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November 2009

November 5, 2009 - Second Session of the Annual Business Meeting

Ralph Perez - 2000 miles on a Jet Ski around Alaska

On May 19, 2009, Ralph H. Perez headed off on an adventure known as the Wet Dog Race - 2,000 miles on a jet ski (PWC) from Anchorage Alaska to the Aleutian Islands and back. Following in the footsteps of such established ultramarathons as the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the Yukon Quest, the Iron Dog and the Iditarod Trail Invitational, the new Alaskan Wet Dog Race is envisioned as a nearly 2,000-mile jet ski journey from the Port of Anchorage, down Cook Inlet and around part of Kodiak before visiting both sides of the Alaska Peninsula and returning to Anchorage about three weeks later.

A half-dozen racers navigated the course, hop scotching between 23 towns and villages on their Bombardier Sea Doos. They passed through the Gulf of Alaska, the Bering Sea, Bristol Bay and Lake Iliamna, then hooked up with Williams Transportation Co. for a 15-mile road portage from Iliamna to Williamsport before shooting back up Cook Inlet. They skirted sensitive wildlife areas such as Izembek National Wildlife Refuge by going at least 3 miles offshore.

Todd Palin was at the Port of Anchorage to see them off in addition to many other officials. Martin Buser, 4th time Iditarod Champion started the journey but only made it as far as the Kenai Peninsula due to time constraints. If you Google Ralph Perez and Wet Dog Race you will see some of the media interest generated. L.A. Movie Director, Aaron Kinser was on board along with two cameramen to document the expedition.

Ralph Perez of Los Angeles was the only rider from the Lower 48. A retired Army lieutenant colonel now in law enforcement, Perez is a member of the PWC Jet Ski Race Team. Perez recently raced from Dana Point, Calif., to Catalina Island.

As a side note, Ralph carried Dr. Marion Seamans Adventurers’ Club flag throughout the entire expedition, and has plans to present the flag back to
Mrs. Seaman during the presentation.

Photo of Ralph Perez with other Racers holding the Adventurers' Club of Los Angeles Member Flag
Ralph Perez with other Racers;
Ralph is holding the
Adventurers' Club of Los Angeles Member Flag

Close up of Ralph Perez holding the Adventurers' Club Flag
Close up of Ralph Perez holding the Adventurers' Club Flag

November 12, 2009 - Liz Babcock - The Magnificent Adventurers of China Lake

Liz Babcock will speak to the club about her latest book, "Magnificent Mavericks - History of the Navy at China Lake, California - Volume 3." Magnificent Mavericks tells the story of the creative military and civilian team at the Naval Ordnance Test Station, China Lake and Pasadena, 1948 - 58. Described are the vibrant life of the community, the colorful characters, the ranges and facilities, as well as fascinating stories of some of our nation's most effective weapons. Liz will be sure to include a few stories of about the adventurers and of the mind and spirit to be found at China Lake during the period that the book covers.

Click Here for more information about the book Click Here for more information about the book
"Magnificent Mavericks - History of the Navy at China Lake, California - Volume 3."

 

Liz Babcock Holding up a copy of her book and speaking at a book-signing event.
Liz Babcock Holding up a copy of her book
and speaking at a book-signing event.

November 19, 2009 - Lt. Col William R. Duncan USMC Retired - Sky Warrior

Combat flying thru three wars.

Hear first hand accounts of what it was like flying F4U Corsair aircraft during WWII in the Pacific Theater, combat flying during the Korean War where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and transitioning into helicopters during the Vietnam War. Col. Duncan will recount some of his many thrilling adventures which occurred during the past 88 years of his adrenalin filled life. You won't want to miss hearing about his forced crash landing into the Florida Everglades in a Brewster Buffalo. Col Duncan was the first Marine LSO or Landing Signal Officer aboard an aircraft carrier and helped guide many of the Marine aviators to safe landings during WWII.

November 26, 2009 - Club Dark - Thanksgiving

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