Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Skywatch Friday - Thunderbirds

First I'd like to answer a couple of questions from my last post's comments, about the inflatable building. Kaori, the air pressure within the building isn't high enough to make a difference in the game. However, our altitude does. The air pressure here is about three-quarters that of sea level, and that means that golf balls travel further and tennis balls behave differently. Carolyn, I've never heard of one of these buildings rupturing, but I wouldn't want to be inside it during one of our big thunderstorms with large hail. My son thinks that this type of building is no different to play in than any other indoor tennis court.

Now, on to the Skywatch Friday post. I was at the Air Force Academy yesterday for graduation (congratulations to the cadet we sponsor), and thought some pictures I took of the Thunderbirds would make a good post. I was certainly looking skyward when I took these photographs - the first one was hard to get as the planes were passing each other going in opposite directions at very high speed!

Whether they're passing each other up close at high speeds...
... or overtaking while one plane is upside down...
...or simply flying in close formation...
...these pilots are spectacular. Here's to the United State Air Force Thunderbirds Team.
And congratulations to the United States Air Force Academy class of 2010!

30 comments:

Sylvia K said...

Fantastic captures, Al! It's always breathtaking to watch these guys perform and you caught all of the excitement! Terrific shots for the day! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Sylvia

Hilda said...

Whoa! These are awesome — both your shots and the pilots!

Hubby dear is looking over my shoulder, and I think you can guess what he said about the second photo. :)

Clytie said...

What awesome shots!

When I lived in Colorado Springs our balcony overlooked the Air Force Base (some distance away) and we used to sit outside during the air shows and enjoy. Didn't have a camera back then, though, so all I have are wonderful memories.

Regina said...

Wow! fascinating and truly awesome.
Great captures!
Congrats and cheers to the graduates.
Happy weekend ahead.

Anonymous said...

Ecellent captures...congrats

http://graceolsson.com/blog/2010/05/search-by-cora-coralina-at-sky-friday/

whatandysees said...

Good captures here, not an easy subject!.... Thanks for sharing..

Robin said...

Stunning shots. As someone with four generations of pilots in the family these take my breath away. I can only imagine what my grandfather (who flew with Billy Mitchell in the cap and goggles days) would say...

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overtiredmum said...

Those are amazing - not sure what I'm most impressed with - you managing to catch them of the skill of the pilots. Lokks like a good day xo

Tricia said...

I can't believe how perfect they fly & they make it look so easy, but I know it's anything but!

Happy SWF!

Max-e said...

Cool shots Al. I never miss an airshow, if one comes to our city. Have a great day

EG Wow said...

The Thunderbirds are amazing to watch in person...but I haven't seen them for years! GREAT photos.

Anya said...

Wow!!
Wow!!
Wow!!
awesome sky shots :-)

(@^.^@)

ewok1993 said...

fabulous coverage. i hope i have a sophisticated camera to capture action shots like this.

enjoy the rest of the week.

ρομπερτ said...

A deep bow in respect of the photography and of course of its content.
Please have a wonderful Friday.

daily athens

Samson said...

Terrific captures Al!

Gumbaz, Srirangapatna

Anzu said...

(≧∇≦)ъ COOL!

Thank you for sharing amazing shots.

Donna (Texas) said...

WOW! These are Great!!

Lorac said...

Great post for SWF! Those shows always scare me but are certain;y incredible to see!

Carolyn Ford said...

Wow, I like these! What fun it is to get these shots...I bet you neck was aching by the end of the show! Beautiful captures and worth any pain, I am sure.

J Bar said...

Awesome shots.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

Tabib said...

Great action photography.
Wow!.. that 2nd pic - really close for comfort.

A Garden of Threads said...

Those a great shots. Perfect:)

~Cheryl said...

What a thrill! You managed to get some fantastic shots! Have a wonderful weekend!

Arija said...

WOW! What fabulous captures!

Joyful said...

Absolutely beautiful.

Kcalpesh said...

They did it bravely and you captured it wonderfully! Thanks for sharing these amazing captures!

Pixellicious Photos

Jim Klenke said...

Incredible shots

Dave said...

Awesome is the word.

LV said...

This is an amazing team and so are your great photos.

Ann said...

Help, my heart stopped when I looked at your second photo.

My respects for your memorial day.

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