* * * * * State Flag of California. Returning to my first visit of the States since joining SIA, on 23 rd October 1987 we intercepted Track R-465. Climbing to 37,000 feet, we accelerated our 747-312 to Mach 0.85 and, following the identical route of the clipper ships a hundred years ago, we beat our way to San Francisco. Arriving at our destination late in the afternoon, Pacific Coast Time, on a crystal clear day – I marveled at the California Coastline and the glistening cities spread out along the bay. There’s something special regarding California sunlight; it brings out a startling richness and depth of colors found at no other location. Note the Golden Gate Bridge in the foreground and the Bay Bridge in the background. It w...