Sunday, 9th October

I slept well that morning – I had to rise early as I had another big day planned. I headed out for a burrito for breakfast, as Lapo doesn’t open till 10am.

It was massive egg and has brown filled burrito covered in green chilli and I felt pretty ill after. I was riding out to the Kirkland Air force Base for the Open Day and also to watch the Thunderbirds. I jumped on a bus (because you can put the bike on the front of the bus).

I was given good directions from the driver on the quickest route to the entrance gate for the show. It was a 15 min ride and even though the sun was out, I was still freezing! There was still snow left over from the dump the night before.

I made it to the base, and they had strict screening. Some how I made it through and onto the base. They had a great layout of small planes, to fighter jets, to massive transport planes and helicopters. I was really looking forward to the air show and periodically throughout the afternoon there would be fly bys.

I met one of the fight jet instructors on the base.

The first ever USAF jet made an appearance and did a few passes and rolls. The best was the B1 bomber that held many records in terms of performance. It was screaming loud and I had to block my ears. It was a scary sight and I’m glad it airborne for an air show and not to drop bombs.

The Thunderbirds started at 3 with their ground show- They had a snappy routine to get the planes ready and lock in the pilot. It looked great. The high pitch scream of the engines when they started up indicated that this was the real thing. I couldn’t wait till they took off.

It was an entertaining show they put on with rolls, formation flying, inverted flying and fly bys that had us on our toes. From the reaction of the crowed we were all very impressed. There was a strong level of support for the OIF and the war on terror, and any personnel in the armed forced. The commentators continuously reminded us of the sacrifice the men and women have made for the US freedom.

'Number 5' is on the bottom here:

And when he's out of the cockpit:

After the show I rode all the way back to campus. I was energized from the Thunderbirds and was feeling very happy with life. The ability to ride out to the base and see the show, while others were moping around campus nursing a hangover is a thought that gave me a big smile. I had an early night and my roomie was staying at home, so I slept really well. After all I needed an early night after such an eventful and adventurous weekend!