Album Non-Backcountry Photos

Visited the Strategic Air Command museum this afternoon. Lots of very cool planes to see there (this photo includes a U-2, a B-17, and an F-117. among others). Just a cell phone shot to start with, when I get some time I will post a photo or two from the real camera.

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The last time I got close to one of these was at an air show at Offutt AFB, maybe 25ish years ago. It was surrounded by guys with guns, so I didn't take any pictures that time.

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U-2 Dragon Lady

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If I have to explain what this is we can't be friends.

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And a fun panorama:

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Nice......

Got to touch, walk under and around the Nighthawk many years ago at Hill AFB..... very neat.
Saw the B-2 bomber once when I was hunting next to the Hill AFB bombing range, BEFORE it was made public. We were on the mountain above it, looking down on it. It was flying the ground contours ... couldnt figure what it was till years later.

Out of all tho... the Blackbird is the most awesome aircraft. We leased some property next to the Skunk Works in CA for a project that ultimately fell thru. Regulary had armed military patrols around. One day a Blackbird came in and landed. We stuck around. It was there a bit and then started to leave. Took off directly over us..... About 500 feet up it kicked in and was out of sight in about 10 seconds. Very loud and very fast. Never forget that. Regularly caught glimpses of strange things in the hangers at the skunk works facility there... lots of experiemental things.

Another great aircraft is the B-17. Was a wildland firefiighter when they used them for dropping retardant. Directed quite a few in for drops. No mistaking their engine sound. Pretrty neat when they a low and close enough you see the pilot grinning at you on the drop.

Only thing missing is the space shuttle. We were in Palmdale when the brought the first one out going to Edwards AFB ...... hauled it down the highway on a semitruck. Had to take down lines and bend the power poles to get it by in places. I really think the designed the wingspan to fit for thamode of transport. Have some pics somewhere......
 
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