Flight
Evergreen Aviation And Space Museum
By Bruce W. Smith
Early in World War II, the U.S. was hard-pressed to transport troops and supplies to the war raging in Europe. The question was how to get the job done without crossing the Atlantic in ships and facing German submarines. Legendary billionaire and aviation pioneer Howard Hughes and steel magnate Henry Kaiser teamed up to build the world’s largest aircraft of the time — the propeller-driven Hughes H-4 Hercules.
The famed “Spruce Goose” — about 13 feet shorter than a Boeing 747-300 — was built almost entirely out of wood and has a wingspan of almost 320 feet. The 300,000-pound Hughes Flying Boat only flew once, but in doing so, it made aviation history.
It’s now the centerpiece of the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, which is part of a 285-acre complex in McMinnville, Oregon. The craft is displayed inside an immaculate glass-fronted hangar. It shares floor space with a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird spy plane, a Spirit of St. Louis replica, and more than 150 other rotor and jet aircraft that reflect aviation history here and abroad. Evergreen International Aviation was the CIA’s air arm for many decades.
Walking under the massive Spruce Goose’s wings and inside the plane itself brings its enormity to reality, but so does checking out the other planes on display inside the beautiful aviation part of the multibuilding museum. It takes approximately one-and-a-half hours to see it all. The museum also offers guided tours and simulators that enable visitors to experience the thrill of flight.
Across the museum’s big parking lot, which has numerous aircraft on outdoor display and includes Evergreen International Airline’s own 747s, is the equally inspiring Space Museum, dedicated to the history of the early space race.
Inside, you’ll find a Titan II missile; replicas of several Apollo-era lunar landers; a Mars rover replica; space suits; satellites; and dozens of other fascinating vehicles, rockets, engines, and other items that helped put men on the moon and the space station into orbit.
In between the two giant hangars is the Evergreen Giant Screen Theater. It shows several aerospace educational/documentary movies each day. The fourth building on campus is the Wings and Waves Waterpark; one highlight is sliding out the belly of an Evergreen 747 parked on the roof and into the huge pool complex below. Kids love it!
Whether you are a die-hard aviation buff or just interested in learning about milestone moments in aerospace, a stop at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum is a must. The museum is located just an hour south of Portland off State Route 18.
Admission is $22 for adults (16+); seniors and veterans, $18; and $12 for youths (5 to 15). Children under 5 are admitted free. Overnight RV parking costs $40. The best deal: Purchase an Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum membership ($75), which lets you park an RV for free and provides free museum admission for the member and a guest. Separate admission is charged for the museum, the theater, and the Wings and Waves Waterpark.
Details
Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum
500 N.E. Captain Michael King Smith Way
McMinnville, OR 97128
evergreenmuseum.org
(503) 434-4180
A Timeless Reminder
Smokey Bear Celebrates 80
Smokey Bear, the iconic character behind the U.S.D.A. Forest Service’s wildfire prevention campaign, has been supported by every U.S. president since Harry Truman.
As we approach peak wildfire season (which varies by region), it’s important to note that over 80 percent of such fires are caused by humans and could have been avoided. Smokey Bear, “born” on August 9, 1944, has been educating the American public about how to prevent wildfires for 80 years. The Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention campaign is the longest-running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history. Smokey Bear’s image has adorned everything from posters and stamps to lunchboxes, and his “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires” message has been disseminated via radio, television, social media, and more. Even at 80, Smokey Bear continues to be a pop-culture icon and to raise awareness of the importance of wildfire prevention.
For 80 years, Smokey Bear has been teaching Americans about preventing wildfires.
To celebrate this milestone, the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters, and the Ad Council have released a new public service advertisement titled “Decades” (youtube.com/watch?v=uslLV343id4) that showcases Smokey Bear’s impact on culture and furthers his overall message. In addition to the new PSA, FCB, the creative agency behind Smokey Bear since his introduction, has collaborated with illustrator Sam Gilbey to design vintage-styled posters depicting some of Smokey’s wildfire prevention tips.
So, as an RVer, what can you do to prevent wildfires? Properly maintaining your RV and its electrical system, staying up to date on vehicle recalls, and practicing fire safety are some of the best ways.
Before you leave for your next trip, be sure to check your tires and tire pressure — driving on exposed wheel rims will throw sparks and can start fires. In addition, confirm that safety chains are properly placed and not dragging on the ground. Be wary of where you park, as a hot exhaust pipe or catalytic converter can ignite dry grass underneath your RV. Never leave a campfire unattended, and when you are finished with the fire, douse it with water until it is cold. It’s also important to have fire extinguishers on board and within easy reach. These represent only a few of the things you can do to prevent wildfires, but practicing proper fire safety is pivotal to protecting yourself and the environment.
To find an event honoring Smokey Bear’s legacy or to learn more about his history and his message, visit smokeybearbirthday.org.