Bob Crum

Being a U.S. Air Force veteran, I never attended an air show that I didn't enjoy. Well, until this past weekend. The L.A. County Air Show was awesome but the weather: Windy! Nevertheless, the show featured the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds among other great events scheduled. I've seen the Navy's Blue Angels perform three times but never witnessed the Thunderbirds so not going was not an option, wind be damned. The Thunderbirds did not disappoint. GO Air Force!

Sunday weather was the worst. Sunny and warm at first. About noon, very windy... like 50 mph windy so it seemed. My Canon 7D MKII with the rented Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens attached weighs almost 6 pounds. Heavy! It was like photographing 500 mph jet planes with a camera-attached bazooka in gale force winds. And you thought photojournalism was a cake walk?

But y'all knew I'd have an ace up my jacket sleeve... right? I did. Arrive early and get the corner spot in the media area. In the howling wind, merely standing throughout the Thunderbirds performance was a challenge. So, for stability, I nonchalantly (important to be discrete among colleagues) leaned against the corner. Yesireebob, I was as steady as a mountain goat on a flat rock. Well, at least steadier than would have been otherwise but gale force winds blew my gear around as if it was a helium-filled balloon. I struggled mightily to control it and get some respectable photos. Feel my agony?

Wait... there's more! I usually attend both days of a weekend air show because the first day is to learn the routines to be better prepared for the photo ops the second day. Didn't matter this past weekend. Saturday's Thunderbird's performance included all six aircraft flying their regular awesome routine. Fantastic performance. But being my first time seeing them perform, I missed a few photo ops. No problem - I'll nail'em Sunday! However, an ill Thunderbird pilot and aircraft issues caused the number of aircraft and the performance to be scaled back. Some maneuvers, and the photo ops, canceled. Nevertheless, still a great improvised performance by some awesome pilots.

In spite of the wind, a great air show with great aerobatic performances, the always fabulous war birds of yesteryear (P-38, P-51 Mustang, B-25 bomber and others), and some runway antics – like a jet-powered truck racing a plane. Though I got a few respectable photos, I'm likely to wear out the “delete” key.

Kudos L.A. County Air Show people... staff and volunteers... for a monumental job done really well!

I checked the Antelope Valley poppy bloom. Good news, somewhat. Not as robust as in previous years but found some fields of poppies blooming.

Seems that most blooms this year are on the valley's eastern edge. Route 138 (Ave. D) between 170th Street W, and 90th Street W south between W. Ave. E to W. Av G. Got it?

Very windy weather is forecast all week for the Antelope Valley which could wreck havoc on the fragile blooms. Remember, poppies remain closed on windy days to protect themselves. Watch weather forecasts for a calm day and GO!

Quickest route: I-5 north to Quail Lake Rd. exit (Hwy. 138). East on 138 to 170th street, go south to Lancaster road towards the Poppy Reserve and just beyond, on the north side, lots of poppies. First timers, check the Poppy Reserve info center. The Reserve reports poppies blooming in the park. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=627
For more photo ops, head east. Lancaster road becomes Ave I. Check between the area between 120th Street W and 90th Street W between Hwy 138 and Ave G.

Happy photoing.

Email comments, suggestions or questions to bob@fillmoregazette.com