Day 10: Wright Patterson Air Force Base Museum

This morning we awoke to a slushy Ohio. Apparently the forecast was calling for ten inches of snow! The locals were shocked and it was quite apparent from their driving that they were unaccustomed to our typical Canadian winter weather. After we were up, we headed to the Wright Patterson Air Force Base Museum in two groups...an early group and a late group. The first group arrived at the museum at around nine, while the second group didn't mosey over until closer to noon.

It was to the disappointment of the second group that they learned the museum would be closing at two o'clock due to the weather outside. Needless to say, the second group took a more hasty tour of the museum. After they nearly convinced the museum staff to let them use electric scooters, the second group took off running. Even at high speeds the tour was fascinating. We saw all sorts of early planes, Cold War aircraft, modern fighters, missiles, spacecraft, and more! In the pictures below are the incredible F-22 Raptor, and the SR 71 Blackbird. In addition to the museum displays, the museum also boasted a tour of Air Force One, a colossal Imax theater, and an incredible gift shop. Both groups could have spent more time in the museum. There is a possibility we may visit again tomorrow.



After the museum, we set off in search of food, and a very elusive mall. After receiving conflicting directions from the locals, we at last made it, but not before passing a Tim Horton's! We fully intend to visit it before we leave and check that the service and everything is according to acceptable Canadian standards. In the mall we window shopped, but were disappointed to see that many of the stores were closing already, despite the fact that it was early in the afternoon. We soon learned that it was due to the weather. According to Ohio's system, it was a class 2 blizzard, meaning businesses close early, and citizens are urged not to travel unless necessary. We left the mall and headed over to a restaurant called the Golden Corral. It was a buffet and it was all you could eat. Having worked up quite the appetites, we shamelessly devoured platefuls of food. The food was delicious, and the staff were friendly. While we were at the restaurant we learned that later in the evening the class 2 status of the blizzard would shift to a class 3. This meant that after 8 pm all vehicular travel would be prohibited, and violators would be ticketed! If the same standards were followed in Winnipeg, citizens would basically face mandatory hibernation!

Looking at the photo below, it is quite difficult to imagine that only a few short days ago we were enjoying the Beaches of the Gulf coast! It certainly highlights the amazing variety that North Americans can experience. From white sand and warm temperatures, to white snow and cold! Perhaps this weather can be thought of as a "test run...." assuredly, it is getting us ready for Winnipeg again!

After supper, we returned once again to our economical hotel, the Economy Inn. We vegged out and watched a movie before checking the weather and retiring for the evening. The forecast looked anything but encouraging, with ominous fronts seemingly everywhere! It is very possible we will be spending another day in the wintry wonderland state of Ohio. Until tomorrow, thanks for reading...we'll keep you posted!

He sends out His command to the earth;
His word runs very swiftly.
He gives snow like wool;
He scatters the frost like ashes;
He casts out His hail like morsels;
Who can stand before His cold?
He sends out His word and melts them;
He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow.
Psalm 147:15-18.