Photos for Southern Hospitality Adventure 2009 

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Huge ancient lava flows reached across the west Arizona deserts. What a contrast to the tans and browns we normally see in the desert. (DSC1248 - Day 1 - Arizona)

Winds sculpt the fine grains of silica sand to create an almost water like texture; though the surface temperatures are in excess of 110 degrees F. (DSC1255 - Day 1 - Arizona)

To our knowledge, this is the first digital photo of a desert mirage. The searing heat of the desert created this amazing mirage that looks suspiciously like Laguna Beach, CA. Hmmm, wonder if the 114 degree heat is getting to us? ( Day 1 - Arizona deserts or...just our wishful thinking)

Popcorn clouds on the horizon mean this aviators day is just about over. Within an hour, these little clouds can become huge thunderstorms. (DSC1265 - Day 1 - Arizona)

Now if we told you about a place where you could learn skydiving INDOORS, you'd think we were kidding. Well here it is. Wonder if they make funnel cakes in the off season? (DSC1324 - Day 1 - Arizona)

Cold beer after a long day flying the desert southwest seems like a pilots dream...it was. (DSC1328 - Day 1 - Arizona)

Row after row of crenulated ridges define how wind, water and time conspire to create interesting geologic patterns. (DSC 1340 - Day 2 – Arizona)

Streams give life to trees that homestead in their streambeds. (DSC1365 - Day 2 - Arizona)

Flying into a sunrise over southwestern mountains is very much a religious experience. The scene changes continuously. Each moment is even better than the one before. (DSC1419 – Day 3 – New Mexico)

Coming through the dreaded Guadeloupe Pass with calm winds and golden morning light was too much to ask for, so we just enjoyed having it. (DSC1443 – Day 3 – New Mexico)

Crop circles make a statement, well at least they entertain as we fly above them. (DSC1578 - Day 3 - Texas)

This kitten decided to sit on the Cub’s tire and ask for a back scratch. Of course we obliged, we didn’t think the cat was volunteering to be a wheel chock. (DSC1597 – Day 3 – New Mexico)

A band of thunderstorms on the left side of the photo caused us to reroute the all the flights for the day; but our path was illuminated from above, if you know what we mean. (DSC1651 - Day 4 - Central Texas)

We didn't escape all the precipitation. Instead we considered it 'Refreshing." (DSC1656 - Day 4 - Texas)

Even on this overcast day, a cool tree-lined river looks inviting. (DSC1665 - Day 4 - Texas)

Notice how far the water is from the boat houses? Texas needs some rain badly. (DSC1662 - Day 4 - Texas)

This is one of the smaller models of the wind machines. Check out the pick up truck at the base of the wind machine. (DSC1659 - Day 4 - Texas...still)

Sunrise over the lake on a warm, misty morning. (DSC1675 - Day 5 - Texas)

Study this image for a moment. It almost gets three dimensional, doesn't it? Reminds us of the wind-blown sand in the second photo on this page. (DSC1744 - Day 5 - Arkansas)

Is that a cool house or what? (DSC1691 - Day 5 - Arkansas)

These three sheds suffer from what is known as “Bashful Shed Syndrome” or BSS. Shed psychologists have no idea why these sheds choose to hide in the woods. We, on the other hand, do not subscribe to the idea that it is a ‘syndrome’ but merely Bashful Sheds or “BS.” (DSC1698,1702,1723 – Day 5 – locations withheld at the request of the sheds)

This is Hope, Arkansas airport. It used to have three runways. Want to know why it only has one? (DSC1765 - Day 5)

Because it's being used by FEMA to store...these...(see next photo) (DSC1757 - Day 5)

Over 10,000 trailers! No, I didn't stay in one, though I did consider it. (DSC1767 - Day 5)

It wasn’t until we stopped for fuel that our thoughts were confirmed. This is a rice field. Those magnificent curved lines are for water distribution. The field is surveyed every tenth of a foot and the irrigation channels are cut. Notice that most all of the field is green without any large dry spots. (DSC1781 – Day 6 – Mississippi)

Just to put the previous image into perspective, here is what a field typically looks like compared to adjoining parcels. (DSC1818 – Day 6 – Mississippi)

Look, the fields match the Cub in color! These Mississippi folks appreciate a yellow airplane. (DSC1852 – Day 6 – Mississippi)

This barge moves ever so slowly up the Mississippi River, even the Cub has no problem passing it with a 15 mph headwind. (DSC1861 – Day 6 – Mississippi)

We are in Arkansas looking across the Mississippi River at the state of Mississippi with a gorgeous blue morning sky and that previously mentioned headwind. (DSC1886 – Day 6 – Arkansas)

