Lakenheath spotters carpark

[paddyboy]

I rest my case

[paddyboy]

The viewing area carpark and surrounding area were heaving after midday but mostly family groups with footballs and picnics from what I could see and only one of two people with binoculars but no more than that. I popped in on the way down to Mildenhall to see if the burger bar was there - it wasn't ( never is on a Friday).

Lakenheath has become understandable quite an attraction for day trippers.

I rest my case

[ChrisCwmbran]

Could be down to rumours of a pink chair being seen there from time to time?

I understand they are quite rare.

[Blackcat1]

After reading that, I think I would rather remember my LN visits as they were 10 years ago.

[Mike]

After reading that, I think I would rather remember my LN visits as they were 10 years ago.

...................and then Facebook was suddenly filled with groups for every military base in the UK, lots of people joined the one that was within 100 miles of them, very few of them even knew that there were any viewing areas until they joined and very, very few of these people could even tell (and still can't) the difference between an F-35 and a Sopwith Camel.

Then along came BJTV just to really make sure that the Lakenheath viewing area was packed with people that have no idea about military aircraft. To advertise that it's well away from the main road, it's free and has a great parking area right next to the fence.

[James Cutting]

Absolutely spot on Mike.

[Nighthawke]

Mike - I could call you a cynic but a realist is only a hair's breadth away! I don't have a problem with people not knowing as we all start somewhere. What is really annoying is the lack of will to learn. No discipline, that's the problem!

[Dave934]

Could be down to rumours of a pink chair being seen there from time to time?

I understand they are quite rare.

Its been a long while since I got "pinky" out....
Dave.

[slogen51]

I think you are excused as it has has been a bit chilly recently.

It has been the Easter holidays and maybe some people are still off work. Hopefully when/if travel is allowed then 'norms' will find somewhere else to go. I don't mind Lakenheath attracting day trippers or casual watching as it means other bases are left alone so you can go to your local and be left alone.

It is easy to become a spotting snob and look down on someone just because they haven't seen a C-40 before or do not know their unit markings or were not around when Lakenheath didn't have an official viewing area. I try not to be but my attitude quickly changes when I can't get parked at Marham because of a camper van full of family!

Digital photography has also changed everything - I remember having discussions years ago how spotting seemed to be dying out with the average age ever increasing but in the last 20 years digital photography and the ability to 'post' or publish your photos on the internet has really rejuvenated the hobby.

[XWP29]

Could be down to rumours of a pink chair being seen there from time to time?

I understand they are quite rare.

Its been a long while since I got "pinky" out....
Dave.

A very nice chair it is too Dave

[Blackcat1]

Well said Mike , totally agree.

[plmc135]

Perhaps this topic should be renamed to "Lakenheath Viewing Area" as it is signposted. Some of the posts give the impression that "spotters" have a divine right to park in it; it is for the benefit of all.

[MarkBurke8374]

It’ll be such a shame if we can’t park there for what ever reason. I’ve had so many great days over the years standing at the fence.

[steamy]

"those people don't know as much as me so shouldn't be allowed here"

classic old man syndrome

[bizfreeq]

[BOLLO]

Classic

[Ratrace]

I think you are excused as it has has been a bit chilly recently.

It has been the Easter holidays and maybe some people are still off work. Hopefully when/if travel is allowed then 'norms' will find somewhere else to go. I don't mind Lakenheath attracting day trippers or casual watching as it means other bases are left alone so you can go to your local and be left alone.

It is easy to become a spotting snob and look down on someone just because they haven't seen a C-40 before or do not know their unit markings or were not around when Lakenheath didn't have an official viewing area. I try not to be but my attitude quickly changes when I can't get parked at Marham because of a camper van full of family!

Digital photography has also changed everything - I remember having discussions years ago how spotting seemed to be dying out with the average age ever increasing but in the last 20 years digital photography and the ability to 'post' or publish your photos on the internet has really rejuvenated the hobby.

"norms"..........good god man, you sound like the classic anorak that we all get tarred with.........get a life...

[slogen51]

I am a anorak - and I don't care

[Ratrace]

I am a anorak - and I don't care

LOL...ok fair enough.

[slogen51]

"those people don't know as much as me so shouldn't be allowed here"

classic old man syndrome

I don't think anyone is saying that?

Just simply chatting about the many reasons why the viewing area is coming under pressure and what the consequences may or may not be.