COG Annual Fly-In 2025 - Augusta, GA

 

Yes, we are headed to Augusta Georgia for the Commander Owners Group (COG) Annual Event. We departed St. Simons Island and made the 3 hour 30 minute, 195 mile trip, once again, by land. 

The drive over was uneventful, like flying, it's always a good thing. We checked into the Partridge Inn Augusta.

We were getting hungry and decided to take advantage of the free shuttle. There were two other pilots from COG also heading out so we went to the same place for a late lunch.

The restaurant is a cajun/creole cuisine. I had the red beans and rice mary had the shrimp quiche.

With a call to the hotel the shuttle was dispatched to bring us back, it’s nice not having to drive. We decided to call it an early night and hung out in our room, watched a little bit of TV and passed out.

Friday 9.19

We slept until 8 o’clock and then went to the in-house restaurant on the second floor and had breakfast. Excellent service and very good food.

The plan was to tour the Augusta History Museum, so we once again boarded the free shuttle from the hotel. Our driver Norman did a great job, showing us a few of the sites taking the long way to the history museum.

We passed the Sacred Heart Cultural Center while touring and this place caught my attention. The architecture is amazing. 

A Brief History

In 1874, Father Theodore Butler purchased a home and a lot in Augusta, Georgia, for $10,000.00 to construct a building to be used as a church for the Catholic population and a school for children of all denominations. A simple Victorian structure served as a temporary facility for the church until work could begin on a larger, more significant building for the group.

The first bricks were laid for Sacred Heart Church in 1897 and the church opened with the first service on December 2, 1900. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building features towering twin spires, graceful arches, fifteen distinctive styles of brickwork, ninety-four stained glass windows, a barreled vaulted ceiling and intricately carved Italian marble altars. Unfortunately, due to a number of factors the last mass was held in Sacred Heart on July 3, 1971.

We arrived at the History Museum and took our time exploring. Here is a brief history on the museum.

The Augusta Museum of History collects, preserves, and interprets history in relation to the past of Augusta and the Central Savannah River region for the education and enrichment of present and future generations.

Founded in 1937, the Augusta Museum of History is Augusta's oldest historical agency devoted to the preservation and presentation of local and regional history. The not-for-profit agency functions as the steward of the community's rich, diverse, and invaluable material past. The museum curates the largest and most significant historical collection in the CSRA and functions as a historical research and resource center for professional and amateur historians, media, organizations, and individuals, and is home to the permanent exhibition Augusta's Story, a 12,000-year journey through the region's past.

Transportation

Augusta History

A reconstructed, 56-foot Petersburg Boat 

Cotton gin

The Sport of Golf

The first major national golf championship ever held in Augusta began at the Augusta Country Club, where in the 1930 Southeastern Open amateur Bobby Jones defeated professional Horton Smith. The Augusta Open was played in 1936 and 1938 with two rounds at the Country Club and two at Forest Hills Golf Club.

Bobby Jones, one of the greatest golfers of all time, decided to build his dream course in Augusta. His dream became the Augusta National Golf Club, which opened in January 1933 with the first tournament being played in 1934.

Today, golf is truly one of the great sports of the world, being played in almost every country. It is enthusiastically followed by millions more on television, many who have never themselves teed off or sunk a putt, but still can appreciate and love the game.

Once we finished up at the museum we headed out for lunch. We decided on the Oliviana Ristorante and Bar Italiano and our shuttle (magic carpet) got us there. I really wanted a cup of soup but instead selected the appetizer of meatballs and ricotta cheese. The sauce was very good but the meatballs were overwhelming with garlic, even too much for this Italian.

Mary and I each had a sandwich that we ended up taking half back to our room. I could have been good with just the meatballs. We called for the shuttle and returned to the hotel for the evening. I think we were still catching up on sleep.

Saturday 9.20

I was up early, showered and dressed for the COG airport meetings. The club had a full schedule of events. The group of judges went out to the flightline to review each aircraft.

First up was Adam Clark of Circle C Aviation based at KRFI in Henderson Texas. Adam covered critical maintenance items that need to be inspected. 

Next up was Cole Schiff of Peter Schiff Aero Air Conditioning. An excellent presentation and a really nice AC unit that is portable.

Next we took a break for lunch and our host Bill Moran did not disappoint. Excellent BBQ with sides.

Jim Richards from Aerodyme Corporation was next up. Jim covered Airframe corrosion and cowl latach beds. The info provided on our older planes and the need to inspect/maintain the upper and lower cowlings is critical. The repairs can be costly if not maintained the correct way.

The remaining afternoon topics were focused on the 114/114TC and the Hot shot upgraded aircraft. Since neither topic pertained to my aircraft I decided on heading back to the hotel and called for a shuttle. I took a nap, and then Mary and I got dressed for the awards banquet, cocktails and buffet dinner. 

Banquet & Awards

Our president held a moment of silence for two members that have passed this year, one was my friend Jay. 

The banquet was fun, and the food was excellent. The awards were handed out and our table picked up a few. After dinner and awards a bunch of headed out to the bar with the large front balcony on the second floor. Fun times and good memories. Mary and I didn't stay very late since we were planning on a 3am departure.

Saddle up for Home

By the time we showered, dressed, and made our way to the lobby, it was 4:15. The valet brought our SUV out front and loaded up our baggage. It was time to head north for home.

Our "9 hour" trip ended up taking 11 hours. Two stops, one for a fuel top off and some munchies. The second was back at the Exxon west of Emporia for the cheap gas and top off. 

The Next Day

Blog edit and a few errands. I wanted to get the Porsche washed and debugged. Mary and I also did some grocery shopping, med refills, and breakfast at our local favorite place. 

What's next? Hopefully a good report on this weeks doctor visit and x-rays. I'm looking forward to getting back in the air especially after all the driving the last week. I am thrilled to report our new to us Porsche Cayenne ran great! I think the new kid is going to fit in just fine.