Still can’t seem to get away from these things! (DSC935 – Day 6 – Arkansas)

Early morning departure from Hudgin International Aerodrome near Lewisburg, TN. Jim’s 3,200 foot grass strip is carved into a forest on his 125 acre farm/ranch. (DSC1961 – Day 7 - Tennessee)

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse on this beautiful and cool Sunday morning. (DSC1971 – Day 7 – Tennessee)

A-maz-ing… get it? Looks like this maze will be ready for Halloween! Looks pretty cool from the air. Think you could navigate it without getting lost? (DSC1984 – Day 7 - Kentucky)

We can think of no better way to explain why we fly ‘low and slow.” Thanks Frank. (DSC2009 – Day 7 - Kentucky)

We stopped for fuel but decided it was such a nice place that we would spend the night. We ended up attending an EAA Chapter 982 meeting and showing our video “Flight Home.” Okay, we lasted a week before posting this first vanity shot. (DSC2017 – Day 7 – Kentucky)

Tiny manmade ponds dot the pastures. The sun often creates a glint to get ones attention. (DSC2057 – Day 8 – Kentucky)

Each hilltop revealed yet another quaint family farm in the valley below. (DSC2066 – Day 8 – Kentucky)

River valleys and their deltas provide fertile land for agriculture…and some opportunities to capture some great morning colors. (DSC2080 – Day 8 – Kentucky)

The perfect reproduction of the 1905 Wright Flyer engine was exact to the smallest detail. (DSC2182 – Day 9 – Ohio)

The 1905 Wright Flyer after its first of two successful flights (DSC2192 – Day 9 – Ohio)

Fog nestled in the early mornings gave the farms a few more minutes before starting their day. (DSC2317 – Day 10 – Ohio)

The farmer who dies with the most farm implements wins. This guy has a good shot at the title. (DSC233 – Day 10 – Indiana)

These are rapidly disappearing from the American landscape. So how’s high school boy going to find a place to get his first kiss? (DSC2352 – Day 10 – Indiana)

In a few days, the start of the Labor Day weekend and for some rural towns, the annual carnival comes to town. (DSC2421 – Day 10 – Indiana)

For other small towns, it’s the circus that comes to town. Both of them are perfect subjects for brightly colored images. (DSC2469 – Day 10 – Indiana)

The Koerner family has owned this business since 1927! Their grass runways are in perfect condition and their hospitality was genuine. (DSC2495 – Day 10 – Illinois)

The Koerner family’s airport in Kankakee. The two grass runways are difficult to spot when the crops are the same color as the runways. (DSC2503 – Day 11 – Illinois)

One thing is for sure. Everyone has their own idea of what color an airplane should be painted. We, of course, prefer yellow. (DSC2539 – Day 11 – Blakesburg, Iowa)

Complete restorations of vintage airplanes take time and money. Thank goodness there are those in this world with the resources and the passion to bring these stately machines back from a dusty old hangar. (DSC2552 – Day 11 – Blakesburg, Iowa)

Imagine how many hours of work it took to restore this magnificent flying machine. (DSC2554 – Day 11 – Blakesburg, Iowa)

The Howard DGA is a highly coveted aircraft due to its size and magnificent stature. (DSC2560 – Day 11 - Blakesburg, Iowa)

This propeller governor glistened in the late day sun. (DSC2568 – Day 11 - Blakesburg, Iowa)

The Rose Parakeet was designed in the 1930’s so building one today requires both skill and patience. This one has won many awards. (DSC2586 – Day 11 - Blakesburg, Iowa)

The artwork on the tail speaks to the detail work done on the rest of this aircraft. (DSC2590 – Day 11 - Blakesburg, Iowa)

Frank's and my Cub have been awake for hours waiting for us to check in on them. (DSC2615 – Day 12 – Blakesburg, Iowa)

Just one of the fields of vintage airplanes that bring bright contrasting colors to these grass fields. (DSC2620 - Day 12 – Blakesburg, Iowa)

One of our favorite shots is of aircraft tails in a row. These Howard DGA-15’s make perfect subjects in the early morning light. (DSC2627 - Day 12 – Blakesburg, Iowa)

This Howard DGA 15 is given the green flag to land. If the turf runway was not clear he would have be given the red flag. It works perfect! (DSC2660 - Day 12 – Blakesburg, Iowa)

Funny little plane with a two cylinder engine that produces about 40 horsepower. The Aeronca C3 was a favorite many years ago. (DSC2735 - Day 12 – Blakesburg, Iowa)

