Lyrics, ‘Sentimental Journey’

Gonna take a sentimental journey
Gonna set my heart at ease
Gonna take a sentimental journey
To renew old memories

Got my bag, got my reservation
Spent each dime I could afford
Like a child in wild anticipation
Long to hear that “All aboard”

Seven, that’s the time we leave, at seven
I’ll be waitin’ up for heaven
Countin’ every mile of railroad track
That takes me back

Never thought my heart could be so yearny
Why did I decide to roam?
Gotta take that sentimental journey
Sentimental journey home

Sentimental journey!

Songwriters: John T. Williams, Benjamin Homer, Bud Green

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How appropriate those lyrics, first written in 1944, while the world was engaged in the ‘war to end all wars. Indeed, this blog testifies of our planning our own ‘Sentimental Journey‘, a return to relive part of our youth, to feast ourselves upon the great American Dream.

The planning is in progress. How we might travel this great continent, where we may wander to, whom we might engage with. Those questions are all in the planning stage. This particular post will examine another possible method of transportation, one we have not yet talked about.

Exploring the North American continent via vintage American air power!

I am talking about touring the States aboard the very cool ‘Sentimental Journey’ war plane itself.

Mesa Arizona is the home for the Arizona Commemorative Airbase, part of the Commemorative Air Force. And yes, Mesa is home to the B17 affectionately named “Sentimental Journey“.

This B17 was originally manufactured and delivered to the U.S. Army Air Forces for war service in 1944 where she flew missions in the Pacific Theater. Painstakingly restored to her past glory, she regularly tours the country and can be scheduled for passenger flights. Is it possible that vintage and historic air transport like ‘The Sentimental Journey’ could be our ticket to travel this vast continent?

Through the Commemorative Air Force it is possible to book flights aboard a fairly wide array of historic war era fighters, bombers, and trainers.

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B17’s like this one did fly over of Neville’s homeland during the war years, so touring America aboard one of these birds might fulfill our desire to witness British culture and influence on these United States. And certainly, touring the States in this icon of American Air Power would check off the ‘Americana’ aspect of our requirements.

As far as comfort and convienance goes…hmm. I’m not sure this method of transportation totally checks off those boxes for us. And as for allowing the two of us to interact and converse with locals, I think the seating and noise aboard these loud birds might not check off those important boxes as well as some of the other transportation possibilities that Neville and I have previously written about.

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Royal Air Force Training in Mesa Arizona

Dating back to WWII, the Mesa Arizona area was a key training area for RAF Cadets. Learning to fly in the hot deserts of Arizona was thought to be a very important component for young RAF cadets, Action in North Africa necessitated RAF pilots who could understood aviation and navigation in a hot arid desert environment.

Mesa Arizona in 1944 had a desert environment, oh my yes! Now a thriving and populated municipality, the area around Falcon Field at that time was isolated smack dab in the middle of the hot dry Sonoran Desert. This was an ideal wide open area for flight training.

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Falcon Field in Mesa, where the CAF Museum is located, was home to many RAF pilots. More than 2,300 cadets trained in Mesa from 1941 to 1945.

Indeed, 23 RAF cadets died in training accidents in Mesa during the war. There were also two U.S. cadets and four flight instructors who were also killed. This plaque is dedicated to those cadets and instructors.

There is a memorial held in Mesa every year to commemorate these valiant RAF and US Army Air Corp Cadets and there instructors.

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Commemorative Air Force Arizona Museum

If you are an aviation fan or a WWII buff, the CAF Airbase Arizona Museum located near Falcon field is chock full of amazing Americana and Aviation related historical treasures. Even before stepping aboard one of the warplanes, there is much to see and do.

The CAF Airbase Airizona Museum is a working hanger where mechanics service airplanes and engines as you tour the facility. There are helpful and friendly people to answer questions. There is also a well stocked museum gift store. The museum books guest lecturers and special collections.

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The CAF Museum is the departure point for flights aboard historic planes you can schedule for live action flights. The helpful website lists the plane, along with departure dates and times.

