Just went this Saturday!

Yank44 · 19 July 2008, 09:44 PM

I just went this Saturday for the third time in 20 years, and it was just as good as the first time I went. Sadly, this is Segala's last season as "The Farmer". I was glad to see him one more time before he goes off into the sunset. At 84, he still flies that Piper Cub better than anyone. They still fly the second oldest plane in the world, oldest in the U.S. (1909); almost a century old now. My wife and I took a ride in the 1929 Standard which was one of the best experiences of my life. The view of the Hudson Valley is spectacular from the "bird's eye." The museum and the hangars full of WWI gear, planes, dedications to past pilots, old cars, engines, props, etc. were amazing. The employees are some of the most genuinely pleasant people on terra firma. I don't mean obsequious either, but truly nice people. There was live music of the era and good hearty American food. The sun was shining despite the silly weather people's fortune telling. They still run the Liberty engine that I'd love to see put into a DH-4 someday. The only bad part was seeing the Sopwith Camel (of which I have fond memories of) in bits in the shop. At least it's being restored.

I was worried the Albatross was going to get that bad paint job I heard rumors of, but it still maintained the wonderful wood finish. That particular Albatross is a masterpiece, and should be kept that way forever. I also got to hear a rotary spitting once again. That sound is one of my favorite sounds in the world. I look forward to hearing a rotary spitting in a Camel once again, other than on tape. A toast to another wonderful season at ORA!

Yank44 · 19 July 2008, 10:16 PM

If I ever win the lottery, I am donating one million dollars to ORA. I can't even tell you how happy I am after going. I'm actually glowing (might just be sunburn though LOL). Even my wife loved it! I think flying around in the 1929 Standard was what really cemented the experience as amazing. I wish I lived closer. I'd be there everyday volunteering all of my free time. I just want to get my hands dirty working on those old beautiful planes. All of the people around me were having a great time as well. I'm tired. Time to go to bed.

Yank