Quick side story. Mrs.Bridges and I discovered awhile ago that we are Mustang fans. We both have our favorite classic model years. We've enjoyed a few road trips trying to beat each other at who can spot the Mustangs first. We hit the jackpot one year when there were classic car show and car owners where driving their cars to the show. We were definitely glued to our windows looking out for our favorites. Well last year, Mrs. Bridges sent me an email adverting for the 2014 Mustang Fest on board the USS Lexington with the words:
"In light of eternity and such.....no big deal, but I do LIKE it "
That's when the ideas started flowing. Birthday gift? Could I? Maybe? I hemmed and hawed over ideas, talked it over Papa and finally, two weeks before MomB's birthday, summed up the courage to dial the information number on there webpage. I wanted to know if there was anyway possible for us to just go and see the Mustangs with out having to pay an arm and a leg to attend the whole event. Haha! I's got skills! Okay, well, not really. Turns out, if you wanted to just come and see the Mustangs, the Lexington was open to the public. Just pay an entrance fee and you were good to go. I was so ecstatic. I thanked the man and hung up the phone to let out a squeal and happy dance! This was happening! After a few hush hush conversations with Mr. Bridges on making this an actual surprise for MomB we were ready. So, on her birthday, we gathered at the Bridges and the very last gift from us was a small square envelope with a note inside with the words:
" Would you please be my guest, ............... as 150 mustangs await us on board the USS Lexington!"
Oh, she was totally surprised! *fist pump* Booyah!
So, on October 4th, we met the Bridges at 7am and piled into our SUV for a two and half hour car drive down to the coast. Words can not express the emotion of excitement I was feeling as soon as I saw the coast. Oh, and that beauty of an aircraft carrier with all those "sweet stangs!" (as I like to call them) Here we were. Coast, mustangs, aircraft carrier, best friends, what else could this 21 y.o. ask for for her birthday? We planned on touring the ship, but mustangs came first! And- wait, what are we waiting for? Lets see these pictures already!
Off she goes!
C G B
V H L
1 O U
6 S E
T
I've been waiting for 6 years to capture a moment like this.
This shot and the 'Stang' shot were my favorite from the whole day
Oh, you know, when there's a gangplank at the stern of the ship hanging over the water, naturally I'm going to walk on it. Come on Bestie! Lets go!
Of course I couldn't attend a Mustang Fest without bringing one of my own.... ;)
Fellow Marines unite! This is Mr. Chick Wells. He faught in Iwa Jima. He's writing a book on it. He's a Marine. Owns his own mustaing and still going strong!
When snapping this photo, Mr. Wells pulled his hat off to show that even though he was old he still had hair. To which Mr. Bridges pulls off his hat to show a completely bald head at his young age. They certainly had a good laugh over that one!
Can you spot the birthday/mustang gals?
Lunch time brought us some time spent on the beach. Hannah and I enjoyed soaking our feet in the water. The only time I actually touched a large body of water last year. Sad I know, but true. Maybe this year I'll get to rally with some ppl and go swimming! :D
Of course no trip to an aircraft carrier is complete until you play with the guns. These were probably my favorite part of the whole ship.
Complete with sound effects...
There you have it folks. Best 21st birthday ever! Definitely didn't have enough time to explore every corner of that ship, but what I did see was fascinating! I can check touring an aircraft carrier off of my buck list. Now to just return and explore it again! I think I could live on a ship for awhile. :D
Stay tuned as I'll be posting Bella May's 1st birthday. I know, time flies!
~Trina
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