As we travel 101, heading to San Luis Obispo for graduation and possibly the last time, via this route, we planned to detour to this amazing monument to our 40th president.

In a storied career that spanned more than five decades, Ronald Reagan inspired Americans to act and achieve even more than they imagined. His legacy thrives at The Reagan Library where events and exhibits rediscover his values, actions and spirit of determination.  This place was amazing and truly "a must see".

We left the folks at 4 AM to avoid traffic, arriving at the museum way before the 10 AM opening.  After breakfast out and a nap in our car, we explore the 100 acre site that opened in 1991.  Perched on a mountaintop, the view was breathtaking.

Air Force One Pavilion...

"There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall! "- Ronald Reagan, June 12, 1987

Me and the 'Gipper'...

There was more in this building than we could see in our allotted time, but what we did see was incredible.  It was the story of an exceptional life, told in an exceptional way.

When my dad was growing up in Iowa, he listened to 'Dutch' on WOC,  the radio station where future U.S. President Ronald Reagan got his start re-creating Chicago Cubs baseball games.  I knew the story but never the history.  This place told so much history.

I think I fell more in love with Reagan when I saw this exhibit on his quotes.  He kept had written note cards with all of his favorite sayings.  As I explored the museum, I was drawn to his words.  He truly was the "Great Communicator".

Here is Steve, delivering President Reagan’s inaugural address on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.  Teleprompters and all.

The hands-on exhibits were so fun and educational.

Steve is standing in front of Air Force One.  This Flying White House, tail number 27000, served seven U.S Presidents from 1973 to 2001, including Presidents Nixon, Carter, Ford, Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Clinton and George W. Bush. For Ronald Reagan, this was the plane in which he hand-wrote many of his speeches, signed important legislation and even officially started the Daytona Beach, Florida NASCAR race via phone.

We learned about the start of the Secret Service (Lincoln did it to deal with counterfeiters). This 1939 film encouraged a young boy to go into this line of work and he ended up being the agent who was there when Reagan was shot in 1981.  Pretty amazing information.

"I've often said there's nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse."-Ronald Reagan

Following his passing on June 5, 2004, President Ronald Reagan was laid to rest at the Reagan Library.  The Memorial Site is made of granite and has the following inscription: "I know in my heart that man is good, that what is right will always eventually triumph and there is purpose and worth to each and every life."

How can you not like a man who had such a great sense of humor when people complained about his advanced years?  "Thomas Jefferson once said, 'We should never judge a president by his age, only by his works.' And ever since he told me that, I stopped worrying."