Torrid Temperatures and Tanks

 On Sunday, I took Bill to one of my favorite yearly events, the Tank Farm, at Nokesville. I was a little apprehensive, since it was going to be very sunny, and I was nervous about getting a migraine. But I was determined to go, and armed with sunglasses and Excedrin, we arrived early enough to witness some superb flame throwing, with intense heat and exceedingly loud bangs. It should be noted that I was still unaware that my camera was somehow set in JPG mode, so the photos aren't of the sharpest quality. I did resolve this a few days later.

This is my third time here, and I know I'll be back again, since the tanks on display and the 200 living historians change every year. There were over 50 vehicles this weekend, some of which would be running, and even a Boeing Chinook helicopter this year, which we were allowed to sit in. Although the owner wants these all eventually housed inside climate controlled buildings to better preserve them, there's nothing better than seeing them out here in a field, covered in mud, and dust flying as they labor around the track.

This young lad posed with his $400 samurai sword. Apparently only officers would carry these. His colleague's size 2 jacket is from 1942, and was cheaper to buy than a reproduction one, since few people these days can fit into the vintage clothing, so most folks can't wear them. No McDonalds back then...

The heat was debilitating, and I was very concerned about a migraine suddenly starting, but I ducked into the shade whenever I could. A few of the historians were suffering too, and told me they weren't sure why the event was in August this year, rather than its usual September date. The numbers were higher this year, 15-18K visitors on Saturday, and about 10K last year on the Saturday. I told them I hoped it was because of better marketing than the time of year that brought in more visitors. It would be awful if keeping the event in August with these higher temperatures meant less exhibitors would attend.

Bill had a go at stabbing a stuffed sack. I wondered if he had anyone in mind as he was pretty ferocious when he attacked it. I was too hot and bothered to have a go myself. His instructor was incredibly patient, and all of them were very accommodating when people wanted photos. They always looked completely authentic.

A Swedish tank hammering around the track, the guys inside looking like they were having the best fun. I chatted for a while with the German officer, whom I told, actually scared me a little, because he looked like he’d stepped off a WWII movie set. He was very pleased about that!  The gentleman above, with the guns, has a sign above him, which rhymes in German, and translates to "We old monkeys are the Fuhrer's newest weapon."

Bill and I were constantly rushing back and forth from the tanks to the track as featured tanks were announced, but the stars of the day, for me, were the 2 Centurions, Easily, the most intimidating and best looking, it was remarkable to have 2 of them running round the track. One was Swiss, and the second was from the British army. They were incredible, and I loved the squeaking of their wheels as their tracks tore through the dusty ground. The poor announcer was standing by the track and each time the tanks thundered past, he disappeared completely in an orange cloud, but his voice still came through strong, without one cough! I think the tank drivers got a kick out of this.

Here's a video of the British Centurion. How amazing is it that I can stand and watch this gorgeous British tank, only an hour from my home. Note the Chinook helicopter in the background.

As our day started, so it finished, with more flame throwing. The 96th Marine Corp pretended to take over a bunker with guns and flames. We were a bit further away this time, so couldn't feel the blazing heat, which I was quite happy about. They put on a great show, followed by claps and cheers from the crowd, and then we were ready to go. I could feel I'd got a little sunburned, but was extremely grateful that I hadn't had a migraine, my first headache free day for a week. We celebrated with a beer on the way home, my first drink for 2 weeks. I'm slowly getting better!