Three Good Friends

The wind taught me never to forget old friends, by blowing them back to me.
― Michael Bassey Johnson

Three amigos

Two long-time friends came to Wisconsin and spent some time visiting us. George Dooley, Ken Ahrens and I became friends when I served at March Air Force Base near Riverside, California in the early 1970’s.

Ken and I were in the same squadron at the large SAC (Strategic Air Command) base. Ken was from Southern California and through him I met George, who had moved out there after finishing his tour of duty in the USAF.

Ken also served in Panama and Guam, while George served in Germany and Turkey. So, we all had been overseas and came back looking for some good times in Southern California.

Southern California in the early seventies held many forms of entertainment, for those so inclined…. And we were certainly so inclined. 😉

After leaving the service we palled around for a few more years out there, and though we all moved out of the area we’ve kept in touch throughout the years, visiting each other from time to time.

Wisconsin Hosts the Old Gang

George and Ken landed at O’Hare International Airport on a recent Thursday afternoon for a ten-day visit. Daughter JoAnn and I picked them up with only one snafu; that being George and Ken were waiting for us on one level of the terminal, and we were waiting for them on another. After clearing things up, we gathered and greeted them and off to the fine city of Kenosha, Wisconsin. We showed them around Kenosha for a few days, before Ken, George and I went up to Plum Lake in Vilas County, Wisconsin for a Veteran’s fishing retreat.

George and Bing (guest in the middle)

While in Kenosha, we spent time evaluating the local suds to make sure they were up to standard… and happily, they were. One of the watering holes was in downtown Kenosha, where we sat out in the sun enjoying the day. On a previous visit to Kenosha George and I had made friends with a local character who called himself Bing. As we sat in the sun, an older version of Bing approached us and chatted away as if he knew us….and yes, I think it may have been Bing, but too many years had passed for a positive I.D. We never got the chance to get too acquainted however, as the proprietor of the establishment kept shagging “Old Bing” away. Maybe next visit, we’ll clear up the mystery.  😆

Off To the North Woods!

Ken and I both share a love of fishing. Ken fishes the western states for various types of trout and also travels to Canada and other areas in pursuit of those wily critters. I have graced most areas of Wisconsin, the Midwest, Canada and many other areas chasing fish of one kind or another. We’ve also both experienced saltwater fishing in various areas.

George is not a diehard fisherman, but was a good sport about having to spend several days in a boat, with winter like temperatures, blowing wind and a lot of rain.

We spent five days on Plum Lake Wisconsin, thanks to an invitation from Wounded Warriors of Wisconsin, United and the Hess family who owns the Woodlands Resort, where we stayed. I enjoyed this fishing event for the last five years, and was very happy to spend another week there this year, with my buddies George and Ken.

May weather in Northern Wisconsin is up for grabs. One year during the event, the lake was ice covered and unfishable. Other years cold weather, rain and wind were a mainstay…. But it was always an enjoyable time, despite any weather issues.

This year was no different. We arrived on Saturday and prepared for our Sunday guided fishing trip on nearby Lake Tomahawk. The weather on Sunday was cold, windy and rainy.

Wounded Warriors of Wisconsin had set us up with a fishing guide named Kyle. Kyle, was a U.S. Marine veteran who had served in the Afghan/Iraqi theater. And as to be expected, he was a tough monkey. Once in his boat and on the way, Kyle opened the motor up.  The three of us were bundled pretty well, and we all had our rain gear on. Nevertheless, we hunkered down, hiding from the cold as the boat sped along. Kyle, wearing nothing but jeans and a flannel shirt stood up while motoring to the area where we would fish.

In a “toughness” contest three old airmen didn’t stand much of a chance against a young jarhead, but we did the best we could. Kyle was a good sport and didn’t bust our chops too much regarding our lack of seamanship…. Or toughness.

Predictably the cold front slowed the fishing down pretty well, but we kept at it, nabbing an occasional crappie, walleye and northern. Each fish we got, we celebrated as if we made a football touchdown… it was a good time.

And George, the guy who doesn’t fish put on a clinic, out fishing Ken and I completely. Think he was trying to get even for having to listen to all of our fishing stories.  (“It’s not a lie, if you believe it”, according to George Costanza)  😁

The next day, we fished on the pontoon boat, provided by our hosts. Another cold front day, the fishing was tough but a good time was had.

Ken and George had cooked up the fish we got on the guided trip, and we got three meals out of it. Very tasty! As the designated tour guide, I had responsibilities above such tasks.  😉

The following day we started fishing early on the pontoon boat, and though another chilly day we had a good time.  Ken suggested we motor troll, so George managed the motoring while Ken and I trolled. Ken picked up a nice walleye, and another good time was had.  I resisted catching any trophy fish, so as not to show up my good friends.  (That’s my story and I’m sticking to it)

Later that day, we drove around the area again evaluating some watering holes to ensure that high standards were met. We met some nice folks, and another good time was had. To our satisfaction, the watering holes were just fine.  👍

Off to Lambeau

On Wednesday morning we packed up and headed to Lambeau Field to visit the home of the Green Bay Packers. Ken had been there before, but George had never seen the hallowed ground.

We took the short tour through, and it was nice. Ensconced in Packer land glory, I resisted the chance to boast about the team (Of which I am a part owner) not wanting to offend my two good friends, one who supports the Seahawks, and the other who supports the Forty-Niners. Like passengers on the Titanic, who selected that ill-fated trip, my friends could not be faulted for supporting teams that are not quite on the same level as the Packers. (I hope I’m not overdoing it here)

Back to Kenosha

Once back to Kenosha we continued our tour of the area, ensuring that the quality of the local beverages had not deteriorated while we were away. (It had not)

We visited local museums and spots of interest; the History Museum, Civil War Museum, Mars Cheese Castle and the Brat Stop, being some highlights.

Ken and George enjoyed all that Kenosha had to offer and didn’t complain when I took a photo of them standing next to a giant rodent.

Sunday morning, we took Ken and George back to O’Hare where they caught their flights home.

JoAnn and I both had a very nice time with George and Ken, and I already miss them. Looking forward to getting together with them again, and next time I won’t try to play nice guy and hide my fishing skills…. I’ll take the gloves off!   😁

(Come back soon friends)

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• Gratitude expressed for Hospitality by Wounded Warriors of Wisconsin, United, the Hess family of Woodlands Resort, and Ken and George for the kind gifts they left us.  

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