As the afternoon draws to a close the storm clouds that have been building draw near. Thunderstorms in the desert are beautiful. A thin veil of rain drapes across the southwestern sky and slowly expands in our direction. As the storm draws ever closer the pelting rain and wind drives a rolling cloud of dust before it. We secure the Blackbird and cover the canopies.
Equipment is stowed and ladders put on their sides.
For a second I consider climbing back on the aircraft and scrubbing as much of her down as I can in the free shower. A nearby bolt of lightning extinguishes that foolish thought and the rain rolls over us. We pause long enough to make sure our coverings remain in place and then we retreat for the day. Another long day on the desert floor. No breeze to speak of.