Lowes Travels

Steve here –

Since I started flying small planes over 20 years ago, I’ve taken advantage of any opportunity I could to experience other types of aircraft – helicopter, glider, hot air balloon, lighter-than-air and seaplane. I loved them all, but one was missing – executive jet. Whenever I saw one take off I would think, “Wow, I’d love to take a ride in one of those babies!”

There was a zero chance of that happening unless it was a medical emergency, which wouldn’t be a very pleasant flight. Mona Liza and I discussed it several times until we agreed on the only way to do it – we would charter one!

What a thrill it was setting up the trip. First we had to fill up the 9 seats on the aircraft with some of our very best friends – Dave and Sue, Rod and Lisa, Vic and Pam and Mona Liza’s niece Hazel. Not surprisingly, we had a 100% turnout for the trip!

Our next task was to determine our destination. We wanted to do an overnight at a place everyone would enjoy. After polling our guests it was decided that we would spend our time in Jackson, WY. The jet would pick up Mona Liza, me, Dave and Sue at Wickenburg airport, then we’d fly to Concord, CA and grab Rod, Lisa, Vic, Pam and Hazel. From there we’d proceed to beautiful Jackson Hole Airport for a day and night of partying and fun in the town of Jackson. Mona Liza arranged the hotel rooms, I took care of ground transportation and Sue set up our dinner reservation – quite a task for a party of nine. Rod was instrumental in helping me select and reserve the perfect jet for this trip. Many thanks for his efforts in getting quotes, following up on issues and reserving our aircraft, a beautiful Dassault Falcon 50.

Our on-board wine expert, Rod, brought along several champagnes for us all to enjoy on the flight, plus some exquisite wines that were perfect with our dinner at the Local Restaurant and Bar. So many thanks to Rod and Lisa for bringing those selections and the wonderful charcuterie tray – it put our trip over the top!

I asked the pilots to do maximum-performance takeoffs. They happily obliged and didn’t disappoint!

All of our flight segments were fantastic, with excellent weather and amazing views of snow-covered mountains along the way. Flying over Grand Teton National Park was a WOW!

The weather at Jackson was perfect, especially for those of us who had left Wickenburg in 100º+ temperatures. We all had a great time walking around the western town and then topping it off with a wonderful dinner:

It was a whirlwind getaway and an unforgettable experience for all of us, and the biggest ever “tick” off my bucket list!