Afternoon Airshow EAA AirVenture 2018

How far sidetracked can one individual get?!? Well, let me see...After a year and a month , maybe, I'll work on relating what I saw during my days at EAA AirVenture 2018.

I remember having some interesting conversations with Replica Fighters Association /EAA members while sitting on the front porch of Replica Fighters Association Headquarters. I must admit I wasn't at my best health-wise during Corey and my visit to AirVenture.

Monday afternoon Corey and I headed down to the Airfield after stopping to see about some Experimental Aircraft Association wearables and trinkets. We were successful in getting t-shirts but couldn't find the yearly hat pin for his hat.

The following pictures are those I  snapped as we sat in the hot sun. Spectacular sights were to be had with all the planes lifting skyward, looping, twisting and then gliding over the runway in front of us to a stop.

I'd come down with a respiratory ailment Sunday morning as we loaded the car to head north.  The respiratory difficulty was a replay of 2016 when I caught what was going around in our community, pneumonia like in expression : seems to arise during allergy season and of course the heat and humidity aren't my friend either when these symptoms take root.

I alternated visits  staying inside at our hotel with mainly  fresh air excursions at Oshkosh.

Tuesday, I stayed inside listening to music and sermons by Dr. David Jeremiah, getting time to be quiet and looking at all the Airshow pictures I took on Monday,  while Corey got to spend time with the guys as I healed from my respiratory ailment. I took my selfie in our room in Appleton after Corey had gone.

I'm going to put a few fun pictures in from the Airshow. I'd put every picture I took through my whole trip on here, but you know...

It looks like I'm going to write a few more posts about my experiences with Corey at EAA AirVenture 2018 at Oshkosh and just maybe add a few other ones about the birds and bees.The things I do to make my daily life a little more interesting.

No, I won't try to do it ALL today...

Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture 2018 Excursion - Day 2

Replica Fighters Headquarters as the day was winding down July 28,2018

Monday morning July23rd came into view and we headed off  from Appleton towards our day at EAA AirVenture 2018 to meet some of the guys at the Replica Fighters Association Head Quarters.

Of course Corey was a well known member of the club being editor to the group Replica Fighter's magazine and he introduced me to a few other club members present when we arrived.

The front porch of  Headquarters became a forum in itself. We sat discussing airplanes, past and present projects, as well as EAA group endeavors  to keep the art of amateur builders engaged into the future. How is your EAA group being challenged?

One of the most notable draws for Homebuilders during the week was that of the Bally Bomber.

We at the Replica Fighters Association were privileged to have the one-third scale B-17 Bomber, parked right outside the door. Most of the time people were milling about with everyone trying to get interviews and pictures of builder Jack Bally and his support team.

However, I was around in the evening after the crowds dwindled and the Bomber was being put to rest , preparing for another day.

There were several WWl planes on display  at the Headquarters during the week. Among the displays was this WWl Fokker Dr1 triplane owned by William French. He was given the "Best WWl" award at the Club Barbeque on Friday evening July 28,2018.

The Nieuport l7above was constructed by Dick Hartzler whoes business is crafting Spun Aluminum Cowlings for vintage aircraft. (please click on  Spun Aluminum Cowling to find more information)

My aviation interest spans many genre of planes, but of course WWI happens to be a favorite since Corey and I own Voisin 3/5. A design incorporating two different models of the French built Bi-plane Bombers.

I've heard  Corey speak of several individuals during his past encounters with gaining information on building and attending events where you can walk up to the plane to examine other builders concepts of a designers plans. It was my pleasure to meet a bunch of these people at Oshkosh...including Dick Hartzler owner of the Nieuport 17 and the owner of the "Fat Fokker"DVII, Daryl Porter both having used Robert Baselee's Airdrome Aeroplanes for their supplier .  We used the porch of the Replica Fighters Association to chat about what life brings to those in the serious pursuit of aircraft building and flying.

