Charles W Morgan by texxn5 - FINISHED - Model Shipways - 1:64

[texxn5]

Hi Buck, no we didn't get back to Newport News, it was pretty far from where we were staying, and I didn't think there was much there from the brochures. Going through NYC with an RV was an adventure and challenge to the nerves. fortunately my GPS was right on it and would tell me what lanes I needed to be in far enough in advance that I didn't wind up in the slums trying to gifure out how to turn around with an RV.....if you get my drift....We'll be posting more as we progress on down to Florida.

[texxn5]

Hi Grant, thank you.  I thought ahead and brought a seat belt with me so that I could stay anchored in the chair. 

[texxn5]

Well, today is our last day in Charleston, and we had a most wonderful day.  It seems that Dave (lambsk) from the MSW Forum, whom many of you know lives here in Charleston.  We managed to connect and had lunch with him and his lovely Admiral Fran at one of Charleston's quaint and very old restaurants in Historic Charleston.  What a wonderful and delightflul time it was.  Once again, the power of this Forum has shown through, bringing people together from all parts of the world because of a common interest....model ships.  It was like reuniting with an old friend.  We have been communicating with each other for months and to be able to put a face with the person as well as his ship is quite remarkable indeed.  Many thanks to Dave & Fran you are most gracious hosts, and we are very happy to have made some new friends. 

[Sjors]

John,

 

That camper of yours, can she cross oceans???????

If she does, Netherlands next stop       

 

[gjdale]

Great picture John, looks you all had a wonderful time together.

[kscadman]

Thanks John. And thanks for taking us along on you trip.

 

Richard

[texxn5]

thanks Grant, yes it was much fun, as I'm sure your's was also...glad to see you back in the yard...

[texxn5]

Thanks Richard, it has been an adventure, and I'm glad I can share the ride with the Forum

[texxn5]

Well, today was another of those remarkable days due to the MSW Forum. We are in St. Augustine, Florida, and met with Piet and his lovely Admiral Gwen. We got to see his ship, as well as his 0-19 submarine and hear his amazing stories of surviving WWII. For anyone who doesn't know of him, you need to check out his Dutch Submarine O-19 and read the history behind it. His father served on her and that is just the beginning of the story. He recounts parts of the war that most people either don't know or have tried to forget. As a child POW in a Japanese concentration camp he is blessed to be alive and have survived it. An amazing gentleman, that I feel honored to have been able to meet and bend an elbow of fine Belgium Ale, and see and hear his amazing stories. Once again, the power of this Forum, has brought together people who otherwise would never have a reason to have crossed paths. Unfortunately, we got so engulfed in conversation, I forgot to get my camera out and take pictures.....sorry Sjors,

[Piet]

Thank you John for the kind words.  Yes, we had a great time yacking about ships and airplanes and Belgian beer     John and Diane are the most gracious couple and it is indeed an honor and pleasure to have met them.  What a great group of folks here on MSW!  Where else can you meet people in person you have never seen yet feel like you have known each other for a long time?  

Now, I had my cameras, yes plural, all three, handy and plum forgot to take any pics, sorry Sjors   

 

Thanks again John for coming to our humble abode and visit my shipyard, hope to make it to Houston sometime and quaff a few brews on your porch!  In the meantime carry on with your Morgan build, she's really looking great.

 

Cheers 

 

 

 

[Sjors]

I don't like the part of ……NO PICTURES.

 

Shame on you both !!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

[gjdale]

Glad to hear of another great meeting John and Piet. Now just turn around and go back and take some pictures please!

[SkerryAmp]

John John John.  WONDERFUL!!    Took me a bit to catch up - but what wonderful pictures and what a terrific tour you are on!

 

Thank you for sharing.

 

-Adam

[texxn5]

Hi Grant, yeah, sorry ..... can't believe we overlooked the picture thing, Piet's was laying right next to his submarine, and even he forgot.....gettin old! suffer from CRS...

[texxn5]

Hi Adam, glad you enjoyed....yes this is a marvelously Grand Tour! Very fortunate to be able to do this.....

[texxn5]

This is for you Sjors, we are in St. Augustine, Florida.  This is the site of the oldest city and fortress in the United States....circa 1655 AD.  This is the Castille San Marcos.

[texxn5]

There are cannonball holes and bulllet holes in many of the walls. The first wall was where they held the firing squads....bad place to wind up....

[texxn5]

This was an interesting item on the grounds of the fortress.  Read the sign for an explanation.....

[texxn5]

Yes, Sjors, shame on both of us...no pictures....what can I say????? But the Belgian Ale was cold and good!!!! So all was not lost...

[Sjors]

Thanks for the pictures John,

 

In a few weeks I know more about the USA then the people who lives there     

But you really have to go back to Piet to make pictures !!!!!!    

 

[texxn5]

I'm glad you approve Sjors.....enjoy

[texxn5]

For those of you that know me......guess what????? I got trimmed up. Time to see the Barber.....getting out of hand. Had to try it once just to see what it would look like if it grew out, now that once is done. Diane doesn't know who I am...

[Sjors]

Wow, that's an improvement !!!!!

 

First you looks like Santa Claus and now as John !     

 

[texxn5]

Now that we're back in the Gulf of Mexico area here was last night's dinner....yummmm

[texxn5]

This one is for the drool factor.....

[texxn5]

Oh yes, almost forgot, those are fresh ears of sweet corn on the grill also...doesn't get much better....Life is Good...

[texxn5]

Yes Sjors....Santa went away...

[augie]

Geez John.  You look like a brand new Brunswick bowling ball

[texxn5]

Yep Augie, complete with a bright shine to go with it.....that's why I wear a cap...

[lambsbk]

Love those shrimp John. Where's the grits?