The Saltire's adventures in the Bay Area

[Panache]

Our forum’s mighty zeppelin , the XMTSAS Saltire, had traveled from Bicknell Grange to return to her home base here in sunny California to be present for the Nor Cal Rabble’s Burns’ Night Supper.

With only a few days in the area before heading off on her next adventure I wanted to take the opportunity to have her see a few sights here in the Bay Area.

She visited Stanford University (previously seen on another thread)

Near one of the entrances



And did a quick flyover Hoover Tower





Here in the Bay Area we have some of the most amazing forests of redwood trees . The Flame-Haired celtic Amazon Goddess and I thought that our members might like a small peek at some of them. So the morning before our Burns Night Supper we flew to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park have a look at them.

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=546








Some of the trees have survived forest fires that have left their centers burned and hollow



The Saltire inside one that was hollowed out some twenty feet up





With one of the famous local residents of our redwood forests (Mascot of the University of California Santa Cruz).



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana_slug

The poor banana slug was quite startled by the sudden appearance of a bright blue zeppelin descending down to briefly touch down for a picture before launching skyward in time to make it to our Burns Night Supper.

More to come...

[Panache]

At out Burns Burns Night Supper in a place of honor




I was proud to wear my O'Neille Saltire badge on my fly plaid in honor of the occasion




To be continued...

[Panache]

The day after our Bu8rns Night Supper a number of the Nor Cal Rabble gathered to walk along the charming and eclectic Santa Cruz Garden Mall.

The Saltire stopped by this sculpture of a street musician Tom Jefferson Scribner located on the mall with Sinbad and I.

http://www.santacruzpl.org/history/p...scribner.shtml



Afterwards we went to lunch at the Seabright brewery (hopefully one of the rabble will offer one of their photos of this event that I will copy here)

To be continued...

[Panache]

Way2fractious, The F-H.C.A.G. , and I thought that we would be remiss if the Saltire didn't get to beach before leaving Santa Cruz. We piloted her to down Sea Cliff drive for a few last photos.









I could sense that it was time for our forum's airship to return to the sky.

To be continued...

[Panache]

Once we had returned home I listened as her mighty engines fired up and she gracefully ascended into the air.

I waved as she passed overhead and wished her fair winds and good weather.

With luck she will be mooring at the Ferintosh Guest House and under the care of Pour1Malt and his lovely lady Emma in a few short days.

Farewell and godspeed little zeppelin!



Cheers

Jamie

[Wompet]

The Saltire inside one that was hollowed out some twenty feet up

This visual has to appear in The Adventure of the Gin & Tonic.

With one of the famous local residents of our redwood forests (Mascot of the University of California Santa Cruz).

The banana slug was also the inspiration of the Buffalo Sabres' latest logo.

I prefer the slug in its natural habitat - it has a quiet, simple dignity lacking in the hockey team.

[LANCER1562]

Here's the Nor-Cal Rabble at the Seabright Brewery.

[kennethrmc]

What a great set of pictures! I have thoroughly enjoyed the airship's time in UK and CA for opposite reasons--Derek and Hamish's pics because they are places I have never been to, and Panache's pics because I love Santa Cruz and wish I could spend more time back there. Thanks all for posting.

I think the Saltire should never be retired or grounded.

[Sheep In Wolf's Clothing]

I think the Saltire should never be retired or grounded.

Hear, Hear!!!
Great set of pictures. I can't wait to see what the little ship gets up to in Scotland! (pun intended!)
Sara

[Standard]

Panache, thanks for sharing the next chapter of the "Flight of the Saltire" with us. Looks like the California rabble had a very nice outing.