*Featuring guest diarist, Graham Nelson*
Whilst the gents in Olympia took in some heritage and culture, the rest of the group accepted a kind invitation from US shooter, Anette Wachter, to the shores of Lake Washington. Here we were promised a relaxed afternoon of food, drink and swimming in the lake (for those who felt the urge), set against the backdrop of power boat racing and aerial displays from the US Navy’s Blue Angels (the US equivalent of the Red Arrows).
The promises were quite correct, and while Dave Crispin and the Adj. set about stripping the shelves of the local organic, bohemian food store (with an astounding array of local craft beers), the rest of team set up shop. As Simon Carson and Rory MacLeod took on a square peg, round hole challenge, in the form of fixing the access ladders to the pontoon, the more seasoned travellers in the team set up their deck chairs in prime viewing spots.
Over the next 3 hours, we were treated to astounding aerobatic biplane flying, a mock air-sea rescue mission, powerboat racing, and a spot of heritage ourselves, with a WWII flying display. The 8-year-old child (and his Airfix kits) in this part time diarist was brought back to life, as a steady stream of Corsairs, Douglas Invaders, Kittihawks, Mitsubishi Zeros and many more vintage war birds zoomed around Lake Washington to their own bone-rumbling soundtrack.
This was followed by a breath-taking display of aerobatic and close formation flying from the Blue Angels. The food and drink flowed, but not as fast as you might imagine, as no one would risk turning their back on the lake, lest something was missed.
Thanks were given, lollipops handed out, and cars packed before the long journey down to the Tri-Cities area, along the impressive Columbia River and her various dependent industries, including horticulture, viticulture and gravel.
Many thanks, Graham. The diarist and three other members of GBRT decided to head west, instead of north, and found themselves in Olympia, the state capital of Washington. Here, they visited the State Capitol building, the home of government in Washington. A guided tour allowed us to admire the prominent masonry, which pervades the building. However, despite its grand appearance, the structure was only completed in 1928.
History learned, gift shop raided, the non-aerobatic members of GBRT began the lengthy drive to Richland, slightly ahead of the rest of the team. Richland was the home of the Hanford site, which was where Plutonium was generated for the Manhattan Project, during the Second World War. As Graham has already alluded to, the landscape changes dramatically from the wooded peaks of Mt Rainier National Park, to the arid plains of the Tri-Cities area. A mere four hours later, the advance party, having crossed the desert, arrived at the Days Inn Richland, a traditional American motel (in every sense). Here, they awaited the arrival of the rest of the team, before dining in the appropriately named Atomic Ale Brewpub & Eatery.
Once again, an early night was called for, as GBRT was due at its next shooting venue, Rattlesnake Range, at 7am the next morning. The diarist is not sure which he is looking forward to less: the fabled “30 minutes in either direction” winds or the 37 degree (99 Fahrenheit) heat, both of which are regular features of the aforementioned range.
Lollipop awards (Day 9):
Good – Dave Crispin, for sourcing and cooking all the food for the day (with significant help from Stephen Penrose). Marilyn, for hosting us so generously.
Bad – Simon Carson, for asking what time we were shooting (on our rest day), first thing this morning.