Re: [Paddlewise] Paddling in North Texas

In a message dated 10/24/1999 8:16:41 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
mslammers_at_earthlink.net writes:

>  It is quite spectacular to be in your kayak and have an F-16
>  screaming right overhead.

     One of my most memorable kayaking experiences was paddling on Spa Creek 
in Annapolis while  directly  overhead the Navy's Blue Angels  made  practice 
passes prior to performing for the Naval Academy's  commencement exercises.   
 The juxtaposition of paddling a craft as simple and ancient as a kayak in 
the solitude of calm waters,  yet being periodically interrupted by  32,000 
pounds of thrust of an F/A-18 Hornet thundering less than 100 feet overhead 
was ironic.  
    The pilots would come in low over the creek and, when directly over my 
boat, begin their maneuvers by shooting skyward on their approach to the 
academy grounds on the  Severn River.   The power and the beauty of the 
planes, and what they symbolize, was simply awe inspiring.  My only problem 
was keeping from capsizing  as I craned my neck to follow their flight path!  
 

                                    Robb Holt
                                    Maryland 

PS:  Fly Navy!   (Sorry, couldn't resist)
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