What a Thrill

We made another trip down to Oakley last week. It was the Pioneer Days Celebration. We go each year, but this year was different than most. We didn't have much of an opportunity to participate in the "festivities" like always. Strangely, I felt like I missed out because I didn't get to see friends that I had seen a year before, and I didn't get to watch the parade that lasts only ten minutes. However, we had our own exciting weekend! First, we had a firework show in the driveway. Spectacular, as always! Yes, there is some sarcasm in that statement.

And, we got to watch Oakley's one and only firework show! Each year we gather our chairs and walk down to the end of our road to watch the grand finale of the celebration...

Then, all Saturday we were over at the Air Magic Valley Air Show because my brother Todd was in it. He was there to participate in the showcase of the Air Force's aircraft, the F-16.

I had the chance to sit inside the F-16. It offers little space and millions of switches to choose from. It was really neat.

Lauren got her chance to sit in it too! She doesn't seem fazed at all.

It was a long, hot day over at the show, but we had plenty of food, water, and shade. We sat under the left wing of the F-16. We were really only there to see Todd and the Blue Angels.

Finally, the best part of the whole weekend was watching Todd fly over Oakley, hands down. He was able to fly over the Friday and Monday that we were there. He let us know beforehand, so we were able to get to our positions at the end of Oakley's airstrip and wait. Both days he came down acting like he was going to land and then would take off with the after burner on. One time he was just 20 feet above the ground and my head. It was so loud, and the most thrilling thing I have ever experienced in my life! I am always amazed and proud of Todd.

Yes, that is the Oakley airstrip. It consists of weeds and rocks. Would you want to land here?

A side note: Just recently, I read in a book that it was a big deal when the Oakley airstrip was constructed. Paul Harvey even talked about it on his radio show. So, it makes me wonder what it once looked like and how much it was actually used???