May 15, 2005
Four Phantom Knights Find Castle
Chief Roger Hemme joined us this morning. He lives in Lancaster, CA, 25 miles south of Mojave. He hooked up with us in Bakersfield this morning after calling Jake yesterday for directions and pre-flight planning and driving many miles. I think he wanted to make this trip with us because he could help me keep Jake from exaggerating his love affair with 66-0289 (his plane...the one he crewed on the Thunderbirds). Chief Hemme was the Maintenance Supervisor for the Thunderbirds from 1972 to 1974. He worked on the F4s and then the T-38s when the change was made in 1973. I think Jake even worked for him when he was on the team. Chief Hemme has a wealth of history about the team and the Air Force. His join-up was both refreshing and enlightening.
So we launched from Bakersfield later than normal. We had a short ride today...180 miles...and didn't have to hurry. As I learned from Chief Hemme, the San Joaquin (sp) valley can start out hot early and stay hot all day. As we loaded the bikes and cleaned them for the visit to 66-0289, we worked up a sweat. We thought we should go into the room and take another shower. But after a good breakfast at the hotel included in the room rate, we launched on Route 99 toward Atwater. It was wonderful. The cool morning air rushed through our ventilated clothing and, using the sweat from loading the bikes, gave us a terrific coolness on the road that made the start of the day a most wonderful experience! It was a new day and a wonderful future and this was a time of travel. It was perfect!
We motored on - four knights, now, in search of a castle - on Route 99. The center line of this route is filled with miles and miles of oleanders of any color imaginable. There are common reds, the more delicate pinks, and salmons, and whites. For countless miles these plants mark the highway with a profusion of color and life. It was exhilarating in the cool morning air to see them roll by mile after mile. Their presence helped to alleviate the poor surface conditions of the roadway we were upon. Many pot holes, chunky gaps in the surface and other rough conditions.
We drove in these wonderful conditions for miles with almond orchards on our left and right and vineyards on our left and right. There are literally millions of acres in this valley devoted to grapes and almonds. It is a most beautiful valley and I can understand why people love it. Still, it is much too flat for me. But the awesome scope of the orchards and vineyards leave me breathless and a little more understanding of how we can produce all the wine and Almond Joys, as well as the sliced almonds my wife uses with the Brie cheese we sometimes roast for a pleasant appetizer.
We arrived at the Castle Air Museum on time at 1000 hours military after waiting for a slow and high speed train to make a pass over our roadway (how dare they? Two trains when we needed to proceed?) We found the museum and parked our bikes and cars. Dave Wood, Vice Chairman of the Castle Air Museum, met us and took us on a most rewarding tour of the museum! Castle Air Museum needs more publicity! It is a delightful and well maintained museum of over 40 aircraft well positioned and displayed. All four of this now foursome phantom group appreciated the opportunity to visit these elegant aircraft from the past. Dave took us on a private tour and shared history of the museum on the way.
We then found Number 6!
I noticed Jake hold back as he approached the plane he crewed over 30 years ago. In the shadows, he watched me take pictures and when I was finished with my mission, he stepped forward to reclaim his aircraft on display. I cannot imagine the memories he knew on his approach to this old friend. I can only speculate on the excitement he felt.
We talked, shared memories, and climbed into and out of the aircraft. 'Twas a wonderful experience. We then returned to the main building for 'Bomber Burgers', compliments of Dave Wood, good conversation, and a hesitant farewell. I will have more to say about Castle Air Museum but y'all need to go to <http://www.elite.net/castle-air> for more information. Dave and is cohorts are working VERY hard to make this museum a first class operation and are bringing new (old) aircraft to the museum as fast as they can. If you are ever in this area...you must visit the Castle Air Museum!
Jake hooked up with an Australian pilot and his wife. More on this later. A picture is included.. I'm done here now. Tired.
The four phantoms then went to the room, told copious lies, shared some truthful stuff, went to dinner, flirted with the waitrie (plural for waitress) and came home for a night's rest before deployment tomorrow. We meet with the news tomorrow and proceed from there over mountains to Lake Tahoe. Life is a trip. We are 100% part of it at this point.
Doncha Know.
Pictures...as you've come to expect.....The guy in the middle of the last picture is the one you thank for keeping this plane in the air. Believe it (Full Album HERE):
