Friday, September 18, 2015

By Land, Water, and Air

Thought for the day:  For those of you who have never had the pleasure of owning a British car, but want to know what it's like: Next big rainstorm, wait until dark, roll down all the windows, leave off lights and heater and wipers and go for a drive. Stop at every intersection and throw out a twenty dollar bill. It's not exactly the same, but it's real close.  [Mike Nash]

a small sampling of some of the Morgans at the show
I've never owned a British-made car, but I must confess, quite a few of them  make me salivate a teensy bit. Like the 1953 MGTD (preferably a convertible... in green) and just about ANY of the Morgans. This past Saturday was our town's annual British Car Fayre, so there were plenty of snazzy Brit cars available for me to ogle to my heart's content.

For the first time, the car show was also accompanied by a boot sale, and the weather was perfect. Cooler than it's been for a while, and overcast. Kinda like Brit weather, eh? Since I've already posted plenty of pictures from some of the other British Car Fayres we've attended, I'll only share a few this time around. That way, I can save plenty of room for the OTHER spiffy event we attended that day.

1910 Silver Ghost (Rolls Royce)
Not sure, but I think there were even more cars at the show this year than in the past, and quite a few of them were Rolls Royces. This one from 1910 was probably my favorite, though. Talk about classy!









It was a tough choice, but I think this was my favorite Morgan. The Trikings (3-wheelers) are pretty cool, too, but THIS car is king.












an amphibious Lotus!
THIS car is where the water part of this post's title comes into play. It was made to look like the Lotus Esprit submarine from the 1977 James Bond flick The Spy Who Loved Me. But it doesn't just look like the car from the movie... it actually moves in the water! A designer from Wales made it, and it is now owned by a Georgia fella, who launched it in U.S. waters for the first time at our local Lake Lanier.

Okay, ready to head to our next destination? As you can probably guess, it involves airborne vehicles... some very special airborne vehicles.  Some real beauties.


You start with a bag full of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience before you empty the bag of luck.  [WWII military pilot]


Along with the impressive array of planes on display, both on the ground and in the air, there were also a number of WWII veterans and re-enactors there, as well. This properly-garbed re-enactor is standing inside of a WWII field tent, which contains authentic items from that time.







 And this WWII vet is standing beside the same kind of plane he served on as a bombardier. It was an absolute delight and honor to speak with him.












And here's another vet, along with a re-enactor who did a dandy job impersonating General MacArthur. I don't know if you can tell in the photo, but the vet was wearing a bright red smooch mark on his cheek.










Of the WWII vets who were there, this was the only original Tuskeegee airman present. It was a real honor to talk with him, too. At the rate we're losing our WWII vets, it's important to listen to their stories and thank them now, while we can. Also present at the show were representatives from a group with the Atlanta Historical Society, who have already taped hundreds of WWII vets telling their stories, and hope to get as many more recordings as they can, thus saving those stories for posterity. A noble project, don't you think?




Now, a handful of pictures of some things that caught my fancy:








Since I started out with some British cars, I figured I'd include a plane flown by the RAF, too. This one, called a Bulldog, was built by Scottish Aviation. Not for WWII, though. This was flown by the RAF from 1974-2001.



A male pilot is a confused soul who talks about women when he's flying, and about flying when he's with a woman. 

A lot of the nosecone art on WWII planes features various pin-up girls. Here are some I found kinda cool. These particular images were on teeshirts.






I'm glad that quote up there about pilots specifies male pilots, because there were quite a few female pilots during WWII, too.


Here's a couple of them. Unfortunately, it's just a photo of a photo... I didn't see any female WWII vets at the airfield.
















But WWII WASP humor was on display at a reenactor's tent.











We weren't sure if we'd have enough time to do both of these events justice in a single day. But with a positive attitude and lots of walking, we really COULD do it. And it was a lot of fun. I hope you enjoyed making the trip with us.




Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.

51 comments:

  1. Thank you.
    A heart-warming post.
    I believe that the average time that the pilots lasted before being shot down was three weeks. And most didn't survive.
    Scary isn't it?

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    1. The fact that those pilots knew what a dangerous job they had, and how low their odds for survival were, makes their willingness and damn-the-odds eagerness to serve all that more amazing.

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  2. Another interesting post, Susan (what else could I expect from you?) and the photos are fantastic. That header photo is a doozy!
    I've always wanted a 1925 Silver Ghost RR (well, I can dream, can't I ?). I think I remember reading somewhere that a 1912 model went for nearly 7 million bucks at auction.

    If I can't have the RR I'll definitely settle for that red Morgan.

    One of my cats is annoying the hell out of me as I'm writing this. I'll quit while I'm ahead.

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    1. I'm glad you like that header photo. Talk about a plane with character!

      Well, if you want a Silver Ghost, you'd better hurry up and get finished with those memoirs of yours so you can make a bazillion bucks to buy one. And hey! If you're gonna dream, you might as well dream big. Oh yeah, I'd "settle" for that red Moran, too...

