Monday, September 21, 2015

Planes

I have always loved planes since I was a kid and wanted to be a pilot but life didn't turn the way I wanted so the dream never happened.   With my brother in New Jersey visiting us for the weekend, what better way to spend the Saturday together than by taking a motorcycle ride to New Hope and Van Sant Airport in Pennsylvania.  About ten miles after I left my house I reached a milestone with my Yamaha Super Tenere and quickly pulled to the side of the road to record the moment and spot.  I have now done 40 thousand happy miles on my baby.



On the way to New Hope we rode through back roads to Veterans Park in Hamilton, a place I pass everyday on the way to work.  At the entrance to the park there's a McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom, an airplane I have always admired.  A few years ago I assembled a model which sits in my office at home together with other model airplanes.  Below is my model, a naval version of the Phantom.


We stopped at the entrance for a few photos and then proceeded into the park to see the 9-11 Memorial.  




Hamilton township received a steel beam from the World Trade Center as a reminder of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.  There's also a stone dedicated to the memory of The Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders.  The township lost four residents on Sept. 11, 2001, and two township firefighters as members of the Urban, Search and Rescue team were sent to the city on a recovery mission.



McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom

On the other side of the park there's a Bell AH-1 Cobra, a two-blade, single engine attack helicopter and an M60 Patton, a main battle tank introduced in December 1960.  We took a few photos and then left heading west towards New Hope.  Lunch was calling.




We arrive in New Hope and head to The Landing Restaurant, Riverside Terrace & Bar.  The restaurant sits on the edge of the Delaware River.  After a very tasty ham and brie cheese sandwich and an ice tea, we leave and head north to Van Sant Airport.



A beautifully chromed Indian with tan leather seat and bags.


Van Sant Airport is the perfect location to hangout and relax while watching these wonderful biplanes taking visitors around the area.  One of these days I will take a ride but first I need to save money.


We stayed for a little over an hour which allowed me to capture footage of one of the biplanes taking off and another landing.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did hearing the wonderful sound of the radial engines.



3 comments:

  1. Very cool! My Dad was a Crew Chief on the F-4 before and after Vietnam! Aviation and motorcycles are my two favorite hobbies!

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    1. I have always loved the Phantom, the wing shape makes it such a recognizable airplane. I love planes and motorcycles too.

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  2. Great pictures George. I always enjoy seeing planes and love going to air and space museums.

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