for Ford, and have some really good buddies in Ford Racing who sent me a "Hot Pass" for this weekends races at Daytona. Hot passes basically give you "all access" including the pits during the race.

Last night, I watched the Winn Dixie 250 Nationwide Series Race. I spent the pre-race wondering around the garage watching the Sprint Cup Qualifying action. Then, I went to pit road for the pre-race ceremonies. Pretty cool to stand next to Carl Edwards while the National Anthem is being played. I watched the race from Carl's pit box. Kevin Harvick's pit stall was right next too his, so I got to watch some pretty cool action. Jack Roush was sitting on top of Carl's pit box taking notes the whole race - which I didn't understand because he had a computer right in front of him. I guess he must be old school.

Anyway, Carl led a good portion of the race, but couldn't close the deal. Denny Hamlin won. It's a real treat to watch a race from the "inside". I am very fortunate to have the opportunity. Tonight, I will be pit side again for the Coke Zero 400 Spring Cup Race!

Check out my photobucket site for more pictures!

Chef Diego

Diego is growing up very fast. He is becoming a big help around the house. He regularly does chores such as sweeping, dusting, and watering the plants.

Recently, Belinda started holding kids cooking schools. She teaches kids to make things like chocolate covered strawberry's. She also teaches the kids how to conduct themselves properly in the kitchen.

Diego is her favorite student. He really enjoys making things for the family. Yesterday, on July 4th, he made us a wonderful breakfast that consisted of eggs, sausage, toast, and cereal.

I asked Diego what his "specialty" was, and he said "Ramon Noodle Soup". I guess he is ready for college then!

Day at the Flying Field

This past Saturday, my Radio Controlled Flying Club, Central Florida Sport Flyers, held an inter-club "fun fly" event. I have not flown my RC Planes in a few months, so, I decided to go to the event as a spectator. I took Diego, Brianna, and Antonio, as well as my good friend and neighbor Eddie Mazzarado and his 2 boys, Luke and Mason. In short, it was a fun morning. We got to see some interesting RC Flying "contests" - one of which was a bomb drop. That was pretty funny! The kids had fun, but, were starting to get a little bored at one point. Eddie decided it was time to have a running race. I have attached a picture of the kids running around as well as Brianna walking with her new friend.

Day one as a "Blogger"

Well, I got an impulse early this morning to create a blogspot. We don't have a family website, and I have been thinking about how I can communicate better with a large family as well as friends that are "scattered" around the country. I am also very bad at picking up the phone to call people. I spend an enourmous amount of time on the computer at home and with work. So, I got the idea to start blogging. I am not sure how this will work out, but we'll see. I hope to post at least once a week a brief summary of what's been going on with us. I will also try to include some pictures of our things of interest we have done recently.



For today, I don't have much to say. It's sunny, warm, 2 days before the holiday weekend - everyone's healthy at home - life is good.