Monday, US time..

Quiet here at Lake Tahoe. Although, before I got up I did hear at least a couple of fast piston engine aircraft whistle overhead.. sounded like warbirds heading home from the Reno Races..

We've had wonderfully relaxing time here with Bill and Marci.. needed it as I especially sort of crashed when we got here.. nothing some morhine/paracetamol and quiet couldn't fix! This is a really beautiful place, and being at some thousands of feet above sea level.. probably a good place to R&R. We spent Saturday catching up on sleep, and Ali got a load of washing done.. surprising how few clothes you use out of all that you pack!!! does everyone do that??? of course, being a guy, I can get fair few days outa my clothes.. Ali is a little more picky about this point.. but has the smaller of our two bags..!!!!! how did that happen.

Yesterday was brilliant. We all headed over to Reno at about 9am, (far too early for Marci!! :) very little traffic, and perfect weather. Quite a crowd there, but no hassle wandering around among the race planes. It was fascinating watching as the crews work on getting the engines ready for the next race. There’s a lot of spark plugs in those engines (two for each cylinder.. and a LOT of cylinders!!), and they seem to pull them between races. Camshafts were exposed, various items being replaced.. for the technically minded it is great to watch. The racing is just as good as I’ve read about or seen on tv, and there are moments where they are soo low. Top speeds are nudging 500mph now, which is almost ridiculous being that they are not diving, and are almost constantly in a turn. Really cool seeing Strega, and Rare Bear and others that I've heard/read about for years.. The Blue Angels display was LOUD and very tight.. went on for ages! Got some good photos.. There were some fantastic aerobatic displays, one with two Christen Eagles (kinda like a Pitts Special) and Patty Wagstaff in her Extra (I think) and the current US aerobatic team captain, again in an Extra.. I think.. very comprehensive display of complete mastery of the art. Kinda fun to watch, and think.. now I wondeif I could get our Pitts to do that!!! hmmmm. they also go VERY low.. Patty Wagstaff did a really interesting outside loop, and at the same time was slowing doing an aileron roll.. if you don't know.. pop in some time, and I'll do my best to show you how!! could be exciting!

Back to the jets.. We’d forgotten just how good a military jet sounds going FAST! I wonder if the RNZAF will ever again operate anything “jet” .. I hope so. The little F16’s that I’ve been up close and personal with recently would be ideal for NZ.. pity. Bill got to fly one a few years ago, and really likes them.. not as much as his P51 though.. can't say I blame him, as the F16 is stuffed full of computers, and likely the only computer i his 51 is in the watch on his wrist.

Had a very exciting bird encounter here at the Hanes.. just sitting in the lounge, looking out through the ranch sliders, and a hummingbird appears, checking out the fuschia flowers on the patio. how cool is that! . talk about cute!! I think a gum emperor moth would be about the same size.. some of you will know them.. looked about 3 inches long.. probably bigger .. but quite something to see as it hovered around the flowers.. not a chance of a photo.. way to fast.

Anyway.. packing up now and heading for San Fran again.. of course hopefully, I will sort out getting the blog up dated..

yipppeeeee.. got that sorted.. now.. how about some photos...