Louise Hose
Well Known Member
Ironflight?s birthday fly-in at Big Bear, CA, was a nice success! I don?t think anyone made a formal tally but approximately 12 RVs, one Harmon rocket, and one spam-can flew into L35 yesterday morning. The TFR over the airport was lifted, the nearby forest fire was contained, and the weather was beautiful (albeit a bit cool for the season). A temporary tower was still operating due to the fire, which helped to facilitate a safe environment for the SoCal Wing of Van?s Air Force formation demonstration flight. Folks started gathering on the ramp a little before 11 am and the 8-ship ?Condor Flight? team, led by Gary Sobek, made their first pass about 5 minutes after the hour. They thrilled everyone on the ground with their spectacular show. No doubt, the timing was perfect to capture the attention of lots of local folks leaving church as well as everyone out in the Valley enjoying the beautiful morning.
A total of approximately 26 of us crammed into the airport restaurant for a good lunch and even better hanger talk. The restaurant did an admirable job of getting the orders out quickly (perhaps in part thanks to a warning two-days earlier). Most of the folks then taxied to the north side and joined a birthday celebration at my family cabin two-blocks north of the field. The hit of the day was the SoCal birthday present to Paul (http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=21497).
A few photographs from the day may be viewed at: http://picasaweb.google.com/DrKarst/2007_09_23PaulsBirthdayAtBigBear
Paul and I appreciate everyone coming up to spend some time with us and I want to give a special thanks to Condor for arranging the 8-ship salute! It certainly helped make this birthday a special one for Paul (and me).
A total of approximately 26 of us crammed into the airport restaurant for a good lunch and even better hanger talk. The restaurant did an admirable job of getting the orders out quickly (perhaps in part thanks to a warning two-days earlier). Most of the folks then taxied to the north side and joined a birthday celebration at my family cabin two-blocks north of the field. The hit of the day was the SoCal birthday present to Paul (http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=21497).
A few photographs from the day may be viewed at: http://picasaweb.google.com/DrKarst/2007_09_23PaulsBirthdayAtBigBear
Paul and I appreciate everyone coming up to spend some time with us and I want to give a special thanks to Condor for arranging the 8-ship salute! It certainly helped make this birthday a special one for Paul (and me).