Basics

[phantomphan1974]

Nov 5th
Off base shooting 8am to 11:30
On base shooting meet at main gate 11:30, on base 1200-1600

Not sure of west side or east side of base.  AZaP guys should be out there before or by 8am

Wide angle lens for on base and telephoto for outside.

[kick Z tail out]

I might be ridiculous about this, but I wish people would run to town and use the restroom before we go on base. It sucks that we are in there and could be on our way to the flightline, but a dozen people have all decided it would be better to take a crap while the rest of us wait next to the bus.

Again, it's wishful thinking... because even if our own group could nail that down, we're not the only ones there. So I know it's an unrealistic idea.

[Code20photog]

I might be ridiculous about this, but I wish people would run to town and use the restroom before we go on base.

We will have the opportunity to use the head on base before we get on the bus, it's not like we're going to get on base and then get right on the bus. There's a safety briefing, and it takes awhile to get everyone loaded up. As a matter of fact, Michelle, the PAO, gives us time to run to the restroom, she encourages it.

[blazer]

Ill be taking a crap at home since I dont get to go   

[kick Z tail out]

We will have the opportunity to use the head on base before we get on the bus, it's not like we're going to get on base and then get right on the bus. There's a safety briefing, and it takes awhile to get everyone loaded up. As a matter of fact, Michelle, the PAO, gives us time to run to the restroom, she encourages it.

I remember standing around so long even Michelle was asking if we were ready to go yet... So yeah, there was plenty of time for the briefing yet we still had people deciding they had to run to the restroom. Like a bunch of friggin 3rd graders. That's why she encourages it, because she can see how stupid people are and you can't put it past them to get out to the runway and go "uh oh"...

So yes, there's the safety briefing and the loading of the bus, neither or which occurs while people are still screwing around. The safety briefing isn't a time saver that is done while some people opt out for the bathroom. They make sure everyone is there to hear it. My point is, even though we're given a (reasonable) opportunity to use the head, it would be nice if that opportunity would last 5 minutes and not 15-20. Take a leak... but if you're planning on taking up a stall for 10 minutes, would have been nice to go into town before you got there. I realize people just can't stand pulling themselves away from the fence for 15 minutes, but when you're about to go on base and stand next to the runway, you'd think they'd get over it.

[phantomphan1974]

Never had that problem before but maybe on your trip it was different and I can see how its annoying.   Just everyone be judicious about your time.

[Scott D]

REALLY 

[Midnight Mover]

You guys are making me need to use the bathroom

[Realbigtaco]

What's everyone's plans for before hand?  I know there is some talk about Ihop, but for me this is some of the best shooting all year, so i plan to spend almost all my time at or around the base

Last year i drove out the west side of the field and didn't think the shooting was that great from over there.  It looks like a great spot, but most of the time nothing came far enough down the runway to get a decent shot.  Decided to go over to the east side of the airport to the corner of Aten (I actually work with his great grandson) and John Finn.  This is the money spot (although i'm sure most already know this).  So this is where i plan to do most of my outside shooting for the morning.  Can't wait, see you guys there!

[phantomphan1974]

What's everyone's plans for before hand?  I know there is some talk about Ihop, but for me this is some of the best shooting all year, so i plan to spend almost all my time at or around the base

Last year i drove out the west side of the field and didn't think the shooting was that great from over there.  It looks like a great spot, but most of the time nothing came far enough down the runway to get a decent shot.  Decided to go over to the east side of the airport to the corner of Aten (I actually work with his great grandson) and John Finn.  This is the money spot (although i'm sure most already know this).  So this is where i plan to do most of my outside shooting for the morning.  Can't wait, see you guys there!

I am hoping to eat along the way, if that is ok with my passengers....Kevin C and Skip.

[kick Z tail out]

Same here, eating on the way... and shooting the duration of the day.

OK, so where is this place with the hay bales?  I think I saw it when I was there in March for the show, but how do I get there?

Well, you won't be going to the hay bales, since they give you a show of RWY30 which this time of year is only used by T-34C range aircraft. But you will be going to that general area (east side of the base).

If you've been out there to go to the show I imagine you only need the end directions. I'm going to assume you took I-10 East to 86 South in Indio.

As you come into the podunk town of Westmorland following 86 South, turn right on "Center St", which may be the 3rd or 4th street you come to. Center St will become Forrester Rd as you pass the City Hall/Police Station. Follow Forrester Rd south for 15 or so minutes to get to the area of the base. Then you'll be looking to make a right turn onto "Aten Rd". Your GPS (if you're using one) may show you two Aten Roads... the one you're looking for is not a dirt road, and you'll know you're on the right one when it brings you right up to the base perimeter fence east of RWY26 (at which point you will now leave the pavement).

[Realbigtaco]

Got to love El Centro weather, first week of November and it is only going to be 88!
http://www.intellicast.com/Local/Weather.aspx?location=USCA0332

[Realbigtaco]

Fyi, here is a re-post of what i think is prime real estate outside the fence, and this is where i will be on Friday morning

[rander]

Fyi, here is a re-post of what i think is prime real estate outside the fence, and this is where i will be on Friday morning

Yup Chris i think i'll be there thursday afternoon and Friday morning  See You there!

[Code20photog]

I shot last time from the corner of Low and Aten. You can get taxi shots from there.