On the website you can choose among six WWII aircraft, from an open biplane to the rarest bombers in the world. There are but 5 war error B17 still flying.

During the the summer some of these vintage aircraft tour the country and you can catch a flight from other locations. There are also other CAF locations across the country, so check out their website to determine if there is a location convenient for you.

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The Experience

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Entering the B-17 Flying Fortress through a specially crafted handhold, I feel the real deal as I gaze at the weathered 50 caliber machine guns on guard. Excitedly I strap on to the floor, ready for the unforgettable journey ahead!

As the engines roar to life, anticipation fills the air. With a lurch, we’re off, the symphony of mechanical sounds surrounding us. The exhilaration peaks as we soar into the sky, exploring every corner of the historic aircraft.

As the B-17 Flying Fortress takes flight, the landscape below unfolds like a breathtaking canvas. The arid desert stretches endlessly, its golden hues contrasting with the deep blue sky above. From the vantage point of the aircraft’s windows, the vastness of the terrain is truly awe-inspiring.

Flying over the winding Salt River, patches of greenery break through the desert expanse, offering a glimpse of life in this harsh environment. The rugged mountains rise majestically in the distance, their jagged peaks casting dramatic shadows on the valley below.

As the aircraft banks and turns, the landscape shifts and changes, revealing hidden valleys and ancient rock formations. With every twist and turn, a new vista unfolds, each more stunning than the last.

Throughout the flight, the sense of adventure is palpable, as passengers lean in to catch every glimpse of this remarkable landscape. From the youngest to the oldest, each person on board is captivated by the beauty and wonder of the Salt River Valley from above.

As the flight comes to an end and the B-17 touches down, the memories of this extraordinary journey linger, a testament to the timeless allure of flight and the boundless beauty of the world below.

The experience was a “Sentimental Journey” as we soared over the Salt River Valley, captivated by the golden landscape below. With each twist and turn, we were transported to another time, where memories of brave souls fill the air. From the rugged mountains to the winding river, every sight is a reminder of the beauty and resilience of the human spirit. As the journey comes to an end, I was left with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for the adventure we’ve shared.

From the radio room to the nose, every inch tells a story of bravery and sacrifice. As we prepare to land, the realization hits: we’ve just lived history. Thanks to the CAF and their dedicated team, this memory will last a lifetime.

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Flights are round trip, and of somewhat short duration. If you are, like Neville and I, looking to get on to the next destination, the war planes of the the CAF may not be what you’re looking for.

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Otherwise, I give the ‘Sentimental Journey’ and the CAF Airbase Arizona Museum two flight deck thumbs up for the amazing historic experience they present.

Cheers, nca

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For Transportation Options, I came up with the following rating scale. All factors are on a scale of 1 (bad) – 10 (Fantastic).

Cost Factor: 2 – See the CAF website for prices and schedule. But for a trip to nowhere in particular, your value is a vast chasm. You’re paying for the experience, not for the miles travelled. My advise is, don’t let that factor discourage you.

American Experience Factor: 10 – This is the very essence of Americana friends. Full marks.

Social Interaction Factor: 1 – Good luck hearing anything but engine noise. (But such a luverly sound).

Efficiency/Safety: 5. I believe the CAF safety record is outstanding. However, comfort may be a challenge for some,

UK Traveler Abroad Factor: 7 – The RAF Cadets, the British flag on the museum, and these bombers could be seen over England during the war years. There is much for an Englishman to see here.

Earth Friendliness Factor: 4 – These old vintage planes suck up the petrol, but not like modern jets might suck up jet fuel.

Overall Rating: 29 – The overall rating for ‘Sentimental Journey’ transport is a tie with Waymo. But this is a completely different experience altogether. If historic aviation is your thing, than I highly recommend that you check out the CAF website.

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Bonus Video:

This YouTube video is a bit long, but if you are interested in the RAF Cadet training that occurred in Mesa Arizona during the war years, I highly recommend watching. Enjoy mate…

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