Yuma Radio Controlled AirCraft Models

February 26th & 27th

Yuma Air Model AirShow

We went out to see the show of model aircraft that were on display. The first day the members of the club were showing off there aircraft. Some members were novice & others quite experienced. They were putting them through there paces. We saw one disintegrate in the air. End of show for him. The second day was a time trial and races with prizes handed out for the winning participants. You could tell there was a vast array spent on the aircraft there. Some were models from kits, others you could tell that there owners had spent a lot of time, care & money in their hobby.

This was on the 27th. Second day & weather was nicer
and this model was particuarily nice


All sizes represented

From models 2 meters long to some less than 1 meter

Wing span was approximately 1 1/2 meters. Announcer said was 35% of full model aircraft

Flying .... dark clouds but no rain!

Flying upside down & was also doing a smoke show

Coming in for a landing. Well controlled!

This operator had very good control of his aircraft. Holding it about 12" off the pavement

Landing

Hard to see but this was a Citation Jet with 2 electric motors. Length was about 14"

Helicopter, and could this operator ever put it through some maneuvers

Upside down and about 6" off the pavement

Blackpowder Cannon

On Sunday the 6th of February, we go to breakfast with a group of friends. After breakfast we were told that today was the day that if we wished to come along to the firing range, to watch a friend blow off a home made cannon. This we thought would be interesting, so along we go. Out to the N. R. Adair Park Shooting Range located on Hwy 95, about 15 miles north of Yuma.
We arrive around 10 am and within a few minutes of our arrival, we are met by the person who will shoot off this homemade cannon. "Montana" Bob is his name, cause he comes from the state of Montana. Sounds good to us. In all there is about 10 of us including "Montana" Bob & his wife Joanne. Two other couples are from Maine, our friends that invited us from Colorado & us.
The park is broken down into different areas to fire off weapons for practice. The military have a section, the Border Patrol & police have a section, the public section is broken down to small bore & handguns, the next is for rifles and then the big bore/black powder, Our category. There is also a section for people that want to fly radio controlled aircraft, an archery section, a trap & skeet section, along with a camping section.

We are headed to the big bore range to shoot this cannon off.

Assembling the unit
Made from cutting down an oxygen tank

Assembled, ready to use

Looking at the black powder can

This is the powder used

"Montana" Bob preparing the fuse

Bowling Ball that was propelled from cannon
Shot about 6oo yards

"Montana" Bob leaving the scene quickly after lighting the fuse

On this shot, there was two bowling balls used. I've pointed them out, and the fragments from one of the balls as it broke apart.

Result from broken bowling ball

The angle was changed and the ball came out at about a 45 degree angle.

All in all it was interesting to see the results of this home made cannon. Had I had the camera set to shoot continuously, I may have got a shot of the ball just leaving the muzzle.

34th Annual Pioneer Day - Feb. 5th, 2011

Wellton Days - Feb. 5th, 2011

This years theme.... "Heart of the Pioneer"

Each year around this time the Town of Wellton has their annual parade & fiesta. We have been lucky to have attended the last few, and the parade just seems to be getting better and bigger each year. The towns folk along with the snowbirds that are in the area support it happily and with enthusiasm. People from the surrounding area also attend coming from the border community of San Luis and the City of Yuma.

Each year the parade has a Grand Marshall. this year it was Jeff and Jane Peters. they have lived in Wellton for the past 30+ years and are teachers. She teaches in the elementary school system and he teaches in the high school system. According to the brochure that was handed out, they have been very involved in the Wellton community from sitting as a council member(he) to organizing trips overseas for students(both).

I have included several photograghs of the parade as it past by us. In all there were 77 events in the parade, from a school marching band, to the 4-H club participating, along with the council of Wellton, the local fire department, police department EMS services. Another that is located here is the US Border Patrol Services.

Prior to the parade everyone is waiting in anticipation!

US Border Patrol Honor Guard


Wellton Fire Department

Another Wellton fire truck

US Border Patrol -show & tell vehicle(very unique)

1929 Model A Police Unit

1947 Buick with Grand Marshalls aboard

Jeff & Jane Peters

Gadsden Elementary School Marching Band

Girl Scout Troop - so cute!

Broken Box Ranch entry

Shriners Club... always a hit with the crowd!

Mohawk Valley 4-H Club

Just so cute - had to include. Steering was by using a stick
Spring Buggy - listed as in the brochure

Of course no parade would be complete without some vintage vehicles.

More vintage vehicles but rodded up!

Kwatsan Tribal Dance Group

Pioneer RV Park Entry

They took the overall parade entry for floats which was the "Sweepstakes" prize.

Pioneer RV Park float entry

Transportation theme

from stagecoach to cars of the 30's, to hot rods to rocket travel

Rear view of Pioneer RV Park entry

Pioneer RV Park Happy Hour Float

More vintage vehicles - 1925 Ford?

1946 John Deere Tractor

1932 Sterling Howe Fire Truck

(only one in existance)

Yuma Barbel Base Submarine Vets

Sun Country RV Park - Wellton

Sun Country RV Park Habitat for Humanity

Sun Country RV Park

Voiture Locale 622 - American Legion Post #19

There were many more entries including the service clubs of Wellton and Yuma. Well organized and proceeded down the main street of Wellton. We had driven the golf cart to the parade site and had an excellent spot to watch the parade.
After the parade ended we went to the VFW(Veterans of Foreign Wars)Club and sat with the park managers. We had a few drinks, and a hamburger. Later on a band showed up and so we stayed a little longer. Excellent music and we had a few dances. Got home shortly after 3 pm.

Much fun had by all!