B-17 Bomber

Early next week, I should be adding another chapter to my short but unique list of flying experiences.
And it comes within a month of the 30th anniversary of my most memorable, and as some pholks still remind me, dumbest thing I've ever done, my brief stint atop the upper wing of a 650-hoursepower bi-plane at the Visalia Airport.

Next Monday, I am scheduled for a flight around Visalia on a vintage B-17 bomber, a famed Flying Fortress. And no, I have not nor will I ask to ride on the wing of the four-engine war machine, a suggestion which already has been made by several pholks who continue to remind me of my wing-walking adventure. That adventure isn't something which will escape my memory. I hope.

As some of you may recall, I have a fear of heights but over the years have flown in two hot air balloons, the Goodyear blimp, a helicopter, a couple other vintage WW II era trainers and two jetliners, along with several trips in smaller private propeller-driven planes – about 15 flights, all but one as an inside passenger. Flights aboard the Space Shuttle, a P-51 Mustang and an FA-18 Blue Angels jet are still on the to-do list which likely isn't going to be fulfilled.

I have been to lots of air shows and marveled at aircraft of all types. Hang gliding, sky diving and para-sailing are among the adventures I have given some thought, but never enough to pursue because of one simple reason: fear. I have met the height fear challenge in other ways including, but not limited to, standing along the edge of the majestic Big Sur Highway, walking around atop the Space Needle in Seattle and going out on the edge of a really scary ledge at the rim of the Grand Canyon. All have been real achievements in challenging my fear of heights. But I really don't have a real fear of flying, although I can't say I'm absolutely relaxed when airborne

But getting to ride in one of the most famed American war planes will be a thrill and an experience I no doubt will talk about for a long time, probably more often than some pholks will appreciate. I'll handle that

ANOTHER THING WHICH HAS BEEN HANDLED is the major revamping of Recreation Park which, except for a few furnishing details that should be completed soon, is ready for opening day.

The multiple-million buck upgrading of the old ballpark seems to have generated added interest as the Rawhide, a.k.a. the Oaks to many of us die-hards, gear up for a new season. Curiosity, of course, will be a factor which likely will bring more fans into the park where professional ball has long been part of Visalia's sports and recreation pastimes.

Despite the rigors of still having inadequate or at least confusing parking, Recreation Park still is one of the most fan-friendly professional baseball parks in the country. There are no bad seats and the intimacy of the stadium, much like Wrigley Field in Chicago and Fenway Park in Boston, except on a much smaller scale, are factors which will continue.

Heck pholks, I might even get used to calling those guys the Rawhide instead of the Oaks. But I still think I will have a little bit of problem warming up to the mascot Tipper, who, or which, just doesn't remind me of anything to do with Rawhide. That thing doesn't have any resemblance to Clint Eastwood.

Miles can be reached at mshuper@valleyvoicenewspaper.com