The Good, the Better and the Interesting
As always Oshkosh is where I get my life's batteries recharged. For me, airplanes are secondary to the people. Here are some reflections from 2011.
1) Arrived Saturday. Got to Ripon with my head on a swivel completely prepared. Not an airplane in sight. Confirmed my location, still no planes. "Red and white RV, rock your wings. Proceed to Fiske on the railroad tracks." Finally I see a couple Cessna's far ahead. At Fiske, "RV continue for a right base for Runway 9." Landed and was guided in by Jeff Point and crew. No real challenge.
2) Great to see so many friends we only get to see once a year. Rhonda still hasn't bought me a beer
3) Met people from China, Israel, South Africa, Argentina, Japan, Ireland, England and other countries while hanging around my plane.
4) Finally met one of my VAF heros, Dan Horton. His knowledge is amazing but I keep in the back of my head that he is a used car salesman.
Thanks Dan for all you do for the RV Community.
5) I'm betting that RV12 builders spend more time in the porta johns than others to check out the pop rivet quality of the construction.
6) Having Rick Gray as a Judge for the RV's and Rockets is akin to have Dracula watching over the blood bank. Just not right.
7) Ratch and Deb's bar and restaurant is one of the best kept secrets in Oshkosh. Jeff's home base for food and beer.
8) SOS brothers talent is getting better each year. Then the thought occurs to me that those girls are somebody's daughter. But I come to my senses and remember that they are not MY daughter so it's okay
9) Storms arrive ten minutes quicker than you can get to your plane to get the canopy cover on.
10) The Tram system was woefully poor this year. Especially the Red Tram. Some money needs to be spent to pave the turnaround areas. They get flooded every year to a quagmire.
11) Listening to Bob Hoover speak.
12) Saw a deer romping through the camp grounds probably scared sh*tless.
13) Saw the Roush racing trailer get blown over in the big wind. Luckily nobody hurt.
14) Spent lots. Bought the Approach Systems wiring hub for the new 7. Bought another years supply of glass cleaner
Maybe a food processor next year.
15) Bob Collins failed to show for his annual obligation to buy dinner for a group of us. Gotta buy twice next year Bob!!
16) Saw buddy Glenn use a bottle of Scotch that was a gift to pay Jeff Point on their annual bet. Regifting a bottle of Scotch, that is low
Glenn won a portable Comm radio in a drawing. Enjoy your Christmas present Michael.
17) Motivated to get the new 7 done for next year and the turbine powered helicopter as well.
18) The Lt. Dan band was great. The lead singer girl was excellent and very HOT!!! I'm getting a closer seat next year.
19) Aaron Tippin was great too.
20) Thanks to everyone for supporting JDair. Met lots of great people picking up their orders. Again, people first, airplanes second.
This was a fun year. Can't wait for next year. To quote Rosie, "Keep pounded those rivets."