That is some bird!

By Vance (#100402) and Mari (#129131) Harrelson

What do folks from Alabama know about what to see and do in Oregon on the way to or from the rally this year? I'm glad you asked!

            We made the trip to Redmond for the Board meeting last October and to get an early look at the Rally site for 2010. We were anxious to check it out having never had our feet on the ground ever in the state of Oregon. Well, the Rally site is magnificent and along the way, we found another jewel.

            For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to get a look at Howard Hugh's famous Spruce Goose (forgive us Howard; we know you hated that nickname) and faintly remembering that it had been moved from Long Beach, California, we consulted the internet. From that search we discovered that the "Goose" now resides in an awesome aviation museum just southwest of Portland in McMinnville, more specifically the Evergreen Aviation Museum.

            We made our plans to fly into Portland, rent a car and visit the museum on the way to Redmond. We enjoyed our visit so much and the hospitality of the staff, we couldn't quit talking about it. Your rally chairpersons, Deb and Stan, asked us to put together a program that would allow more folks to visit this great museum. Here is your opportunity!

REGISTER NOW

            We have established a BMW MOA discounted admission price of $11 ($3 off regular admission price) to the aviation museum that houses the Spruce Goose along with a magnificent display of other vintage aircraft. The discount will be available from July 10-23, 2010. To take advantage of it, simply ask for the BMW MOA member discount at the reception desk when you arrive. Docents are available to answer any questions and provide assistance along your self guided tour. If your route to or from the Rally site takes you anywhere close, we urge you to take the time to visit the museum.

            Want an even more special opportunity to visit the museum and get a guided tour? On Wednesday July 14 and just prior to the rally itself, the BMW MOA and the Evergreen Aviation Museum will host 200 BMW MOA members and guests with a guided tour of the museum and lunch! The event hours will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Included will be a guided tour of the aviation museum in groups of 50, and lunch served "backyard" style with hamburgers and hot dogs with all the trimmings along with a special museum souvenir customized especially for the BMW MOA. While there and for an additional fee you can visit the space museum and the IMAX Theater located on the same campus or the Evergreen Vineyards located right there, too.

            We will have photographers available to make a group photo and the opportunity to take individual photos with your bike and aircraft for an additional donation to the museum. The price for this event is $35 per person. Registration will be available through the BMW MOA Web site beginning April 1. Be sure to take advantage of this unique opportunity to visit a magnificent place and see up close the Spruce Goose. There are only 200 slots available for the lunch, so sign up early.

            The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum is a non-profit organization founded with the mission to "To inspire and educate, to promote and preserve aviation and space history, and to honor the patriotic service of our veterans." We think they have done a magnificent job accomplishing that mission. However and whenever you visit this great museum you will be treated to a magnificent experience! The staff could not have been more hospitable. If you are lucky, you will meet our hostess, Rosemary Crews. Should you meet Miss Rosemary, be sure and tell her Mari and Vance from Alabama said hello.

            For more information visit http://www.sprucegoose.org & http://www.evergreenvineyards.com