A"Fat Fokker" DVII built by  Daryl Porter

SE5a a British Bi-plane Fighter tethered at the Replica Fighters Association flight line and built by Randell Roy

In the afternoon Corey and I headed off to do some EAA merchandise shopping and ended up with a couple of T-shirts to commemorate my first Airventure and hopefully the start of a venue of exploration. One can always learn something new!

Next on our agenda for the afternoon was the daily Airshow. I had a great time photographing all the speeding jets, bi-planes and cars provided by Ford, now a sponsor for activities at EAA Airventure held in Oshkosh, WI. at Walt Whitman Field.

Once the Airshow was completed it was time for us to head back to our Hotel to relax and cool off...

Stay tuned for day 3, I hope to be back sooner than the last post.

Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture 2018 - Day 1

Sunday morning July 22,2018, Corey and I stirred out of bed to pack the car to start the journey to my first experience at what is considered the meeting of all meetings for those interested in buying kits or plans for creating home-built airplanes. It includes so many venues to do with the history of flight and the product of men's vision turned into reality.

Our trip had us headed northeast to the venue EAA Airventure  in Oshkosh,WI created by a man named Paul Poberezny. It was time to make a personal appearance at AirVenture to offer the possibility of getting a set of plans for Corey's concept plane the Voisin 3/5.

Paul Poberezny founder of the Experimental Aircraft Association stopped by the Replica Fighter Association's Headquarters to address a  forum the year Corey took his plane to introduce  the

World War l French Bomber design.

A definite highlight of  that trip so many years ago was being able to discuss the history of Aviation

spanning Continents  with Mr. Poberezny.

We had made our stop to obtain the admission bracelets for the week and once again got on the road to find  our accommodations.

Driving Wisconsin Highway 41 in front of AirVenture I was continually finding interesting photo subjects.

This  Billboard was an attention getter and a beacon  for a record breaking crowd at this year's gathering of Aviation enthusiasts.

 

Our destination for July 22-July 28,2018

The fastest way for some AirVenture  attendees to arrive was to set a Notam for Oshkosh's Wittman Airport. 

You can see the runways in the map above are adjacent to the EAA grounds.

As I look at the calendar I see it was one month ago today that I got to see some new territory.
 

Time to end my little post  for the first day of our excursion. If you got to go I hope you too can remember the sights and sounds of all the planes overhead and on display. The adrenaline rush that came with hearing engines rev to put the props or jets skyward.

Until next time...Have a great day!

Smiling Angels

 Last Sunday we had an update from a year ago Christmas. Time marches on and we have changed slightly. Glory Be to God we had another day together to get a picture taken!

There are things that remain unchanged and unshakable... Speaking in general that would be that the Love of Jesus Christ does rain down on us even when our daily challenges might become overwhelming.

                                               Romans 8:31-39 (NKJV) 
                                                       
                                                           God’s Everlasting Love 


31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 
32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 
36 As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”[a]  
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 
38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 
39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We send the Love of Jesus Christ that he has shared with us...Have a Blessed Day in the Lord!

Rocky Mountain National Park Elk Rut

Corey and I drove by where we stayed on our June vacation 2015 ,as we turned the corner onto the street we came across our first encounter with an Elk for the evening. He looked a bit bedraggled with his drapery of grass entangled in the  malformation of his antler. It was without a doubt he was content to graze on his own since  no others were sighted with-in visible range.

Getting beyond all the shops of downtown ,following HWY 34 just outside of town, we came upon a mountain meadow filled with groups of Elk Bulls,Cows and calves from the past season. We pulled off the road to catch glimpses between parked or passing cars of the roaming Bull Elk pictured on the left-hand of the collage,hearing for the first time up close and personal a bugling .

We were privileged to once again capture a collared Cow lazily grazing among the rest of the herd. My understanding of the purpose of the collar is to keep track of travel patterns, age and where her collaring originated. 

