So I took a five-day trip to Rockville, Maryland to visit family friends. This was for relaxation more than anything, because work has been pretty exhausting. I would have been perfectly happy lounging all day, but my host took me shopping at a couple used bookstores. (End-of-week haul: eight volumes, four of which are about WWII Commandos, two of which are by Peter Young.)
Then on Wednesday we visited Udvar-Hazy, the "annex" to the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. My host was happy just trailing behind me while I reeled off useless trivia. We didn't bother taking a proper tour, but were able to see most everything in just two hours! It's one big hangar.
My favorites were the Westland Lysander (first picture), some of the rare Nazi planes, and the WWI and '30s aircraft. Of course there are the big ones - Enola Gay, space shuttle Discovery, a Concorde and SR-71, but I've seen these types all before at other museums. I remember Enola Gay caused trouble when it was first brought to the museum, and it is not set off in any way frm the rest of the collection, while Bockscar at the Dayton USAF museum has a more interesting and thoughtful display about the history behind it.
Also, Flak-Bait, the longest-serving B-26 Marauder, can be seen in the restoration area - they are giving it back its wings and tail.
Pics aren't of the best, but hope you like them.
