Jack's Journal: June 23
CBS News producer Jack Halsbond is behind the wheel of one of two Early Show Winnebagos traveling the country in June and July as part of the "Great American Vacation" giveaway. Read his Web-exclusive road diary.
Fargo, North Dakota: The very name conjures up images of the Wells Fargo stagecoach and Pony Express outriders bravely taking on the dangers of the early frontier to deliver mail and goods in an age that predates "overnight" and "priority one" lingo.
Fargo welcomed The Early Show with open arms and helpful enthusiasm.
Producer Steve Cohen of Early Show once again provided able and competent college undergrads to assist with the audience participation during the "Great American Vacation" giveaway. A great big shout out to North Dakota State University students Gregory Heller, Kyle Locket, Michael Herman, Anna Larsen, Rachel Lykken, Annie Mitchell and Mara Brust for their selfless assistance (they arrived at 4 a.m.) in helping to ensure that our Friday morning giveaway in Fargo was the smash success that it turned out to be.
Watch as an unsuspecting viewer is with a "Great American Vacation"CBS affiliate KXJB couldn't have done more to help ensure a successful giveaway. Folks from the station were out in force and helped to make sure that the event was as under control as any live television remote production with hundreds of people can ever be. Thank you, Wendy and Mike and all the rest of the great folks at KXJB-TV for all your invaluable assistance.
The Fargo Air Museum is an amazing place to visit. If you haven't been there, you are well advised to add it to your list of must-sees. Since it opened in August 2001, the museum has been committed to educating the public about aviation and its impact on society; preserving local aviation heritage; inspiring the public about the freedom, thrill and exhilaration of flight; awakening patriotism in youth and commemorating those who have fought and sacrificed their lives for our country and our freedom.
View my photosThe operational aircraft that you will see includes "Duggy", the DC-3, from whose cockpit window our fearless "pilot" Dave Price opened the show. Designed in 1935 as commercial transport, this remarkable flying machine saw extensive duty during World War II as the C-47. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower said the C-47 was one of four tools that won that war.
Also on display, and still flying, is a P-51D Mustang, the primary fighter/escort of that conflict. The T-6 Texan was designed as an advanced trainer. Pilots would go from the T-6 Texan aircraft to fly fighters and bombers in combat.
There is always something new flying into the Fargo Air Museum, and we have to add a special thank you to Doug Anderson, the director, and especially to assistant director Bill Cowden for all of his help with guiding his staff to assist with repositioning the aircraft to make our visit a memorable one. Those interested can check out the museums
Web site.
Among the memorable moments Friday was meeting 91-year-old veteran Sam Skaff, who claimed to still fit into his uniform from more than 65 years ago. Way to go Sam; we salute you.
As you probably know by now, the cuisine indigenous to the towns and cities that I am visiting is usually fodder for mention in my journal. Well, let me not disappoint. The Lone Star steakhouse served up one of the all-time best chopped sirloin I have ever had the good fortune of consuming. Smothered in a large portion of sautéed onions and whole button mushrooms, it was, to this carnivore, a little piece of heaven on earth. When the folks at the Lone Star learn that you are a "first timer" to their eatery, they present you, free of charge, with an old-fashion burlap sack filled with peanuts. You can come back anytime to have the sack refilled. That will, however, cost you five bucks.
During your next stop in Fargo, I suggest that you stay at Holiday Inn. The staff is great and the lounge features live music, good food and table games of chance. For those who prefer a swim and a workout, the huge pool features water slides and two hot tubs. The poolside snack bar will make you feel like you've just stepped onto a beach somewhere in the islands, mon.
The fitness center is first rate with modern, clean equipment. You can work out on treadmills, stationary bikes or use the free weights, all in air-conditioned comfort
Now I'm off to Spokane, Wash., with perhaps a day's side trip as well. See you in Spokane!