Got them low down blues....

Hah!  Not the musical variety but high performance jet aircraft “down low”

This weekend marked the return of the Blue Angel’s participation in the annual Pax Air Expo.  They have not been here for a few years, due to various issues, so it was nice they could return. 

Being fortunate enough to live by the base, we have a back yard seat for viewing.  Can’t see the “little guys” that perform aerobatics mostly over the airfield, but great for seeing sort of “behind the curtain” activities of the Blue Angels. as they regroup, form up, and go in for the show maneuvers.

This kind of spans all four days.   Thursday, the first day of practice, was kind of crummy so I think they stayed low. 

angels over the lighthouse!

Friday, the second practice day was clear skies so they did the high show, much more impressive.

Have (lots) more, but in the interest of your time won’t go on and on

Saturday (yesterday), the first day of the actual show was kind of partly cloudy skies, so I think they did the low show again, but the clouds provided some nice backgrounds for the shots.

Today (Sunday) is well, particularly awful outside the windows of the digs. 

More or less steady winds in the 30’s; and I recorded a gust to 46, with driving rain, so it might be questionable if they are able to go today..

Having lived around fighter jets and flight test and seeing innumerable flights, the skills of these guys are amazing (stating the obvious).   Being around 500 feet at over 400 knots in close formation has to be exhausting.  Then they do those “starburst” maneuvers where they separate into four trajectories, and then to rejoin precisely is impressive.  I’m sure the answer is training, training, training.  Talked to somebody who has a little insight, and said they are in constant voice contact with the leader who calls the cues.  They don’t wear G-suits nor oxygen.  What a life! 

There were as many “Spectators” in the river as for the fireworks, maybe more.

And then when gear down signals the end of the show

All those spectators head out!

Having not seen them for over 6 or 7 years, it was uplifting to see them again

“after all these years
I still feel everything when you are near”

Gives you chills or you ain’t alive!!

And besides the fixed wing show, we also had a couple of "movable wing" fly by’s

Earlier in the week we also had a four footed visitor in the back yard..

And before we hang it up, FOJTE had dinner last night in Stone Soup Cottage celebrating their 17^th wedding anniversary.   Congrats!  On both the accomplishment and exquisite taste!  (Apples don’t fall far from the tree, maybe)

Okay, carry on while you

DFD

And fight for

NMMJ

and still cooking!

pan seared trout, whole wheat pasta, Limas, and something NOT in a mason jar