Panoramic View From Vista House at Crown Point

5th Day of Vacation

Today we went up the Columbia River Gorge and saw some huge salmon, waterfalls and the Columbia River with a couple of the "Cat" members and their wives. The pictures say it all.

USS Catamount Meet and Greet

Well, today I met some of the guys and their families that served on the "Cat". They made me feel so welcome. I even had a chance to speak to a few of them. This is going to be real fun this week. Hope you enjoy the pictures. Will update everday.

2nd Day in Oregon

This day started with me going to Salem Saturday Market. Then on the way to Newport Beach is where the picture was taken (Click on the pictures to view full size.)we saw humpback whales. If you look at the second pic near the rocks you will see the momma whale. It was soooooo close that I could spit at it.  It was a spiritual experience seeing these living creatures in their natural habitat and in person.  We can not let these things become endangered! Hope you are enjoying my vacation pics.

First Full Day In Oregon

This is a 270° view of Sisters, OR. Doesn't it remind you of the old west? It was a bit smokey due to fires in the area. Humidity is running around 5% for all of you folks sweltering in more humid areas. For those who know me, I didn't even break a sweat walking through town. (Click on image to view full size)

Less Than A Week To Go!

...but, for me, it's a little sooner.

It's time to get excited for me. I'm leaving a few days early to do some sightseeing with an old friend who lives in Oregon (and who will be handling the photography and updating of my blog).

For those of you flying in, your family can track your flights here.

I'll be in Portland tomorrow at 11:30 A.M. and will see all of you very soon. Now, back to packing!

Reunion Update

I wanted to let all the Catamount crew know that I will be posting pictures from the reunion, nightly, during my stay in Portland. If there are errors or omissions, please be sure to leave a comment so that I can make corrections.

Looking forward to seeing all of you in Portland very soon.

COUNTDOWN

Well it is time to start to countdown to Portland, Oregon. Come on guys!!! What are u waiting for?????

2008 Reunion

Service: Navy

Unit Name: USS Catamount - LSD 17

Date: Sep 22, 2008 - Sep 25, 2008

Place: not yet set

City: Portland

State: OR

Person to Contact: Barry Garber

Phone: 717-233-8995

Comments: All Cat Sailors Welcome

TERRY BRAWDY & PUMP ROOM PLAQUE

COURTESY OF TERRY BRAWDY

COURTESY OF TERRY BRAWDY

Terry got out of the port pump room when the Catamount was decommissioned in Bremerton, Washington in 1968. (The pump room was used to pump water in and out of the ballast tanks to raise and lower the ship in the water to load and unload boats and equipment out of the wale deck) .

Thanks Terry look forward to getting more pics.

This is my dad before he died

CHAT WITH A SHIPMATE

Tonight when I came home. I found my roster for all of the Catamount Crew. Low and behold there is the shipmate that was my Dad's bestfriend (Randy Staples).

I had to contact him to let him know about my dad. I really enjoyed talking to him and remembering my dad in his younger days.

Randy has also agreed to update the pictures with names, dates, and places on here.

Thanks Randy for the nice chat. You will stay in my prayers.

A GREAT LINK

This link will have alot information you might need. Plus, you can find some of your old buddies.

David Pitre

This picture is courtesy of military.com. This is "CoonAss Pete".

My Dad

Courtesy of David Pitre"CoonAss" Pete.

Let Me Know What You Think

I am waiting to know what you guys think of this website. Please leave me a comment. Thanks Lynna

reunion 14 (24 Sep 2007 - 27 Sep 2007)

Hey guys, this is the place to be this year.
Hope to meet you there.
Happy New Year!