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  3. I've seen English cars on TV and in movies, and have to say I don't like them. There's just something about them that makes me say, no thanks, not for me.
    Those planes are great though.

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    1. A lot of British cars have a bit of a bad reputation here, not for their looks but for their lack of reliability. For their break-downability. (Made that word up, but you know what I mean.) It's said the way you can tell if a Brit car is low on oil is if it's not leaking. :)

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  4. I knew a woman who'd worked at the Spitfire factory. She was very tiny and would clean the insides of the planes before they were delivered. One day she was taken up into the air, becaus they didn't know she was still inside. She was 'delivered' along with the Spit'.

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  5. Not su5er I'd ever want a British car. All look so rinky dink. Vets look to be enjoying themselves as well. Nothing wrong with a smooch mark haha

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    1. Some British cars may look a bit rinky-dink, but not ALL of 'em. Of course, the ones that don't are verrrrrry expensive.

      The vets we spoke to definitely seemed to be enjoying themselves. And they gots lots of hugs and kisses.

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  6. Hi Susan - let me put my Brit perspective ... I love British cars - my brother always wanted a Morgan - still to be fullfilled ... I was lucky enough to have an Austin Healy Sprite for four years ... loved it! Those planes are amazing, as too the cars ... it's wonderful they're being preserved and loved .. we've had lots going on here for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain - spitfires and hurricanes did a fly over. I didn't go .. but lots of people have been attending or going to old airfields recently revived and restored after the War ...

    Cheers and fun to see all your photos - Hilary

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    1. Your brother has very good taste. :) I hope he gets his Morgan someday.

      There were lots of Sprites at the show. Last year, one of them had a life-size Austin Powers cardboard cut-out sitting in it. He was a no-show this year, though.

      I agree that it's wonderful that so many of the old cars and planes are being restored. With this year being the 75th anniversary, more people are paying attention to the planes... and to the veterans.

      Cheers back atcha!

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  7. Those British cars are cool! Seeing those planes and the vets must have felt like walking back through time. I love all the things they decorated the planes with back then. And I also loved this quote: "You start with a bag full of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience before you empty the bag of luck. [WWII military pilot]"

    Happy Weekend!

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    1. Seeing those cars and planes was great, but I really enjoyed seeing all the attention those vets were getting. Not that they were seeking it, but it must have felt good to them to be remembered and honored. Not to mention all the hugs and kisses. (They may look old on the outside, but they were definitely delighted by the smooches.)

      Isn't that a great quote>

      You have a super weekend, too!

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  8. Love the airplane pinup pics, they would probably be deemed offensive today in a different way in WWII.

    DOn't even get me started on those British roadsters. Loved the Morgan and the MG TD/and TF's. My heart goes pitty-pat for my old 1958 MGA.

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    1. The WWII pin-up girls were great. Even though they were sexy, they weren't at all raunchy, so they maintained a certain girl-next-door wholesomeness.

      Ahhh, someone else who appreciates the ol' MGTDs. I used to fantasize about owning one of them when I was a teen. As much as I love the Morgan, I know it's outta my league. Unless I hit it big in the lottery. (But that means I'd have to waste my money buying a ticket...)

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  9. Don't know anything about British cars, but if it runs, I'll take it! Car - less right now, seriously needing some wheels. If I had them I could escape! And there you have it the reason I don't! :)
    Love the pictures! Have always loved planes and used to take picture after picture of them taking off. Amazing machines! Looks like an amazing day! Odd they had no female pilots on hand - new or old, but lots of pin-ups. My mom used to draw them. Lovely girls, and with meat on their bones!!!
    Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Oh, that's right. I forgot about you car plight. Bummer. But just think of all the exercise you're getting! (I know. I'll shut up.)

      Yeah, it would have been nice if there had been a couple female pilots on hand. As much as I admire all of the WWII pilots, the women were in a class of their own, and got very little recognition.

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  10. excellent day. As you can tell from previous posts, Ray and I are car show and air show kinda people. We could have hung out together. Anyway - love the RR Ghost. As far as air show - very cool to meet and chat with a Tuskegee Airman - so much history. They were brave men. And the women who donned pants back in the day took great strides - Men Buzz off indeed. Ha! So what's up for this weekend? Hope it's a good one. Take care.

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    1. I KNOW! We would have sooooo much fun together!

      We haven't decided what we're gonna do this weekend. This Saturday, anyway. Sunday, the Falcons are playing, so we'll be parked in front of the TV. We have a bunch of possibilities for tomorrow, and the weather is supposed to be ideal, so whatever we do, it's gonna be good.

      Happy weekend! I hope you guys have something fun planned, too.

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  11. I loved this post. Of course I did, it was all about British cars! :-) We did own a Rover but then we learnt that the factory was closing and... we traded it in. Traitors, I know. My wife more than me. at least I have the excuse of being born abroad.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. I really like some of the Rovers. We once saw one that came with a tent designed to be pitched right on its roof. Best appearance of a Rover in a movie has got to be "The Gods Must Be Crazy." Hilarious!

