Air Show, Minter Field, Shafter, Ca.

Took a short ride out to Minter Field this afternoon.
Operations at Minter Field began in June 1941.
The field was named in honor of First Lieutenant Hugh C. Minter.

By July 1942, Minter Field had become the largest training base of its type on the West Coast.This is a B-25 Mitchell, a medium bomber named "Heavenly Body"Here is a pair of B-25 bombersHere is a Ford Model "A"
Model "A's" were pre World War II, being produced from 1927 thru 1931.
There were a total of 4,849,340 produced.
B-25 Mitchell with landing gear down. The B-25 Mitchell was named after General Billy Mitchell, a pioneer in military aviation.
The B-25 Mitchell is the only American military aircraft named after a specific person.
Designed at Aero Vodochody in Czechoslovakia, the L-29 Delphin ( "Dolphin") Jet first flew in 1959. The L-29 served as the primary lead in jet trainer for the Soviet Union. Over 3600 L-29's were produced between 1959 and 1974. In addition to Jet Training, the L-29 has been used as a Light Attack aircraft, Photo Reconnaissance aircraft and for Demonstration Aerobatics. The L-29 has trained more Jet Pilots than any other aircraft in history.

Rock Inn, Lake Hughes, California

Pulled the bike out today and headed for the Rock Inn. I passed through the California Poppy Reserve on the way.The Antelope Valley California Poppy State Reserve is a state-protected reserve land located in the rural west side of the Antelope Valley in northern Los Angeles County, 15 miles west of Lancaster. The reserve is at an elevation ranging from 2600 to 3000 feet above sea level in the Mojave Desert climate zone.

The hillsides are blindingly bright orange, with goldfields adding swaths of yellow. Most of the poppies are blooming on the south sides of the hills, but the north slopes have more of a variety of flowers such as owl's clover, forget-me-nots, wild onion, silver puffs, and red maids among poppies and goldfields.Old gas station located at Tree Points.For almost 80 years the Rock Inn has served travelers lucky enough to find their way to the historic location on Elizabeth Lake Road in Lake Hughes, CA. Built in 1929 on the main roadway between Los Angeles and Bakersfield, it was a favorite hideaway retreat for many movie stars in the early days of Hollywood. The huge rock fireplace still warms guests on chilly days and three rustic rooms are available for rent even today.This bike was out front and was getting an amazing crowd checking it out.It is powered by a Rotax 990cc motor.

Lake Hughes is a Natural Lake, fed by underground springs and Mother Nature (rain). Fish in Lake Hughes are plentiful.

Cioppino Feed

Bakersfield West Rotary held its 16^th annual Cioppino Feed on April 5 at Garces High’s Leddy Hall. The event has raised more than $300,000 for local youth charities since 1993.Clams, bursting with flavor were the first course. There was no shortage, eat all you wanted.The Cioppino dinner includes a fresh, crisp salad accompanied by delicious Pyrenees sourdough bread. The tangy Cioppino sauce is a secret to die for. It includes the freshest of ingredients; tomatoes, onions, garlic and other ingredients that will remain secret. The sauce is then layered in bowls with crab legs, shrimp and fresh fish and served on the tables piping hot. Wine was served throughout the dinner while great coffee and desert topped off a festive evening.

Along with over 400 people in attendance there were many corporate sponsors. Thanks to Ted and Jessica for the great evening.

Bakersfield Blaze, 2008 Home Opener

I attended the 2008 Bakersfield Blaze Home Opener on Thursday night with a couple of buddies. It was also Thirsty Thursday promotional night, dollar beers through the 5th inning.A charter member of the California League, the Bakersfield franchise is rich in baseball tradition. Known as the "Blaze" these days, and affiliated with the Texas Rangers, Bakersfield has also been the home of the "Badgers", "Indians", "Boosters", "Bears", "Outlaws", "Mariners and "Dodgers" over the past 53 years.Pregame ceremonies included skydivers presenting the American Flag

Close to 200 current and former major league players have sharpened their skills at Sam Lynn Ballpark, the home field of the Blaze. The 58 year-old facility has seen many grand events over the years. Cleveland Indian pitcher Don Mossi was married at home plate, Hall-of-Fame pitcher Don Drysdale began his professional career as a nervous 17 year-old in 1954, six National League Rookies-of-the-Year (Rick Sutcliffe, Eric Karros, Mike Piazza, Rual Mondesi, Hideo Nomo, Todd Hollandsworth) donned Bakersfield uniforms along their paths to gloryDespite the great players who have passed through Bakersfield, Sam Lynn Ballpark is probably best remembered for being built backwards (the sun sets in the hitters eyes) and the shallow 354 foot centerfield, perhaps the shallowest in professional baseball.This is the reason for such a tall outfield fence.

Opening pitch of the 2008 season