Sunday, July 23, 2017

Milwaukee Air Show

Andrew our son put out an invitation to his friends
and us to help celebrate his birthday at the Air and Water Show
in Milwaukee.  The Blue Angles were going to be performing.
Of course we said yes.
What a beautiful weekend it turned out to be.
Ron and I went up on Saturday to be at the show on Sunday.
As usual we took the back way.  If we don't have to drive on an expressway
all the more fun.  We took our time. We went through Racine, where Ron
wanted to stop and check out all the bakeries that made and sold Kringle.
The mainstay of Racine.  It is a pastry that is flat, usually filled with a delicious
creation, like cinnamon, cherry, apple, or turtle, and has a light frosting, and baked
in a ring.  I always have to come home with one or two or three, when I am
up there for quilt retreats.  Anyway, we made three different stops, and Ron  
brought 4 different ones.  The varieties
seemed endless.  We had lunch at a neat deli, then continued our way north.
Ron was interested in finding out where the road led to where we were going 
to park the next day.  We found out that we got the chance to drive along the 
coast of Lake Michigan.  

We saw a sign that said car ferry this way.
Why not check it out.  When we did, we found that a lot of folks were
stationed there to watch the Air and Water Show.
The car ferry is a high power boat that runs between, Milwaukee, Wis.
and Muskegon, Michigan.  We were a little early to see
the Blue Angels perform, so I explored.


In the waiting room of the ferry terminal there was this neat mural.
It is made out of all sorts of things that are recycled.

Check out this close up  There was all sorts of neat things used.

While we were waiting I recognized "Fat Albert" the Angels transport plane
fly over.  It carries mechanics and additional crew and needed things for the performances.

Let the show begin.  Only there were only 3 flying that day.
We found out later that evening that there had been mechanical problems.
I have to say, the sight of those jets gives me goosebumps.  I was in awe
watching them.

When the show was over we continued our way to the hotel we were going to stay
that night.  As we crossed a bridge, we were able to see where we were going to
be on Sunday to watch the show.  What a view.

On Sunday, everyone was up bright and  early so we could get a good spot to park.
Parking along the lake front is not plentiful.
Here is Andrew, in the long sleeve white shirt, and some of his friends that came
wait for the show to begin.
During the night there had been some heavy storms go through.  We weren't  even
sure there was going to be a show.  The sky was gray and gloomy.  In fact
a lot of the water performances had to be limited, as there was wind and choppy
water. Even some of the air show was limited.

We were right on the beach of the lake front. Naturally, I had
to take a look for some beach glass.  Only found a small piece.
Wasn't looking too hard. Had to watch my footing and the kids.

The Golden Knights started the show while we all sang the
National Anthem.

Here is "Fat Albert" again.  This plane starts the portion of the show
the Blue Angels will be performing.
This plane is amazing in it's own right.

This barge and Coast Guard boat where anchored in case there was an
emergency.  It is a good thing to know that help would be on it's way.

At one point we only saw 3 of the fighter jets. Again, I got goosebumps.
Five jets were part of the team today.
The things they can do is absolutely amazing. They can
sure fly close to each other, and the speeds they fly.  WOW!!

There they are.  The weather had cleared up by the time they performed.
It was a beautiful blue sky.  For as chilly and gray it had been earlier in the day, it
turned out perfect.  Andrew was so pleased to have us all there.

We were able to get out of the parking area rather quickly, and took
them back to the hotel they were all staying at.  Ron and I headed home.

We stopped in Mukwanago at the Elegant Farmer to pick up a apple pie
baked in a bag.  Now there is a perfect end to a perfect day.

Hope you are having a perfect weekend.
Mary

4 comments:

Leslie Schmidt said...

What an exciting show! I'm glad the weather turned out well for it. We will be in Milwaukee on Aug. 9th for a Brewers game. They will be playing our Minnesota Twins. My husband is from the Milwaukee area, and I grew up about 50 miles west of there. My mouth is watering thinking about those treats you picked up!

Thimbleanna said...

Wow Mary. It looks like you had a wonderful weekend. I've never seen the Blue Angels, but I'd sure love too -- how amazing!

Carol Swift said...

Looks like such a fun weekend! I have to ask...what is beach glass? Someone on FB was asking about where to find it in California. I have no idea what it is.

Ruth said...

Those air shows are amazing! One of our sons lives in Pensacola, FL and we have seen the Blue Angels flying over their house many times as they practice. We love it!