As we approached the Rocky Mountain National Park the blinking signs notified tourists that the Park was only open to the 12 mile point due to poor visibility on the mountains. So, we didn't get to go on into the park since we would have still had to pay the entrance fee of $20 and daylight was fading fast. 

On our reverse trip to Estes Park we caught two young Bulls feeding alone. A little further back towards town, we came across a different large Bull Elk ,which is featured in the middle of the collage and found in the middle of the herd on the outer right top picture. What was awesome was the echoing of bugles from so many parts of the hills and meadows in our travel path. The group just above, to our right,didn't come to my attention until I tried focusing on a far bugle.

I know that I've talked about lodging before, as in renting a room but there are several camping areas available for either campers or mixed sites including tents; as well as vacation homes and Bed&Breakfast accommodations.

By the time daylight was done we were ready to retire back to the Twin Owl Motor Lodge since our day had begun so many hours and miles ago. 

We documented our stay...

Time to eat supper and prepare to head off to Goshen Hole,Wyoming. Another long day on the road.

I hope you enjoyed our pictures and blogpost for today.

Here's wishing you Have a Great Day!

Our Evening at Estes Park - Part Two

On our outing for the evening we scouted for future lodging around Lake Estes...Now,we are familiar with names and locations so we know what to look for when we plan another vacation,or can offer a suggestion. It certainly helps to know how the establishment appears from the street to determine whether or not it is a possibility to seek renting a room. 

This little cabin was our accomodation during our stay in 2015 with our family. It's required stay of two days was longer than the overnight we had allotted for our visit last September.

To find out more about renting cottages at Triple R Cottages <---please Triple R Cottages.

On our last stay in June 2015 I saw Mule Deer bucks across the road,a coyote running along the little creek to the back of the cabin and we were told by one of our kids another guest had informed them a bear had gone through the compound.

Please forgive my huntress side, but apart of me was on alert to the fact a bear could have been through, because of being awakened in the night ,due to sounds of bumping along our cabin and later the discovery of animal scat pictured here.


I was searching the yard for evidence of wildlife when I came across more than one sample. It was found to the left of the trees between the tree line and the cabin.

So, if you are in need of getting a close look at mother nature you'll not be disappointed with adding Estes Park,CO. as a vacation destination...

Have a Great Day!

Our Evening at Estes Park,CO - Part One

Entering Estes Park from Big Thompson Canyon we soon found our road that would take us to our hotel accommodations for the evening.

Fish Creek Road intersected with N St Vrain Ave. which runs along the southern shore of Lake Estes.

Via N St Vrain Ave. ,the street to our lodging, we were welcomed with a blinking road sign announcing the most prominent event now taking place in the community. 

I know the sign doesn't spell things out completely but there is enough to give some clues if you are aware of the season.

Let's just say the two most important words I catch a glimpse of are "Elk" and "Rutting".

Arriving at our  destination it was time to take a quick survey of our surroundings before heading into town to see if the Elk were moving about the town proper.

Panning to our right across the street from the Twin Owls Motor Lodge at the west end of Lake Estes we enjoyed the scenery.

The fog was still setting low on the mountains surrounding us and we hurried to make choices as to what direction would be best to go to find the next photo subject(s).

We did get on our way to checkout both the wildlife and tourist populations now inhabiting this well known city.

Because I've got so many pictures I would like to share with you I plan on splitting them into several posts.

Please do keep checking back to see if something new has been added.

Have a Great Day!

Our Trip from Loveland CO to Estes Park

Leaving Loveland, CO in late September last year we went West on route 34 through the Big Thompson Canyon.

We saw so many things  that I found interesting it could take me awhile to get them all categorized and ready to write about.

