Maid in the Shade

It was a monochromatic day -- low cloud, mist, and intermittent rain. I checked the weather radar and it looked as if it might be brighter at the airport, where there was a visiting WWII bomber on display, so I went to take a look.

The B-25 Mitchell bomber, Maid in the Shade, is on tour after a 28-year restoration by the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force. The visit here, arranged in conjunction with our local Heritage Flight Museum, offered tours of the interior and scenic flights; however, the low visibility prevented any flights today.

The airplane was cordoned off by a rope barrier in front, making it impossible to get a decent head-on photo. The barrier was under the watchful eye of a few youths in uniform. Egged on by another visitor, I slipped under the rope and grabbed a quick photo, but the cadets were on to me before I could get very far. I gave up and went to photograph the museum's resident aircraft collection.

On my way out, I told one of the museum volunteers closer to my age (in other words, another geezer) about my disappointment. He took me back and instructed the youths to let me get my photo, as long as I didn't stray more than 20 feet past the rope. I didn't push my luck and just grabbed one more shot.

You can see the rest of my photos here.