      Greetings back atcha.

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  12. It sounds great--I wish I could have gone with you!!

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    1. It WAS great! Too bad you weren't there, because we would've had a blast.

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  13. Two of my favorite things...car shows and air shows! Lucky you had both in one day. The Lake Mirror Classic car show is coming up in October, hint hint.

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    1. I know! How cool was that... a double header day! We loved the show at Mirror Lake... both the cars, and the wooden Chris Craft boats, but alas, we won't be down that-a-way to see it this year. Not sure about the future, either, because the kids moved to Ocala.

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  14. Delighted with your photo with the surviving Tuskeegee Airman --such dignity. And of Susan "...The Riveter" --found the whole post riveting, especially your favorite car. Mine too, but what year? 1st take was '63 Roadster+4 but then saw the rims and hubcaps from this century --no wire wheels-- and couldn't decide what I was looking at but sure liked it anyway. Great post, Susan.

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    1. I'm glad you found the post to be riveting, dude.

      As for what year, I don't think I'd turn ANY Morgan down. :)

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  15. I do like the looks of Brit cars but from people I know who own them, there is a lot of maintenance and money involved. They do make a pretty car though.

    Those sweet old vets. I would love to give a kiss to them them all, although they would probably rather a younger woman.

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    1. I know what you mean. Some of the people I know who own British cars have to work on them all week so they can drive them on the weekend.

      Hey! Guess what? From the perspective of those sweet old vets, we ARE younger women! :)

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  16. Susan, it looks and sounds like you two had a lot of fun... I agree we all need to sit down and listen to a veteran... their stories are very important xox

    I like the look of a Brit car but I think the expense wouldn't be worth it... xox

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    1. We really did have a lot of fun, and you're right about the vets...

      Not all Brit cars are expensive. Just the ones I wouldn't mind owning. :)

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  17. I love seeing these vets around. They have so much to tell us. That Lotus looks so cool.

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    1. Me, too. And now that their numbers have dwindled so much, more of them are willing to tell their stories.

      That Lotus was the most unusual vehicle there. Too bad we didn't get to see her in action in the water, too. :)

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  18. Sorry I'm late to the party, but your post didn't show up on my feeds, so I came a-huntin' for ya.

    They certainly don't make them like they used to. Wonderful pictures. I love to hear the experiences that the VETS, both British and American, went through. Such Bravery.

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    1. You aren't late to the party, my dear. I saved some of the best food just for you...

      If you spend time talking to WWII vets... just about any vets, for that matter... they don't consider themselves brave, no matter how amazing their experiences or how heroic their actions. And despite how many years have passed, they still get very emotional when talking about the other men they served with. I suspect there's a lot of this same mentality in the young men and women serving in combat zones now.

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  19. Sounds like you had fun. And I enjoyed this virtual tour with you!

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    1. We did have fun! I'm glad you enjoyed coming along with us. :)

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  20. Wow, where to start? First off, I love those old British roadsters. Morgan in particular. I'd buy a Morgan 3 Wheeler like in that first pic in a heartbeat. Such a cool ride.

    Also, I love those planes, especially the one with the Memphis Belle on the side. The beer I've been drinking this week is crafted after those lovely lady pinups on the side of fighter planes, so this post definitely has a special place in my heart.

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    1. Yeah, I'd buy one of those Trikings in a heartbeat, too, only they want so MUCH money for them. Too bad Hertz doesn't rent something like that.(Lat time we had to get a rental, we were stuck with a butt ugly KIA Soul,)

      The Memphis Belle on display wasn't the original, which I believe burned up. It was, however,the plane used in the movie. Hmmm, a beer crafted after pin-ups, eh? I'll definitely have to check that out.

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  21. Cool cars and planes! I enjoyed seeing your photos. Sounds like a fun (and full!) day. You look so cute in that cut-out photo. :D

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  22. My grandpa was a WWII vet. Last time we visited, we sat down with a recorder and had him tell us about his experiences. It was epic.

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    1. That's fantastic. I'm so glad you were able to do that.

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  23. What a great way to spend the day! I'd love to take my Dad to this. There is a museum in Kalamazoo Michigan with similar planes we went a couple years ago.

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    1. It was a fabulous way to spend the day. We've been to quite a few great aircraft museums, but there's something special about seeing them at an airport... and taking flight. And talking to some of the men who flew in them seventy years ago.

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  24. What a great way to spend the day! I'd love to take my Dad to this. There is a museum in Kalamazoo Michigan with similar planes we went a couple years ago.

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  25. Oh my God that looks like so much fun! I'm a huge cars fan so... I'm kinda drooling over those photos, lol. Glad you had a good time!

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    1. It was a lot of fun. We go to a lot of drool-worthy shows. :)

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