The Big FMCA Rally

Up early ... hustling around to get up to Perry to attend the big RV show. We were pumped.  Bob (we call him Maine Bob) met us at the gate and directed us to his coach where we gathered.  Their friends, Fred and Lynn, arrived about the same time and we soon learned that the big show wasn't really starting until tomorrow. Wait! Tomorrow?  But all the literature said Monday.  The billboards said Monday.  The website said Monday.  I know we had daylight savings time change this past weekend but did I miss something?  Should I have moved my calendar as well as my clocks?  But Maine Bob says no ... all these rallies start a day late. "So how come?" I ask.  'Well that's just the way they do things'   So the newest RV rally rookie learned his first lesson.  Show up a day late.

All was not lost as Maine Bob says 'lets go to the Museum of Aviation' (http://www.museumofaviation.org) just north of Perry. I caught a glimpse of some of the ladies rolling their eyes indicating maybe this wasn't their first choice ... but the men prevailed so off we went.

I usually cannot pass up a military museum so this was right up my alley.  Well kept and lots to see, each of us headed off in different directions focusing on exhibits that interested us most. 

Standing under the wing of modern fighter jet, the size and complexity of this war machine is really amazing.  And to think that some snotty nose kid who lived down the street a few years ago is now the ripe age of 25 and flying this multi-million dollar bullet.

The museum has one of those rare SR71 Blackbird high altitude spy planes.  Considering it was the fastest plane in the US arsenal (though now retired), and it was designed and built in the 1950's, it still is a completely awesome plane. 

Sharon who secretly really does like her picture taken, posed for this touristy shot on a Chinese wall replica.

The display depicted those airmen who flew 'The Hump" from India to China during WW II.  The 'Hump' referred to the treacherous flight path taken over the Himalayan mountains to supply the Chinese with materials

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One of the fascinating aspects of WW II war planes was the 'nose' art.  'Nose' art are the personal characterizations, usually of girlfriends, wives, or pin-up girls painted on the very front of the aircraft.  Some racy but many just an extension of that aircraft crews personality.  Here's a nice example on this beautifully restored old bomber.

  

The grounds surrounding the museum has a large number of other planes worth looking at.  From four engine Lockheed Super Constellations, to a variety of fighter jets, cargo planes and bombers.  Speaking of bombers,  the real 'wonder' plane that has nearly 50 years of service under its wing is the B52.  This one, all dressed out in camo paint, looks like it may have quite a few missions before retirement.  A proud lady for sure.

So there you have our first day with great intentions of going to the FMCA rally.  Not all things go as planned but thanks to our friends from Maine, a very enjoyable day ... still livin' the dream.

Phil