International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians Americas Region proudly hosts IFFR events at the 99th RI Convention in Los Angeles and the Golden West Fly-Away June 15 - 28, 2008

A poem by Herman Hassinger
June 27, 2008
 

Listen my children and you shall hear
the tales of pilots that knew no fear
who gather for congress in Los Angeles CA
who when they were finished would go on their way

In the hotel of Omni they gather together
they spoke of their schedule, they studied the weather.
With blessing of SoCal we took the air
off for Mariposa with narly a care

Mariposa was nice, we like it a lot
There was one disadvantage, it was too damn hot.
On to the bus Yosemite bound
no flying for us we were stuck on the ground.

We saw rocks, birds and flower and too many trees
a hot grounded flier is damn hard to please.
The best thing of all was that the fuel was so cheap
and under five dollars we bought a heap.

Then off to the ocean to old Monterey
the fog was no problem, it was a nice day.

Then nature turned ugly and down came the lightning
it got dark and stormy and downright frightening.
The dry land ignited with fire and flame
the storm clouds retreated as fast as they came.

Monterey was delightful; the seafood was great
But back on the bus to see Hearst’s estate.
The fire denied us the drive by the sea
the bus took us inland, we stopped only to pee.

The castle delighted we were all impressed
We wanted to swim in the pool all undressed
Hearst didn’t allow it, he was such a prude
he gave guest free swimsuits, you couldn’t swim nude.

His tootsie was Mariam, she wasn’t his wife
now I know what it means to love the wild life.

Then off to the north it took lots of gas
to battle the smoke to get to Grants Pass.
On the way to the pass, we went by Mount Shasta
we flew well to the west to avoid a disaster.

Our Rotary host couldn’t have done better
it was sunny and balmy, it was pure perfect weather.
We were jovial and happy all in a great mood
there were plenty to drink and lots of good food.

The next thrill we had was our ride in a jet
not the kind that flies, this one gets you wet.
The boat took us all to a wonderful dinner
Mr Bishop and More came up with a winner.

From Grants Pass to Reno were mountains and hills
we all arrived safely without any spills.

We had wonderful rooms in the city of Reno
It turns out our hotel is really a Casino.
That very same night, off flew Mrs. Hassinger
I go back to Block Island minus my passenger.

Our trips was a memory of friends and new places
We renewed old friendships and met several new faces.
I’ve got memories aplenty about every trip
some about flying but mostly fellowship.

Our annual trek has memories dear
of places and friends we see every year.
On the history of Rotary, some day you will say
“Remember the great trip after LA”.

...Mariposa/Yosemite pictures here