One of the first things I would like to bring to your attention is the Sylvan Dale Guest ranch sign. Of course I saw it the last time we went by in 2015 but this time I decided it worth snapping. I just read they are offering  a February Romantic Getaway Package. Being only 7 miles west of Loveland, they aren't impacted by the highway construction in the Thompson Canyon region and if you're game for a  cozy cabin with some snow for Valentine's Day an Airport Shuttle could be the way to go to get some R&R.  Looks like a  great place to visit so I'll post their contact information to get you going -

                                                        Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch
                                                        2939 N County Rd 31D
                                                        Loveland CO 80538

                                                        970.667.3915 

                                                       ranch@sylvandale.com

Wooden sculptures and large lawn ornaments by Adobe Designs kept the scenery interesting,interspersed with rock formations galore. Adobe Designs not only meets the outside garden design needs but I've found they also are a Clothing Boutique with an eye for Home Decor as well. 

Have you ever heard of a store called The Dam Store? Well, I hadn't heard of it either until we passed it. You'll see a picture of it in my collage, on the top row clear to the right-side. It's had a few purposes in the history of Loveland. At the present it's a lookout location to see where it was once a hydroelectric plant for the city before a flood and growing population made it obsolete. A retail operation is now housed within the building, offering tourists momentos of their visit to the site and state, along with regional refreshments and jewlery.

Getting on the other side of the Dam Store we started seeing fog not far into the canyon up on the mountain tops with varying visibility. It was a disappointment when it became apparent that some of the peaks wouldn't be apart of the picture album this time around. Ah... Another reason to make a trip to Colorado.

With our incline passage on windy roads higher into the mountains we were finally going to make it to Estes Park for our overnight stay.

Come back soon and see the highlights of our short daylight hours in and around Estes Park.  I'll end here and wish you Have a Great Day!

Nebraska Barns, Windmills and Deer Stands

Today, I've decided to fill with pictures of some vanishing farm history found  along the I-80 corridor through Nebraska.

As you've gathered I was concentrating on a few varied objects while we traveled. I kept a  vigilant eye out for windmills,which seemed to be in operation for grazing animals more than what I've seen around us in our home state, barns or buildings with a country orientation and of course deer stands of many different designs. I'm always imagining what kind of wildlife traffic is available in such a highly trafficked area. It was quite an eye opener in June 2015 when we saw several flocks of turkeys and random sightings of deer along the Nebraska river corridors while en-route to our Colorado destination.

By the end of our total mileage during our September trip this year , I had witnessed the similar architecture of the two red barns with common roof design and painted crisscross patterns, both here in Nebraska and  South Dakota. I've looked back at the Pioneer history to try to unravel which group of European Settlers  that might have added their old world design to the early landscapes and came up with the possibilities of many peoples including German,Swedish,and Norwegian...

I hope you too can enjoy this random sampling of what keeps my mind and eyes on the move to polish my ability to take pictures on the go.

The next post will include attention getting roadside signs.

Thanks again for being apart of our skip across the state of Nebraska...One more post and we'll make it to Colorado. 😀

Have a Great Day!

Nebraska Travels

 Good Day All! Time for me to start filling in more information and pictures to bring us up to speed on our fall trip to celebrate a special occasion for me.

As we traveled between Omaha and Aurora,NE. there were so many things that caught my photographer's eyes. Of course I can't share all of them at once... So, I'll just get going and see what we can get accomplished today.

I caught  a low-flying  airborne object glinting in the sun headed over Eastbound Interstate 80 traffic several times ,east of Aurora. When it became apparent that it was a plane, it began cutting north to make it's circle to drop what we believe was seed in the practice of Aerial Seeding for cover crops.

Taking pictures out the passenger side window I followed him as his path went away and returned at least four times until we caught up to him.

This was the last pass as we drove out of camera range.

 There are eleven westbound Rest Areas scattered along the 455 mile Interstate 80 system through the State.

This particular  Rest Area introduced us to the upcoming Great American Desert , which was located 50 miles to our west.Please click here to find out  facts about the desert.

This Great Platte River Road Archway Monument , an oasis that has been photographed by many a traveler - the challenge will be repeated by many more  as others enjoy their travels through Nebraska .

The day was bright and clear...

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post my photographer's eyes kept scanning the roadway and fields.

Look what we SAW!

