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MEMBER'S TRIPS:

Palm Springs

 
Palm Springs & Palm Springs Air Museum
Feb. 15, 2004
KSEE to KPSP, C-152 - N6400Q
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Lindsey, Club Member and GSFC Alumni		 Downwind abeam KSEE
You've probably seen this several times....
Fire Damage as seen climbing through 4000' or so, east of Ramona. It went on for miles. We made an early departure from KSEE at around 8am. Beautiful clear blue sky. The haze wasn't really obvious until we were on the upwind. This early there wasn't any traffic, and the air was pretty smooth. We made a downwind departure and headed towards JLI. Now this was in a Cessna C-152, so we were climbing most of the way there!!
On the way to the VORTAC we took in the fire damage. Wow. You couldn't count the places where homes once stood, there were so many. The devastation is obvious from the ground, but the vast extent of the area that was affected only becomes clear from the air. This was major destruction. Snow at Cuyamaca and Julan, but no trees due to October Wildfires.
Once at the Airport we discovered the Palm Springs Air Museum! After JLI we flew over Borego Airport and around the southern tip of the range of "hills" that separated us from our goal - PSP. Monitored Approach Control and hailed them when we were over "Oasis". They said head towards Desert Resorts Airport, and then the highway, follow it in. So we did.
We were ultimately cleared for 31 right, and made an acceptable Sunday Morning Landing, if I do say so myself! Ground directed us to Million Air, so off we taxied. Once there, with a little time to kill before our friends (and maybe yours too) Steve and Marne Mason arrived to meet us and show us the town, we decided to take in the Air Museum. It's only a short walk down the road from Million Air. The Palm Springs Air Museum is incredible. 24 World War II vintage aircraft, all but two flyable, are housed here. This is the B-25 Mitchell Bomber.
Vought F4U Corsair. One of the stars of the Pacific Theatre. Very powerful, very beautiful. Steve and Marne showed up while we were walking around, and Steve took in the many classic cars that grace the collection. I fell into a conversation with Roy June, a museum docent, who thrilled me with stories about the museum, it's aircraft, its origins and first-hand accounts from World War II. I was fascinated beyond words. Thanks, Mr. June!
The museum is housed in three purpose built hangers. One side is dedicated to the Pacific Theatre of war, and houses the appropriate aircraft honoring those who fought there. The other side is dedicated to the European Theatre, and houses the B-17, B-25 and their escort aircraft. There are two P-51s there on this day. Oh, and a Spitfire too! Steve and Marne Mason
Steve checks out Mr. Pond's Tucker. One of 51 built! Helicopter engine! Great car!! We poked around the museum and took some photos, checked out the Gift Shop, and then decided to head into town. Palm Springs is a relatively small place, tucked in the shadow of some really imposing mountains. There's a tram to the top, but we didn't have time this trip. Definitely next time though. We prowled around downtown and ate lunch at a great little mexican place. Whatever you want to eat must be available downtown. There were restaurants everywhere, of every type.
Great food and walking around looking into the shops along the main drag, we soaked up the sunshine and great company. Then, all too soon, it was time to take off. Back at Million Air, those fine folks were very accomodating, considering the huge 8 gallons I bought. Can't say enough good things about them. 00Q was right where we left it, and after a good preflight, she brought us home in good time. (for a 152...)All in all, a really nice way to spend the day. One of my favorite A/C. The one and only DC-3/C-47 by Douglas Aircraft.
The Palm Springs Air Museum from N6400Q on climbout. Seven hot-air balloons floating right where I wanted to fly! Oh well, at least I could claim a speed advantage over some pilots today!!
Thanks go to Steve and Marne Mason for making this day special. Also, Million Air, the PSP Tower Crew and the Palm Springs Air Museum folks, Thank you!