Monday, August 06, 2007

WHERE IN THE WORLD HAS WARREN BEEN AND WHERE IN THE WORLD IS HE GOING?



Can it already be August? Have I totally lost July? Forget where Warren is; where in the world have I been? Let me count the shows . . .

June 9th and 10th found Airborn practically airborne at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma. The rain, winds, and hail had this New Yorker clicking her shoes. Though no tornado actually reared an ugly funnel, our tent fell victim to the gusts. The Blue Angels did get to perform, but most eyes were on the black clouds that were beginning to settle in.

Our next stop was Pittsburgh on June 16th and 17th, where the Thunderbirds made its last appearance before going overseas for their summer tour. One of the most memorable/forgettable events was trying to find a motel that week-end; hopefully, the PGA will not hold its tournament near an air show again!

That brings us up to June 23rd and 24th; beautiful Rhode Island with beaches housed within breath-taking rocks and sand. In addition to the Blue Angels, the F-22's left everyone wanting for more! It was a wonderful show, but lunch in Newport truly hit the spot!

July 7th and 8th at Willow Run, Michigan was truly spectacular as well as historic: 15 B-25 Mitchells hit the sky at once! Though the Blues, as always, were spot on, WWII buffs witnessed, first hand, the true magnificence of our Warbirds!

July 14th and 15th brought us to Wichita, Kansas, where it was, or at least felt, 110 in the shade. Not even the Blue Angels were able to get Kansans on the field, but plenty of EMS personnel were distributing much needed water!

On July 19th, we headed for our 15th trek back to Oshkosh; 1100 plus miles from our home, with vistas of pure Americana, and mean midwest weather! We have learned to avoid the heavily trafficked road in Chicago by taking the Lake Express Ferry over Lake Michigan. As always, it was smooth sailing and relaxing! The perfect precursor to a very hectic show.

Oshkosh always holds surprises, but when Route 41 became a runway for a plane that was running low on fuel, even Warren and I could not help but gawk. The pilot was quite an ace; despite giving the driver of the car in front of him a bit of a start, no one was hurt - there wasn't even a fender bender in the crowd!

Unfortunately, there was a fatality a week into the show. Two P-51's were reenacting a race, when one of the planes crash landed onto the other. A profound sadness was felt by all.

Though the Wisconsin heat was oppressive as always, the beautiful blue skies held out - for the first time, in a long time, no real rain to speak of.

Now that I have finally caught up with us, please let me hear from you and your air show adventures.