Catalina Camping

We've been camping at Catalina State Park for over a decade, and it never disappoints.  This time again we were greeted by warm days and plenty of sunshine every day except one.  Our group has some favorite spots in Loop B, affording us ample space to put up canopies and play games of cornhole.  While most people are dealing with snow, ice and cold weather, we had days warm enough for shorts and short sleeves.

Doris, Sandy, Lori and Kerry were all set to play a fierce game.  Me, not so much.  To say the least, I am horrible at it.  Hence, I relegate myself to taking photos and cheering from the sidelines.  If everyone picked their players, I would definitely be the last one standing!

Games are over now it's time for some afternoon wine and snacks.  Sandy and Doris shared with their cousin, John, who had driven down from Surprise for the weekend.

 This year, we added another extended member of the family, Roberta Ross.  Jerry was giving her instructions on how to cook with a Dutch Oven.  He is the master of Dutch oven cooking whenever there is a group of us camping.  He keeps us going with his food and his humor.

 Time to check to see how it's coming along, Roberta.....

Well, now it seems that more have joined the Dutch oven circle.  Do you notice that most of them have a cup or glass in their hand.  Don't let the red plastic cups fool you....they are filled with wine!

As the day became dusk, all the side dishes were on the table.  We were waiting for Don and Jerry to finish cutting the brisket, which had been cooking since 7 AM.    It was Don's first attempt at smoking a brisket, and it turned out great.  No complaints from this crowd.

 During the last week camping, some dear friends came to visit us.  Phyllis and Nellie had gone to Flowing Wells High School with the rest of us, and they also had attended Redeemer Lutheran with Doris and Sandy. It was good to reminisce with them.  Maybe next time we can find a place where the sun isn't shining directly into our eyes.

Beautiful sunrises and sunsets.  Gorgeous weather.  Friends and family.  Great food.  Fun.  Lots of humor and laughing.  All of these are why we booked our stay at Catalina State Park for next 2019 before we left this year!

Davis Monthan Air Force Base

Our educational tour this year was at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, which dates back to 1927.  It was named after two pilots from WWII.  Our former neighbor, Ivan Lewis, retired from the Air Force in late 2016 and moved back to Tucson to work as a contractor at DM. 

 Before we could even take the tour, all of us had to submit our names, Social Security numbers, date of birth and address a week ahead of time.  Thankfully, none of us were deemed "risky" and the guard at the gate let us pass through.

 It was a gorgeous day as Ivan led us to the hangar where we would be able to watch teams being trained on how to load weapons on the A-10 planes.

We behaved ourselves, especially after looking at this warning on the cement floor.  At our age, we are too old to do much horsing around anyway.

 None of the weapons in this area were activated, thank goodness.  We all stayed behind the red line as the airmen went about their business.

 It takes two men to load the bombs, one drives the small vehicle while his assistant steadies the weapon.  Teamwork is essential in loading and securing each weapon.

As we passed behind the plane, Roberta pointed out the beautiful American flag hanging right above it.  What a privilege it is for us to be Americans and support all of our armed forces.

 Ivan, our gracious tour guide for the day, took time to further explain some of the ammunition loaded on to the A-10s.  Interestingly, the A-10's are the only aircraft designed around the 30 mm rotary cannon, which can spit out an enormous amount of fire power in a short amount of time.  The pilot is protected by a titanium box.

 Afterwards, we sauntered outside to view what Ivan referred to as "the dragon".  This unique and odd-looking machine does resemble a dragon.  It's function is to load new ammunition while sucking out the used shells simultaneously.

 This is a photo of the sign painted on the side of the dragon.  Cute, huh?!

This was one busy place.  We spotted lots of fighter jets coming in after their morning flights.

As we left, we passed by the "fighter on a stick", a local landmark at the base.  Thanks for the informative tour, Ivan!