Chasing contrails, and rare glimpses of things few have ever seen, came after a life long love of flying, and travelling.
I've seen the shuttle at 10 times the speed of a bullet. A spy plane, at the edge of space, taking pictures along the east coast. The legendary Concorde, glide to a landing, low over the city. And the haunting stealth bomber, circle the Space Needle, during a PR flight.
Meteor fireballs; strobing spacejunk tumbling; and a 20 LB meteorite on a beach, have all crossed my path.
But only one experience can be had, in the high deserts of Nevada. Capturing America's military flying elite, at their very best:
In a jeep on the ridge of a 20 mile canyon, the sun's set over the black rock desert. Desolate, save for a road runner; and the distant "boom" overhead, sounding the arrival of the 'Unexpected Guest'. A stealth bomber.
The CB radio crackles to life; through the static, comes the call: "REAPER, TWO-FOUR -- in range."
And a breath later: "BANDIT SIX, pressing JEDI TRANSITION"
A building dust storm trails sharply across the canyon floor. Pushing thunder ahead of it; ricocheting off cliffs and granite sidewall.
There, emerges a jackknifed silhoutte, with 2 darts in trail. In flowing lines, moving as water; around buttes and hills.
Then the vanguard breaks off, shadowing their charge. And radios: " EXITING POINT JULIET".
I log my sightings, and review the film. Certain, this will be one for the history books.
