Day Trip: Ericson Aviation Collection

Madras, Oregon  H97 L65

Tuesday Judy and I took a short drive to view the Ericson Aviation Collection housed in a large new hanger at the Madras Airport.  The collection consists of 22 restored WWII era aircraft, all but two still fly. This attraction opened last Oct. just before we headed south for the winter.

This collection of aircraft was assembled by Jack Ericson who is well known in aviation circles as an inovator in the use of helicopters in the logging industry and air tankers in fire suppression.  The collection was housed in Tillamook, Oregon for many years but moved to Madras last fall because the climate is so much dryer.  Madras was also a training base for B17 aircrews during WWII. 

The collection is considered one of the best the country.  Judy and I enjoyed the couple of hours we spent there reading about the histories of each of the aircraft. Madras host a large air show each Aug. and this will be a favorite attraction for many of the attendees. 

   

 

    

    

 

    

I almost forgot to mention that I have reached another of life’s milestones, my 65th birthday.  We celebrated with Terry and Rose at the Round Butte Overlook. Judy and Rose had plenty of good eats for us. Judy had also arranged a surprise visit from our son, Jason. He also brought along two of his friends from his days at Georgia College & State Univ., Josh and Minh. It was nice seeing all of them together again.

    

That is all for now.  Thanks for stopping by.

Next Blog: In a week or so

Update: June 13,2015

Madras, Oregon  H82 L44

I have been a little slow to post lately for no particular reason.  I just don’t seem to find the time.  Now that Memorial Day has come the park is in full summer mode. School ended here on Thursday, so we will see full capacity weekends at the park until mid Sept.

Judy and I have enjoyed seeing campers we met last year. For many of the campers Pelton Park is their annual camping event. Often it is a family reunion of sorts, as their children and grand children join them at the park for a few days of relaxation and family time. They tell us they love the park setting and appreciate how clean and well maintained the park is.

Happy Campers – Joe &Judy and kids

We met Joe and Judy last year during their annual visit. Their children came up to join them, another son and his family will be joining them later today.

The temp hit 107’ on Monday but it has since dropped back down to more seasonable temps in the low eighties.  Last night the low temp was 46’. Just right for a good campfire.

Judy and I are planning on getting back into our weekly “day trip” routine next week. We have a few ideas in mind but nothing is ever final until we head out. Stay tuned.

That is all for now.  Thanks for stopping by.

Next Blog: in a week or so.

The Alaskan Cruise Pt3 – The Ship

Madras, Oregon    H72  L56

Note: I have had trouble posting for awhile.

Many people have asked Judy and I many questions about the ship we took on the cruise.  So, I decided to devote a post to the ship. I am not going to get into the engineering statistics because I think pics will answer most of the questions.  One fact that impressed me is, the ship boast over $6,000,000 in art work.

The Celebrity Solstice

    

Judy and I chose to have a stateroom with a balcony. We found the accommodations to be excellent. Suites are available as well as interior staterooms.

       

      

Interior Pics

      

 

    

Dining (Fine and casual)

     

About the Decks

     

    

The cruise was very enjoyable and there was something for everyone. If you want to “dress up” or dress down, there is a venue for you. On board entertainment had all the bases covered as well. Maybe be Judy and I won’t wait another forty years before we take our next cruise.

That is all for now.  Thanks for stopping by.

Next blog: in a week or so.