Mesa, Az to San Diego, Ca

   
     Before departing Mesa, we had a little more sightseeing to accomplish, and the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force seemed like something we should take a look at.   We found this "living" museum just a few miles down the road, and it is worth the $15/pp admission fee. Visitors to the museum, are able to experience up close and personal, vintage aircraft such as the B-17G Flying Fortress,

the B-25 Mitchell, along with several others. Amazingly, these aircraft are also available as revenue rides, and if you're ready to pony up a couple of $$$'s, be ready to climb aboard for the ride of a lifetime.  While they are sitting on the ground, visitors are able to climb aboard for a "crawl" through as I would describe it.  The aircrew must have been a little bit smaller than I currently am, as I found it quite cozy working my way down through the aircraft.

There was also an F-4 Phantom on display (my personal favorite) and many many more.  For anyone having an interest in vintage aircraft, this museum in Mesa, Az is a must see.
     Remarkably, we also stumbled upon a evening dinner show featuring the world famous Riders in the Sky, starring Ranger Doug, Woody, Too Slim, and Joey!  These guys are America's Favorite Cowboys.  They've been performing for over 37 years, and received 2 Grammy Awards for their musical scores in the Toy Story movies.  Remember the good old days when there were 3 TV stations and there was plenty to watch?

 As opposed to today, where there are 180 TV stations, and nothing to watch. They put on a very good show, stayed afterwards to sign autographs and get pictures.  Couldn't pass up getting a picture with Ranger Doug.  Remember, you guys loved Toy Story, so don't pick on me!

     But Saturday was upon us and we needed to get moving west. Debbie had us up bright and early Saturday morning and we headed west to the   Chula Vista RV Resort to begin our visit with  Ben, Joanne, and the PGD.  We pushed the 340 miles or so across the desert, and up the "grade" out in Jacumba without any problem.  We were both familiar with the "grade". I had worked that stretch of I-8 for nearly 10 years in my beginning days with the BP.  Debbie has been up and down it enough to remember that she never liked it.  The road works its way up the mountainside from sea level to over 3000 feet in about 15 minutes of driving, and the diesel engine of Big Red had little difficulty making the climb.  I think it actually shifted down to 3rd gear once, but maintained 45 mph all the way. Actually, the more exciting part is coming down the other side.  Remember, we're heading for San Diego Bay, which puts us back to sea level!  Only this time it's about 40 miles.....downhill!  The grades are only about 6%, but they go on and on.  The jake brake did it's job just fine, and we coasted smoothly into San Diego.
     The weather has been blistering to say the least, since we arrived.  I hate to say it, but we're setting new heat records daily....well into the 90's!  A little too hot to be out and about doing the tourist thing.  Debbie is cleaning up Big Red, and I'm trying to get this up to date a little better.  I'm sure I'm forgetting things, and breezing over others, but I'm trying.  Traffic is horrendous out here, and everyone seems to be in a hurry.  Not sure where they're going.  I remember now why we left.  Gonna cool off starting tomorrow, so I'm sure we'll get out of the campground.  Keep you posted.