Fourth of July in Traverse City

We spent much of the 4th sitting by Grand Traverse Bay watching the Blue Angels fly. Not only did this weekend kick off the National Cherry Festival, but there was also the Airshow. The Angels had been in town for several days practicing for the major performances on Saturday. Practice sessions were basically the same as the main shows. Growing up in Smyrna and living so close to Sewart Air Force Base, we had many opportunities to watch The Thunderbirds fly at all the air shows there, but I guess it was the magnificent setting of the lake and the Angels performing over the lake that made watching them so special.

We didn't really know our way around Traverse yet, but we got lucky the afternoon we went into town to watch the show. We pulled into the Holiday Inn parking lot which was right on the lake. We took our canvas chairs and found a great spot where we could people watch and view the airshow. Many boaters were anchored waiting for the show, too. I don't know how people could get in that cold lake water, but there were many brave souls trying it out. I guess for Michigan, a cool sunny day was all they needed. The water temperature had to be 60ish if that! It was a perfect day for sitting in the sun with a breeze blowing off the lake. Not too hot...just comfortable sitting, watching, and waiting for the show.

Before the Blue Angels performed, there was a pre show of acrobatic flying...here we go Loopty Loop!
Now for the Angels!! There was no doubt they were "in the house" when the six Boeing F/A-18 Hornets came screaming through that blue sky at 1,200 mph mach speed with the blasting sounds of thrusters and high powered turbofan engines roaring! It just sent chills through my body and a tear of patriotism to my eye while watching the choreographed acrobatic maneuvers of these high powered jets. The Blue Angels serve as positive role models and goodwill ambassadors for
the U. S. Navy and Marine Corps.














Be sure you click on any of these pictures to blow them up and get a better look. If you click on the last one, you can almost see the pilots!!

It was a wonderful day spent celebrating not only the 4th of July, but also our 9th wedding anniversary!!