What an incredible day! I drove up the coast, stopping at every turn out from 9:45-11:00, chasing the endeavor. I didn’t see it, but I realized later, it passed directly over my house! That’s magic, whether I saw it or not.
NASA photograph
I had an appointment in Salinas. When I got there, I found out that the Thunderbirds were practicing for their weekend air show. I had at least a dozen near-misses with other cars and pedestrians, as I pulled over suddenly on streets in Salinas, trying to get the shot. I didn’t. But not because I didn’t try … And almost run up the sidewalk on a pedestrian on Sherwood – the old red-light district, and current homeless section.
Thunderbird media photo.
These planes travel at speeds over 400 mph, sometimes only 2 and 1/2 feet, yes FEET, apart. These Falcon F-16s sometimes reach 7 Gs. For the first time, there is a Mom on the team. She flew fighter planes in Iraq. She wanted to be a fighter pilot at the age of 13, when she first saw the Thunderbirds. Now she is one!
Then, top it off with the Fall Equinox, and official start of fall, and it was one of those days that make me so grateful to be who and where I am. Time to add water to my solar generator – 4 times a year … So equinoxes and solstices are obvious solution. This is the subject of a future blog post. I hope your days are full of magic, too!
What a lovely way to mark the equinox!
I was lucky enough to be home and outside watering the garden when I heard the low slow hum of the plane and looked up. A friend was there and I told him to look and he knew it was the Endeavor. An incredible sight piggybacking on a 747 (?) with a fighter jet escorting it. It’s right up there with seeing planes refueling in mid-air, and rockets. It’s all exciting and a bonus for living where we do.
What a great trip you take us on, Kate! Your excitement so well shared here, just too splendid, many thanks.
Yesterday I heard some sky based roaring and thought, what the hell is that now. Too stupid, wish I’d gone for a look, in the middle of painting water lilies, eyes glued to a dark canvas. I’m very annoyed with myself and so grateful for your wild ride reports and these stunning pictures.
I searched the sky here but Endeavor flew east of me over Yosemite. Wonderful recounting of your day Kate.
Awesome photos and a wonderful story about your day Kate. Heard the Endeavor flew over the Monterey Aquarium. Sure do wish I could get up to see the Blue Angels in SF for fleet week but am working some extra days. I love how you enjoy yourself so much on your adventures. Hugs.
Pam