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Walking with Flying Things, Part 1
We set out relatively early today, on a Labor Holiday Monday. The skies were clear and it was already hot. We took a scan of several neighborhoods, which we rejected as too busy, too much construction or road re-routing, too annoying in general, and almost gave up. But then I thought — lots of people traveling today, tourists getting ready to go home, beaches jam-packed — where can we go? We can go to where things are flying rather than poking along in traffic. We ended up at the airport!
But not the busy, stressful commercial airport (San Diego International aka Lindberg Field) but at the general aviation airport — Montgomery Field — where several chapters of Aviation History began.
California Aeronautical University in our face, and providing us a parking slot.
An Eye In The Sky
This is where Art normally says “You knew this was coming”
After the song played in our heads, we walked on.
Learning the name has been changed 2-3 times to suit the climate of the times…
Lots of Aviation-Related businesses surround any airport.
Not to mention governmental agencies that need air support (no CHP traffic or news channel copters were seen).
As well as places to entertain, nourish and provide a gathering space for airplane nerds.
Please come back soon (after I post Part 2).
But not the busy, stressful commercial airport (San Diego International aka Lindberg Field) but at the general aviation airport — Montgomery Field — where several chapters of Aviation History began.
Glider replica above our heads in the CrownAir lobby. I walked out on the concrete (no guards, no guns, no alarms, no fuss, no muss) and looked around. I remembered flying around the country with one of my clients, working at an aviation factory while in college, and my dad being a Navy pilot in the late 40’s early 50’s; the times I flew as a youth. No wonder I feel very comfortable here… despite having most of my 3 million flying miles in commercial flights.
Replica of Montgomery's glider.
California Aeronautical University in our face, and providing us a parking slot.
An Eye In The Sky
This is where Art normally says “You knew this was coming”
After the song played in our heads, we walked on.
Learning the name has been changed 2-3 times to suit the climate of the times…
Lots of Aviation-Related businesses surround any airport.
Not to mention governmental agencies that need air support (no CHP traffic or news channel copters were seen).
As well as places to entertain, nourish and provide a gathering space for airplane nerds.
Please come back soon (after I post Part 2).
Cazalea
Flying Things, Part 2
Continuing our Flying Walk, the main city-run terminal was empty.
But there was action aplenty in the bushes and parking lot:
If you count bees, butterflies,
hummingbirds
and we do!
Although they don’t fly there were plenty of lizards out there too.
We found a vantage point at a restaurant that was closed for the holiday. Their staircase and 'landing’ provided an excellent view of the action.
This guy did very thorough pre-flight checks on his aircraft.
Other plane spotters!
Collision averted — actually the only “collision” was due to the extreme long reach of my lens, they were on different trajectories.
Although in this photo they lined up side by side and revved their engines at each other.
Another shot where the long lens brings things frighteningly together.
Looking for another vantage point, we went over to the NE side of the runways, to the 94th Aero Squadron restaurant. In a commercial business park nearby, we saw this lovely Mustang.
My watches of the day, both Accutron 214 models.
Showing off for the camera, my wife noticed the hat I was wearing. I chose it only to match with the green in my shirt and had forgotten what was written on it...
Hah!
More flying objects to close out this post, include a commercial jet,
Blue Scrub Jay
while completely filling the air inside the house, without flying, was a loaf of bread that I baked after we returned from the walk.
Thanks for joining us, stay for lunch if you are hungry.
But there was action aplenty in the bushes and parking lot:
If you count bees, butterflies,
hummingbirds
and we do!
Although they don’t fly there were plenty of lizards out there too.
We found a vantage point at a restaurant that was closed for the holiday. Their staircase and 'landing’ provided an excellent view of the action.
This guy did very thorough pre-flight checks on his aircraft.
Other plane spotters!
Collision averted — actually the only “collision” was due to the extreme long reach of my lens, they were on different trajectories.
Although in this photo they lined up side by side and revved their engines at each other.
Another shot where the long lens brings things frighteningly together.
Looking for another vantage point, we went over to the NE side of the runways, to the 94th Aero Squadron restaurant. In a commercial business park nearby, we saw this lovely Mustang.
My watches of the day, both Accutron 214 models.
Showing off for the camera, my wife noticed the hat I was wearing. I chose it only to match with the green in my shirt and had forgotten what was written on it...
Hah!
More flying objects to close out this post, include a commercial jet,
Blue Scrub Jay
while completely filling the air inside the house, without flying, was a loaf of bread that I baked after we returned from the walk.
Cazalea
Love the runaway, takeoff/landing shots.
The vintage red Mustang is likewise pure eye candy 😚🤌. Cheers Mike, Filip
Great walking with you as usual dear Mike! I enjoyed it so much. Main city run terminal looks like suspended in time with its 1950´s/60´s furniture, decoraration and mood. Love it!
I also loved the red Mustang a lot. Guess an early 1964 or 65 model. So charming and well kept or restored. Great choice of watches matching the looks and mood of the place.
Interesting views of planes both taking off and landing and those parked around. I enjoy so much visiting these smaller airports.
Thank you so much for sharing these pictures!! Best cordial regards. Abel
Thank you Abel!
I guess I just have to be moving all the time, and these little explorations always uncover something of interest. Like today, we found something I’d like to sink my teeth into …
Mike
Mike