Airpower over Hampton Roads. (April 24, 2016)

Up early on a Sunday morning to go to Hampton, Va  for the Airpower Over Hampton  Roads Airshow. It was held at Langley Air Force base which I learned is the oldest military base in the state, and one of the oldest in the world. This was a celebration of its 100th year. The show had been rained out Friday and rain shortened on Saturday, but Sunday was a day with blue skies and that held from beginning to end. There was a lot to see and do with many vendors, displays of aircraft and some remarkable flying during the day.

Some planes there did not fly. This B1 did not take to the air, though that is how it got there. There was a lot of planes to look at, and all of them were really remarkable. Touring some of the bigger aircraft was also possible. Planes ranged from WWII aircraft to the most modern in the United States Air Force inventory.

The Budweiser Clydesdales pulled the wagon around the airfield as seen here in front of the United States Thunderbirds Aircraft. The Thunderbirds closed the show with a typically great performance. Watching them you are struck with the great skill of those pilots and the hard work that goes into their performance.

 Many things to see and experience. There were a number of aerobatic acts, the Golden Knights parachute team from the US Army. The Army also brought a helicopter as did the US Navy. The Navy also flew an F-18 Hornet from the nearby NAS Oceana which is in Virginia Beach, VA. There were no dead spots in the skies.
This is Shockwave, which is powered by three jet engines and this truck holds the speed record for Semi trucks. That record is 376 mph. A problem developed with the truck so we did not get to see its speed, but it sure was impressive to watch it belch fire.  

As I noted the Navy brought a F-18 seen here at left. Lots of great flying by what I think are the best pilots in the world. I also want to give a big shout out to all the military people who worked hard during the show to make it happen, and also could be seen both working and checking out the show as well. Langley is a big base and had a number of people who were off duty at the show. Everyone was real friendly and enjoyed talking to many of them while I was there. A big thank you to the Air Force for all they do for this country.

Many older aircraft flew including this P-51 Mustang (silver plane at bottom) and the F4U Corsair (blue plane at top). These two plane types flew in both WWII and the Korean War. In fact as was said during its solo flight the F4U actually flew during that conflict in combat. Many of the older planes survived because they did not, and were saved by that fact.
Enjoyed seeing the B-25 fly and a number of P-51's. In fact one of the planes I enjoyed seeing was a Mig-17 which was built in Russia and flew during the Korean War.    

I really enjoyed seeing the flight demo of the F-22 Raptor. It is a Fifth Generation Combat aircraft and may be the only one that can do all the things this plane can do.
I was amazed watching its performance which was nothing short of awe inspiring. While the Thunderbirds were remarkable this was a real highlight for me. Not only is the plane supersonic but it is also stealthy and is seen here in flight with its weapons bay open. It carries all its weapons internally and opens the doors as they are needed to keep down the radar profile. I can also tell ya, at full afterburner the Raptor roars.

Seen here is a group from top to bottom which consists of a P-51 Mustang from the WWII/Korean War period, the Air Forces (and also will be flown by the US Navy and the Marines) F-35. The F-35 flown by the Navy will have a tailhook and some other features, and the Marines version will take off and land vertically. The F-35 is the plane in the middle. The plane at the bottom is the F-22 Raptor.
It was a great day! After the Thunderbirds (jaw was hanging open too much to take photos) headed back to Richmond with a big smile on my face and a lot of pride in the men and women of the US military of all branches of the service who have in the past, do in the present, and will in the future protect this nation.

Maymont: 90th Anniversary (April 16, 2016)

 Normally would have put this on my motorcycle page...though really was not a motorcycle ride. It is a just a few miles to these parks from my house, and only takes a few minutes. Byrd Park (which is where I took this photo) and Maymont are right on the other side of the Nickle (which is actually now 35 cents) Bridge. One thing I like about Richmond is the amazing parks in this area (or in Virginia for that matter). In fact the day before I did take a huge ride to Jamestown and Yorktown, but this was in total due to a little ride after a 17 mile ride. I had cleaned up the motorcycle earlier and just took it to get to this.  

Good thing as parking was slim...Maymont was packed. Some 90 years ago the Dooley family donated the house and the lands to the City of Richmond, and they have maintained it ever since. The day was filled with a number of events including period music, period clothing, tours of the mansion which is really something to see, and of course a car show with period cars. I really got to see some amazing vehicles. As all were from the 20's and 30s it was not your typical car show.

 As I said, there was quite a crowd, and this is just a small sample. I saw some Revolutionary War "National Treasures" at Yorktown Battlefield, and certainly some more at 400 year old Jamestown but Maymont if not a National Treasure is certainly a Richmond Treasure and is one of the most popular places in the city to visit. When friends come to see Richmond, this is either at the top of the list or not far below. Just a remarkable place.

One thing they had a lot of was horses and carriages. I saw quite a few of them, but this one just really captured my attention. You can see part of a bigger one with a full size horse just out of view, off to the left.
This was one of those shot in the dark things, but sure glad I went to this. Of course I cannot name a time that I have not been glad I went to Maymont. In addition to events such as this they have a zoo, Japanese Gardens, Italian Gardens, a great carriage collection, some amazing old buildings, the house, and just some remarkable grounds. It has been featured many times on this page and I can surely say that if you are in Richmond for a visit make sure to add Maymont to your list of must see places. You will find it at least very worthwhile if not amazing.    

Opening Night at The Diamond (April 14, 2016)

 So....after work on Thursday night decided to go to Opening Day at The Diamond to see the Richmond Flying Squirrels take on the Altoona Curve. Both are Double AA teams and it was a neat thing to do. I have never been to an Opening Night anything...so this was pretty neat. Not to mention that though I have been in Richmond now for a number of years I had not seen a game at The Diamond. Throwing out the opening pitch was none other than Jerome Bettis which I thought was pretty cool. This is the man himself shortly after the throw which he got over the plate.

 There was a good crowd for the game. General Admission was $9 being the day of the game ($8 normally but it was an on the fly decision to go) and parking was up to $5 from last years $3. It was a lot of fun being there, Vendors brought beer and food with the usual exchange (you give them money and they would give you beer and food) and there was a lot of entertainment and giveaways during the game. Was a fun bunch of people, Virginia always seems to be a really good time and this game was no exception to what I have found to be the case.      

As for the game it was pretty good. It was a cool night, think at the end it was around 51 degrees but we all had coats (well most of us, there were some hardy souls running around in t-shirts and shorts).
Richmond won the game 2-1 which is good. After the game there were fireworks which I did not stay for...after a day of hard work at my job this was a push even going. However I was certainly glad I did and sure plan to do this again in the very near future. It is not an expensive night out and is most certainly a fun one indeed!