Hey Gal,
Although my hubby is from Maine, I was raised in Lancaster. My Father worked at Lockheed and I remember well the cars parked on the side of Sierra Hwy every afternoon for the "touch and goes". Not sure how long you have been out there but I also remember when the SR71 was top secret.
I also remember the shuttle coming in. Leaving the house at the crack of dawn to sit in traffic for 3 hrs to get out to Edwards which was only a 15 minute drive from the house on a normal day.
One of the things that I can't believe is that most people out here in VA. havent a clue as to what a sonic boom is. I know this one is different from what the subject is but people out here don't know what it smells like after it rains in the desert. Oh how I miss that. Just like a lumber yard. Best smell in the world.
Have a great day.
Wife of Maveron