Earlier in the summer, Bobbi had been invited to the Glendale Library to meet with the Disney Group, which was having a kick-off celebration for the beginning of the restoration (circa 1930's) of the Grand Central Airport. The 1930's was the birth of commercial aviation, following the awakening of the golden age of barnstorming. Bobbi was the only attendee who was actually at the opening-day celebration of the Grand Central Airport. We spoke with Greg Gujda, Senior Clearance Administrator/Rights Administration for Disney and talked about a tour of California Adventure for Bobbi. I later made contact with him and arranged to get Bobbi and a few friends to Disney, and Greg Georgantas (VIP Coordinator for Disneyland Resort Hotels) did the rest.

The Bobbi Trout entourage got together in August of 2002--Bobbi, myself, Stan McClain, Phil Dockter, Hazel Trout (Bobbi's sister-in-law), Darlene Kelley, and Hazel's niece Rebecca Dimatteo and her friend Kathryn Arbury--at the Grand California Hotel. The hotel grounds were beautiful with lots of big timbers and rocks. A big stone fireplace and grand piano were in the lobby. We waited for everyone to arrive. We met Greg Georgantas, Alec Scribner (project manager for Soarin' Over California and Condor Flats) and our tour guide Mary Sandstrom. After introductions and greetings, we were off for the tour!

Our first stop was to meet and greet Minnie Earhart. Bobbi and Minnie hit it off right away, and lots of photos were taken. Stan McClain filmed the event. After we finally got Bobbi and Minnie to part, we were all off to the Soarin' Over California ride. We entered the departure ramp, walking into the California Aviators Wings of Fame, which featured large photos of many California aviators. Bobbi is one of five women featured, including Amelia Earhart, Pancho Barnes and Jackie Cochran. continue with story . . .