FROM: Wandering the World with Wally Published Mondays

Soarin'

Wally wanders the wild blue yonder

- by Walter Octavius March, March 7, 2011

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KUNGALOOSH!

My fellow Adventurers, did I ever tell you how I flew from Canada to the United States without a plane?

I was in the northern part of Glacier National Park in the Rocky Mountains explaining to a companion that a friend had wired me about a six pointed star garnet he had unearthed in Idaho. I expressed my earnest desire to join my friend in Idaho and my fervent wish for wings to take me there.

And suddenly, I had a capital idea!

I grabbed as many branches as I could pull from the surrounding pine trees and lashed them together into a crude hang glider. Leaping from atop the mountain, the strong winds quickly brought me to Idaho, which I recognized immediately from the smell of potatoes.

Wally Faces a Long Line

I miss soarin' above the clouds and so today we shall wander where we can enjoy a wonderful flight. We shall wander to the Land Pavilion in Epcot at Walt Disney World!

Upon arrival, we shall walk downstairs and join the always lengthy queue for Soarin'.

But have no fear of boredom in this long line! You have me with you to regale more tales of my lofty exploits...

Wally Wows a Queen

Did you know that once I was a stunt pilot for the Queen herself?

No, well, since we are waiting, I'll tell you all about it...

After flying for the RAF after the War, I joined an elite fighter squadron able to respond instantly to any crisis anywhere in the world. Our time, mostly, was occupied with training, as we were not often needed, and during our training flights we would exhibit our best maneuvers to other pilots, despite rules prohibiting such behavior.

One day, when I was sharing my best moves with my fellow pilots, the Queen came by to inspect us. Unaware of her presence, I continued my aerial acrobatics, and she took notice. When I landed, she gracefully agreed to overlook my flouting of squadron rules provided that I become her personal stunt pilot. It was the chance of a lifetime! I readily agreed.

And then...

Ah, yes: here we are at the front of the queue. Our ride today may not be as death-defying as my flights for the Queen, but nonetheless it will be quite exciting.

Here comes Chief Flight Attendant Patrick with our pre-boarding instructions.

Wally Takes Flight

Now the doors have opened and we are led into the flight room. After taking our seats, we are lifted into the sky and our flight begins.

The clouds give way and we soar above the Golden Gate Bridge. What a magnificent view of the Bay Area. We fly over some people participating in outdoor activities, and whoa!, look out for that golf ball - that fellow hit quite a nice drive!

Now we're above an... yum, don't you just love that smell?

Check out the farmlands below us. Farmers are such a great part of our country, but hey, watch it! - that was an awfully close fly-by! Oh, I forgot, San Diego is home to 54 ships, including aircraft carriers.

With a quick change of scenery, we're now over Malibu. And now it's nighttime over Los Angeles. What a great place to see at night, but... oh, I should stop talking and let you enjoy the rest of the flight.

Ooohh, Aaahhhh.

Wally Lingers in the Land

That was a really neat ending to such a great flight. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Now I think I'll head over to the Environmental Fable called the Circle of Life starring Timon, Pumbaa and Simba.

Did I ever tell you how I was responsible for the environmental movement?

Well, it started in 1970 when I thought about a special day to celebrate the Earth. I talked to some people who...

What's that? You have to go?

Alright, then, I'll see you another time, but in your absence, I shall continue talking...

Until next time, KUNGALOOSH! And keep your eyes open for Adventure!

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