I visited several stores and tried on several hats but didn't find one that I felt like paying the asking price for. Empty handed, I head home to see if something already in my reenacting wardrobe will work. The eventual answer to that is "no". So back to the mall we go, wherein we shop at John Lewis and the nice sales clerk gives us a few tips on how hats should be worn. Armed with my new tips, we go back to some of the stores where there were "maybe hats" and left the mall empty handed again. It's now Thursday night and I have to have a hat for the morning so back to John Lewis we go to get that hat that was expensive but perfect on me only to find that it's gone . . but the runner up is still there so it's SOLD and we're off for home.
For the occasion I've opted for the dress worn for the June wedding and the hat has been picked accordingly.
When we arrive I note that most ladies have opted for more of a business suit ensemble with their hats. Lesson learned.
Air Tanker had sponsored our VIP tickets for this day and they put together a fabulous sponsor's tent and an even more fabulous lunch (but lunch was later so back to the current).
We hung out in the sponsor's tent area for a little bit and then we could hear the flying starting. David obtained a schedule and we were pleased to see that there would be flights almost all day which was great! The variety of planes and countries would be astounding throughout the day . . as long as the rain held off.
Of course the big draw for the day, and the reason that it was limited to VIP only, was the retirement and issuance of new colors to the RAF from Her Majesty! So off we head at the appropriate time towards the grandstands so we can see all the action. The RAF formations were crisp. The RAF bands were excellent. And Her Majesty arrived in all the regalia that she's entitled to.
The ceremony was beautiful
And then the clouds started looking ominous
So most of the grandstands decided to exit before it was truly time. Although I wonder at the sanity of this decision since transportation wasn't available yet and so that meant walking toward the inclimate weather to get to the VIP tents. Needless to say we didn't make it. The wind picked up and the rain started in big heavy drops before it maintained it's torrential downpour. Someone was nice and caught my hat before it got too far on the wind. Although I'd opted for a relatively waterproof coat, I was soaked all the way through by the time we made it back . . all of us were soaked. Interesting thing about the points of the skirt on my dress, the water collects there as the rest of the dress drip dries. The wait staff found some towels for us to use to dry off and we all carefully placed our hats and coats somewhere where we hoped they would dry off. David even gave in and ended up taking his uniform coat off.
We sat down to a spectacular lunch and enjoyed the company of those who were at our table. We all attempted to keep from shivering as the wet and air-conditioning didn't make the best environment. Gladly the rain let up enough that the RAF 90 plane fly-by could still take place.
Shortly after, the rain started up again. Some of the flights delayed and some of them went on schedule despite the weather. WE saw what we could from the cover of the VIP tent. However, when it came time for the F-22 to fly, the three of us were attempting to see whatever we could see. David had been kind enough to locate him for us earlier in the day on the runway so we were watching the planes with rapt attention so we wouldn't miss a minute of his flight. While the rain continued, the F-22 didn't move. Approximately 1 hour after his originally scheduled flight time, there was movement around the F-22 and it proceeded to the runway. The word spread quickly through the tent and everyone was attentively gathered to see the F-22 fly. And we weren't disappointed. You can see video of his flight by clicking play on the videos outlined below.
Onlookers were heard to comment: It floats in the air like a piece of paper.
Onlookers were heard to comment: There isn't anyone who is going to want to follow that show.
Onlookers were heard to comment: Is this the American plane? Definitely, there isn't any of the rest of us countries that could afford such technology.
Onlookers were heard to comment: WOW, well worth the wait!
With the F-22 flight being over and our need to get across base before things closed, we made our good-byes and headed out. As we travelled across to the other side of the base however it was tempting to continue to watch the planes as they flew.
So all in all, we got very wet, but we had a VERY good time!!!
For all the photos taken at this great international event, please click on the slideshow below:
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