Spotter / photographer / enthusiast as well - have been to many different locations to get that rare machine but am just as happy spending a day at my local ga airfield during the summer months. Have met some interesting people doing this hobby including pilots / ATCO's etc. I was involved with a restoration project for a number of years and regularly visit local aviation groups who manage to get some fascinating speakers. Next week on consecutive evenings at different groups I will (hopefully) see Peter Twiss and Graham Pitchfork. Other speakers I have seen over the last couple of years have included John Farley, Eric 'winkle' Brown, Dick Stratton, Dr Robert Pleming.
Yes it might seem a strange hobby but is it any more strange than, say hitting a small white ball with some sticks, or fishing or any other interest that people are enthusiastic about.