Amateur Radio WD0M

Grand Junction, Colorado

Blue Angels Air and Car Show, "Wings and Wheels"

Grand Junction, Colorado, August 13th 2005

"Objects in mirror are closer than they appear"

On the flight line with the Navy's Blue Angels' F-18 Hornets.	Lined up in a place of honor in front of the Blue Angels, ready for the show.
There were all sorts of cars at the show, with an equal number of great airplanes.	I've always been partial to Porsches - a great example of a 356C cabriolet.
A crowd pleaser - a Cobra replica with a 351 Windsor engine. I once drove one in a race.	My wife loved the vintage Chevies - I once owned a 57 Chevy wagon - great cars!
Speaking of vintage, this 50's era Mig 17 was impressive with its maneuverability.	"Fat Albert", the Blue Angel's logistics airplane, gets into the act with a "JATO" takeoff.
The Blue Angels in a diamond formation shortly after takeoff.	"Smoke on" - we were able to listen to the leader's commands over a portable radio.
The Blue Angels in a left echelon formation. I'm retired from the USAF, but for a second place team, these guys are pretty good.	Just before the end of their show, they execute a crossing pattern in front of the crowd. Watch out for the guy coming in from behind you - he's loud!
After the air show, we toured western Colorado - this photo is from Grand Mesa at over 10,000 feet	One of our favorite ski towns in north central Colorado, Steamboat Springs, home of Olympic skier Billy Kidd