Had the privilege of a visit from my friend Billy Crisler, publisher of AeroSpace Modeler Magazine, who spent a short stay with us on his way to the IPMS Nationals. He was here to discuss some business but we managed some time to venture down to Oshkosh to give him a quick tour of the airport and glance at the grounds.
We swung by Bassler Turbo Conversions to see what was parked on their ramp and while on the east side of the field we watched a P-51 Mustang and Hawker Sea Fury arrive for the show. Planes were steadily arriving and the North Forty Camping area was already about half full.
Our original plans were for Billy to stay for several days, then we’d head to the IPMS Nationals together. Unfortunately we’ve both had changes to our plans. I’ll be taking in AirVenture while he is on the road for business…I like my schedule better, though sadly I will be missing the Nats.
Given this is the Sunday before the actual kickoff of AirVenture, the air here around my abode is filled with aircraft making their way to Oshkosh or opting instead to land and stay at the Outagamie County Airport (Appleton, WI), KATW. It is less crowded and closer to many of their hotel accommodations and daily transportation is available to and from the EAA grounds.
In preparation for tomorrow mornings trek to AirVenture, I’m making sure I have the necessities ready to be packed into my back pack:
Portable Radio Scanner-To listen to the control tower and other informative sources.
Cameras-What would we do without pictures of the event!
Fully Charged & Spare Batteries-Gotta have the juice!
Memory Cards-Nothing worse than running out of film, same goes for digital cameras too.
Sunscreen-If you’re gonna look like a lobster…you might as well be buttered like one.
Gatorade Packets-These are helpful if you start to become dehydrated, just add them to a bottle of water.
Extra pair of Socks-Your feet are your primary mode of transportation! Lose them and you go home early.
Rain Gear-Some sort of coat or poncho. Not only does it help keep you dry but you can sit on it.
Note Pad and Pen-I don’t know about you but I can’t remember everything!
Sunglasses-Lots of glare, very straining on the eyes if not protected.
Head Gear-Something to shade your head and eyes.
Wallet-Perferably with money in it and your EAA membership card. Money helps one eat, buy neat things and take a dream ride on a rare aircraft!
Spare Car Key!-Yeah, been there done that. Stuff happens. Clip a spare key inside the backpack.
Backpack-The backpack itself should be one that remains secured. Zippers stay closed and don’t open on their own as you walk around. It should carry the load evenly and not cut into your shoulders, especially after you have loaded it up with literature and other nifty stuff you accumulated. (Make trips back to the car frequently to empty the load out.) The backpack should be water resistant, when it rains it pours and you may find yourself setting it on the ground occasionally. Mine has a built in raincoat that works like the hood of a jacket. Unzip and cover, tighten the drawstring to snug it closed.
There are other things to add, but one needs to travel as light as one can. Experience has taught me to be prepared but not overloaded. Hard to get from point A to B toting a ton of stuff around.
My only other suggestion is to take along some pain relievers. There are First Aid stations on the grounds, but one has to be prepared for headaches and joint inflammation pain. The heat, humidity, sunshine and constant walking (if you are inclined to do so) can all spoil an otherwise great event.
More tomorrow when I get back from the first day of AirVenture 2008. Wish you were here too!
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