Our primary goal in 2003 was to visit the Vectron Dayton Air Show. This is one of the biggest air shows in the world, and in 2003 was even more impressive than usual, as we celebrated the 100th anniversary of powered flight. The show was great. First show ever to feature the Navy Blue Angels, Air Force Thunderbirds, and Canadian Snow Birds jet demonstration teams.
Thursday,
July 17:
The drive goes smoothly and
we arrive in Dayton in plenty of time to prepare for the Cherish
The Ladies concert at Fraze Pavilion at 8 pm. We head to the concert early and enjoy a great
steak dinner at a fancy restaurant just across a park from the concert venue.
The Ladies put on a good concert, aided by some world class Irish dancers from
Dayton. Tom gets to add a new group to his favorite entertainers; the warm up
band from New York City, The Prodigals. The newspaper the next day says of them
"formed three years ago, the engaging group describes its blending of
traditional Irish and contemporary rock styles as 'jig-punk'. It works."
The
weather is wonderful and we have a great time, despite the record setting
crowds. Besides watching the show there is plenty to do, with acres of planes,
display tents, and refreshments at our disposal. We are only on the grounds for
about a half an hour when Tom talks me into taking a ride on an UH-1 Huey
helicopter. We enjoy a thrilling 20 minute ride, sitting where the gunmen would
sit, with our legs dangling out the side of the copter. The jet demonstrations
are breath taking. The aerobatic air shows confirm my suspicion that pilots are
crazy. The bombing simulation, culminating with a world recording setting
"wall of fire" is fun, loud, and hot. Tom had a great time collecting
tons of giveaways and autographs of various stunt pilots and jet demonstration
team members. We stayed to the very end and were rewarded by witnessing a
Harrier jet zoom in, stop in mid air about 15 yards from the ground,
turn around, and head off in the opposite direction. Science fiction comes to
life.
Dinner at the Thirsty Dog Brewing Company caps off a perfect day.
Saturday,
July 19:
We park in
Pittsburg, walk across the Roberto Clemente bridge, and hang out at the park for
awhile. Tom plays in a large series of fountains near the river. We have good
seats for the game and enjoy the view of the Pittsburg skyline. We leave a
little early to beat traffic and head for Bedford. Dinner at Ed's Steakhouse,
right across from our hotel.
Monday,
July 21:
Check out a couple golf courses and play 9 holes at Bedford Springs.
Drive home.
Thursday dinner (2)
Airshow Air (8)
Airshow Ground (4)
Airforce Museum (3)
Outside PNC Park (7)
Pirates Game (4)
End of 2003