Does anyone remember who this famous British cartoon character's name might be?

If I'm not mistaken,given a few years of exposure by our grandchildren and nephews , it would be Thomas the Tank Engine getting a lift to his next destination!

Ending the post on a cheery note! I'll be working on more pictures and thoughts to share.

Glad you are riding along to catch the views. Have a Great Day!

On our way to Estes Park

A couple of weeks ago we packed up some of the stuff I had prepared for breakfasts and lunches and headed off for a 5 - Day travel intensive excursion to Estes Park and beyond.

Sometimes when I get back from a change of venue I get another kind of reality back  again. What wasn't accomplished when it was to warm outside is now waiting for me.I don't mind. There is weed whacking to be done, trimming trees and shrubs, mowing the lawn,doing the laundry,taking care of the animals. Catching up on this and that...I guess you can say Life Happens. Enjoy it while you can...

Today, I'd love to begin sharing some pictures documenting our surroundings heading out from the Des Moines area through Nebraska so I wouldn't spend the hours on the road in one big nap.

The early morning start was to allow for daylight hours at Estes Park upon our arrival. 

As we went from Des Moines to Council - Bluffs we saw how the Wind Generators have increased in number along the I-80 corridor - to add to what we are seeing promoted as an alternate energy source.

  

One of my favorite early morning pictures for our first day on the road. Catching the rays  of the rising sun, a backdrop for the long haul trucker. Somehow as I concentrated on the backdrop I caught another traveler driving across my rear-view mirror. So many levels of interest to keep me thinking once I got to process the images.

 

Entering Council Bluffs traffic increased as rush hour was reaching a peak period.

The last time we passed through the Council Bluffs/Omaha Metro area was two years ago, when we enjoyed our  Wedding Anniversary trip with our family.

Once in a while I saw metal sculptures that definitely catch my attention and from time to time on these posts I will share them...

These particular sculptures made me think of flowers, or maybe even Edward Scissorhands but then of course you might see something different. What does it look like to you?

My on the run pictures of the two Sportsman's Paradises just off I-80 - Bass Pro in Council Bluffs taken with my Canon 7D and Cabela's in  La Vista  snapped with my cell phone since I couldn't get my big camera situated in time for a left-sided backwards shot behind the driver.                            

One last thought for the first few hours on the road.

The Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum have placed a reminder of part of our military history in plain sight.

If you haven't had a chance to get out there to see what it's all about...Maybe get a group  together and enjoy a day trip,

Thank you for riding along and I will be back soon to share another leg of our journey soon.

Have a Great Day!

Midnight Rescue

I knew I wasn't destined for a full nights sleep but I was roused earlier than I had hoped. As I was lying in bed trying to determine first of all what was happening, I listened to judge the location from whence all this disturbance emanated. Eventually, I determined the FURIOUS scratching and chewing were coming from without our window in the well of the egress.

My personal alert system went off and told me if I didn't want to be driven crazy from all the noise I would need to approach the difficulty by first finding out what was causing all the commotion. This scenario had only been played out in my thoughts prior to this time. 

What would I do to rescue an animal that fell into the window well and couldn't find the escape route back out?

I finally decided to put on my coat to go outside with Sadie Sioux who darted about with the fresh scent trails sending her off in a commonly traveled corridor. If there was anything running free around the perimeter of the house she would chase it away...I've learned that given free space most animals will flee instead of taking on a threatening stance.

Now what was the source of all my angst just before midnight?!?

                                                           My 11:45 PM wake-up call!

Aha! Instead of trying to figure out a method of demise in such close quarters;I implemented something that made sense to both myself and the little bandit. 

Keeping Sadie back until the critter examined that modified tree limb wasn't quite as hard as I had thought. Maybe, she realized that her reward would come in the chase if she allowed a small bit of calm in the prelude. 

I didn't wait many minutes into the new morning before all was completed. The young raccoon fled with Sadie just at it's rear to keep it moving in the other direction. However, now more than ever, since there has been an interest shown in altering the fabric of our home, a deterrent needs to be implemented.

