The PIMA Air & SM is located on the southern edge of the Bone Yard, almost directly south of the location of our current home. It’s 5.8 miles and 11 minutes away from us. Since Diane was driving, we made it in 9 minutes and she shaved off a couple miles by taking shortcuts not made readily apparent on the map.

We had Max with us so the only place we couldn’t go was the gedunk because there’s food in the area and they frown on having dogs around. So, we didn’t go there. That word, by the way, is recognized as a valid definition of any facility that sells junk food. Ask any sailor or marine who has been to sea.

The first thing we did upon arrival was take a walk to the area where the tram ride starts. We figured that would be the best way to get a feel for the area. That was a good choice because most of the planes on display live in the great outdoors. Yes, there are many that live inside but we haven’t seen them yet. No, we bought a ticket that allows us to make two trips to the museum and that was a good idea, too, because of the size of this place.

The tram tour guide/tram driver gave us a lot of history about many of the planes on display but he did so in a way that made it clear he’d done this so many times he no longer found it interesting. We managed to ignore the delivery and focused on the content to get the information. Pretty amazing stuff, for sure. If you’re ever down here, go there.

When we departed the tram at the end of the 45 minute tour, Diane and Max took a seat outside the gedunk near a playground type facility for kids. I learned later that Max had a great time visiting with strangers.

While they rested, I took a walking tour of about 1/2 of what we saw and took a bunch of photos. My main objective was to find an F-4 Phantom so I could include it herein for Les. I found the plane and got the photo but getting it to my computer for use is a difficult task. It will show up eventually.

I returned to Diane and Max and learned about all the fun he had licking new people. Diane got to visit with them while Max was busy. Those of you who know Max are aware of how quickly he can lick the roof of your mouth if you get too close.

Going through Hangar 1 on our way back to the car was eventful because there were lots of people who willingly dropped to a knee for Max making his trip here memorable. Then, during an interlude, he circled up like he does before ejecting the remnants of unused food particles and dropped it right on a very shiny cement floor. It wasn’t difficult to remove and cleanup, so it was OK. He wasn’t the least bit embarrassed about it. Neither was I. Diane, maybe a little.

Ah, the F-4 finally showed up in my photos. Here you go, Les …

Sorry I didn’t get a profile show of this. I’ll do that when we go back for our second tour.

I had to stop writing for a while because I had to watch #1 Texas get beat up by#6 Georgia. Because of that, I’m pretty sure #2 Oregon (7-0) will move up to #1 and Texas will drop under Georgia since they both have the same win/loss record (6-1). Hope the #1 slot doesn’t go to the Ducks’ head and screw them up.

G’night.