In my desire to make my blog current, I almost forgot to mention that I made it to the Reno Air Races this year. My friend and fellow RV-7 builder Chad came out from Illinois for his first visit to the races and I am glad to report that they did not disappoint either of us.
Chad flew in to San Jose on Wednesday, and after a quick bite to eat I gave him a guided tour of the Livermore airport. It was a weekday so it was a little quiet, but we stopped in and paid a visit to several of the local builder/restorers so Chad at least got to see some really cool stuff. I think he was impressed and maybe even a little jealous of all the great general aviation activity we have here in Livermore.
On Thursday we made a day of it by driving up to Reno stopping at Skeeter’s Hot Dogs in Pollock Pines for lunch, and then again at Lake Tahoe. This was the first time Chad has been to Lake Tahoe, so he just had to dunk his feet in the frigid water. I just don’t know how people go swimming in that lake… brrrrrr! Unfortunately, earlier in the day a Republic Seabee had landed and sunk a few yards from shore and we watched as the salvage boat made an inspection.
We spend the next two days (Friday and Saturday) at the races, cruising around the pits soaking in the sights and sounds of the Air Races. If you’ve never been to the races, you don’t know what you are missing. The Unlimited Gold races both days proved to be very exciting with the crowd cheering and hollering as the racers came down the home stretch sometimes three abreast. Nothing beats the sound of three warbirds blasting by at close to 500 mph!
We had planned to leave after the races on Saturday, but we were delighted when we learned that a group of our fellow RV fanatics and Vans Air Force forumites based at Reno Stead would be hosting a BBQ on Saturday evening after the “official” race activity had concluded. The location of the BBQ was absolutely amazing! It was at a hangar that is off-limits during the actual races because it is beyond the show line and overlooks the entire ramp. It was quite simply the best seat in the house and from it we were able to enjoy the perfect weather, the evening flight activity, and some really good hangar flying with our RV friends from all over the country. I hate to use the cliche, but it really doesn’t get any better!
You can view my entire photo album here.
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