Oh! Since Hubby slept through all of it. I've got pictures to share.

Have a Great rest of the Day! 
 
ADDENDUM:
As I wrote about my experience of the first little bandit, I heard familiar scratching and once again headed outside to  enlist the assistance of the modified tree limb. It took these two longer to realize their  provided escape route. I truly dislike the thought of the marking scent they leave to entice others to follow. I don't want to get out of bed to chase them away every night. : )

Celebrating Another Birthday

Today is a Mile Marking Birthday for me. I'm adding a Zero to the sum total of all the time I've been a citizen of this planet.

Thank you God for the years you've given me to be a light to someone elses path.I have to thank my husband Corey for sharing this vocal artist and his songs of praise early in our relationship. They meet my needs at different stages in my life.

Thank you for joining me today to celebrate my birthday!

You have a Great Day!

Fourth Annual Marshalltown Fly-in

I want to invite those that have  Saturday, September 16,2017 from 7A.M. - 11 A.M. open on your schedule...It's a come and visit for a little while and then you can take off to fulfill the rest of the schedule for the day. Maybe even come and have some breakfast if you don't want to pull out the griddle...give yourself a weekend break.

                                                       Hope to see you there!

                                                                 Have a Great Day!

Solar Eclipse 2017

A week ago Corey and I  had one of the greatest opportunities of our lifetime together.

Along with many other die-hard astronomy  hobbyist we ventured  to a point in the United States easily accessible to us and other family members.

Our trek took us to Kirksville,Mo. on Sunday afternoon. A way point between where we could decide early the next morning,August 21st, what direction to go to find the clearest sky.

All weather reports at 4:00 A.M. on Monday had rain in the western section of  the Eclipse Path in Missouri...So, we headed off towards two other potential locations in the St. Louis area to get as much sun - camera exposure as possible.

At Columbia, where cloud cover was encircling our travel corridor we headed East towards our destination of Washington,Mo. to meet family, before deciding whether to seek the first planned destination at Saint Clair, to get an additional 11 seconds added to our documentation experience.

 The State of Missouri prepared  those who may not been aware already of the heavenly changes about to take place during the daytime travel time.

We came across this warning twice from Columbia to Warrenton.

It truly would be a shock if the skies grew dark at noon.Which they did!

I'm hiding in plain sight to the back left by the open car door.

One of our candid family moments at the Waters/Yoest home as we chose to stay with our larger family group for the total Eclipse.

It definitely was a blessing to witness one of God's magnificent natural events with others who waited expectantly for the appointed time....

Corey was able to get some fantastic eclipse stages starting at the right and working your way to the left. We had both Corey's camera and my camera in operation with Corey manning them both...His brother Bryan was able to coach him into great results with a 5-minute primer on my camera settings.

Here's a Great Big Thank You for Family, Food, and Fellowship!

Have a Great Day!

Iowa Falls July 4th Fly-in

The morning came early for me, so I bided my time by checking the weather, and watching conditions out the backdoor as the sun rose.

The plans to attend the Iowa Falls July 4th Fly-in were in a brief holding pattern due to developing fog in the area. Pulling up the AWC Aviation weather we plotted our course for ground travel since the Voisin 35 is still in the shop .

The wind generators along HWY 65 were shrouded with fog on our way north.

There were two planes that stopped the show for me...

The Jet in center stage is called the Milleneum Phenom, made alot of  us  take time to snap some pictures.

Interesting to know that it hails from Mason City. Awesome Plane!!!

Then the second plane that made waves for me was the amphibian version of the Cessna 182T plane,also flying in from Mason City.

Due to the weather there wasn't a large number of aircraft while we were at the airport, but I've shared the ones that caught my eye. A few even attended the EAA 675 Fly-in on September 16,2016 Checkout my Facebook page to see my collection there...please click here

Here's hoping you had a safe 4th as well.

Have a Great Day!