NAS Oceana Air Show (September 17, 2017)

Felt a bit like going home, went to the NAS Oceana Air Show on Sunday September 17. The show was free and among the many visitors was this US Air Force B-52 bomber. Nice to see one outside and got a good look at this massive aircraft. A very rare treat.

The US Navy Blue Angels were there, and did bring out a massive crowd. I got there early as it opened which gave me time to check out some of the sights and many of the display aircraft on the site. It was also fun to talk to many of the sailors on the base who were both working and out to see the show.

Many of the static aircraft were cool to see such as this F4U Corsair. The Corsair was used both in World War II and the Korean War. The type flew from 1942-1954. The plane actually (not this one but one like it) shot down a Mig-15 jet on November 8, 1950. While thousands were made very few are left and fewer still in flying condition. Pilots who flew these aircraft made history and changed the world.  

I also enjoyed seeing this flight of a P-51 Mustang (a legend of World War II) and the USAF F-16. Neat combination of planes.
There were a lot of remarkable planes flying. There was a hang glider, aerobatic aircraft of many types, an early jet (the Vampire), a number of F-18's and even of all things the original "Batcopter" from the original show "Batman". I got a kick out of that and it was pretty cool.    

As I said, a number of F-18's flew during the show such as these as right. The Blue Angels also fly the F-18 and put on a remarkable show. It was a great time with great people in a wonderful place. Spent a lot of years on Navy bases and the hours spent on this one put a smile on my face.  

Forest Hill Art Fair/Kings Dominion (September 16, 2017)

Great Saturday in Richmond, started with the Forest Hill Art Festival. Always a good time and this free show has a lot of interesting works of art. There was also live music and (not so live) food to enjoy.
The festival is held about this time each year. I think this was the 27th year (or there abouts) and I have been going for like the last 6 or 7. It is a don't miss event and is even better because it is very close to my house.

This was taken at King's Dominion from the 1/3 size Eiffel Tower replica there. Very cool to go up and always some remarkable views of the park and the surrounding area from up there.
Nice amusement park, was able to go thanks to work who basically rents it out every year. Will probably be my last year to go for free because I am planning to retire at the first of the year though told by some I will be invited back.

This is The Intimidator 305, which is frankly one hell of a ride. Yeah, I rode it, usually get up the nerve to do so. It is a hell of a drop from that big hell and the ride gets up to 91 miles per hour.
It is a pretty basic ride though fast and has a few heart stopping moments. I like to get out and enjoy this one.
Park has a lot of good coasters, and also even enjoyed the dinosaur exhibits (though they are recreations but many are moving thanks to modern technology).
Just a beautiful place to wander around and to see some amazing sights and to visit with some friends while there as well
It is located just outside of Richmond, not too far from Ashland, VA. After the visit to the park spent a little time in Ashland with my girlfriend from Ohio. She had not seen it and it is a great town to wander around.
She flew up here for the weekend, and following the day here we got out and explored the NAS Oceana Navy Base for the airshow. Some photos of that which took place on Sunday September 17 will be coming up shortly.