But the Aeronca C3 wasn't alone in the 'funny little airplane' category. Check out this Heath Parasol flown from Brodhead, Wisconsin. (DSC3008 - Day 12 - Blakesburg, Iowa)

The pilot of this Fairchild PT 19 stretches his neck to see over the nose during a nice landing. What fun to fly on a warm September day in an open cockpit plane. (DSC2933 - Day 12 – Blakesburg, Iowa)

Frank’s brother John from Colorado showed up today after reports that he wasn’t coming. Ironically, the airplane parking area was full, so planes had to wait for someone to leave. Guess where the first available parking spot was in the more than 300 parking sites? Yep, right next to his brother Frank. Go figure!!! (DSC3217 – Day 13 – Blakesburg, Iowa)

These planes are really lined up pretty well. It’s the slope of the parking area that gives the impression these guys can’t park a plane. (DSC3234 – Day 13 – Blakesburg, Iowa)

Perhaps not everyone attending was really excited about all the vintage planes. (DSC3250 – Day 13 – Blakesburg, Iowa)

Talk about waking up grumpy! Bring this guy some Starbucks. (DSC3268 – Day 13 – Blakesburg, Iowa)

A portion of each afternoon is spent regaling other pilots with your airmanship skills or ability to tell the most unbelievable story. (DSC3294 – Day 13 – Blakesburg, Iowa)

This image is for Dave. Nice plane! (DSC3308 – Day 13 – Blakesburg, Iowa)

Could this be one of the lead singers from Z Z Top? Perhaps the record industry’s recent sales slump has left recording artists moonlighting. (DSC3317 – Day 13 – Blakesburg, Iowa)

A perfect plane for my grandson Levi. (DSC3320 – Day 13 – Blakesburg, Iowa)

The Cub lifted its tail and gently left the earth for a soft morning flight into the sunrise. (DSC3341 – Day 14 – Blakesburg, Iowa)

From over our left shoulder we bid farewell to the vintage fly-in. Judging by the empty spaces, we certainly were not the first to leave this morning. (DSC3378 – Day 14 – Blakesburg, Iowa)

By one o’clock on a Sunday afternoon the church parking lot was empty. Many families were on their way to the campground, lake, or afternoon barbeque with friends and family this Labor Day Weekend. (DSC3471 – Day 14 – Southwest Wisconsin)

We never tire of contour crop patterns. Their seductive curves and crisp colors lead one to imagine they were planted solely for those who choose to see the earth from above. (DSC3406 – Day 15 – Wisconsin)

Upon closer examination, the tightly planted rows of corn make a distinct line with the other crops. (DSC3402 – Day 15 – Wisconsin)

Pride of ownership and family tradition are very evident in this part of the country. Farms like this one are numerous. (DSC3416 – Day 15 – Wisconsin)

Labor Day and families are at the lake in boats and canoes enjoying the last summer holiday weekend. (DSC3436 – Day 15 – Wisconsin)

Some families made a weekend of it by camping with other friends and families, enjoying the warm holiday afternoon. (DSC3446 – Day 15 – Wisconsin)

Frank's Cub had some engine problems at a fuel stop.  We returned the next day and by 10:00 am, work began on Frank’s Cub (DSC3496 – Day 16 – Iowa)

11:15 am, all four of us had jobs.  (DSC3509 – Day 16 – Iowa)

12:10 pm the right wing has been removed. (DSC3525 – Day 16 – Iowa)

1:00 pm the left wing has been removed..  We thought we were making good time.  (DSC3534 – Day 16 – Iowa)

2:30 pm the Cub is ready for the trailer.  (DSC3536 – Day 16 – Iowa)

3:45 pm the Cub is on the trailer.  (DSC3544 – Day 16 – Iowa)

5:20 pm the caravan is about to begin.  (DSC3555 – Day 16 – Iowa)

6:25 pm, what it looked like from the front seat of Frank’s car as we approached the Mississippi River.  (DSC3582 – Day 16 – Iowa)

With the trailer in position, it was only a matter of cutting some tie down ropes and prying up the wheel chocks.  (DSC3585 – Day17 – Wisconsin)

Frank’s Cub looks kind of sad, like a puppy with its ears hanging down.  (DSC3588 – Day17 – Wisconsin)

Arriving at Brodhead, the 'show' began as one after another of the vintage aircraft arrived.  This perfectly restored Travel-Air taxied right next to where we were parked.  Oh, can’t you just feel the Golden Era of Aviation is about to begin?  (DSC3620 – Day18 – Brodhead, WI)

Wow, this very rare Pitcairn Auto-Gyro just taxied by like it was a common everyday occurrence.  Yes, I did fall out of my chair! (DSC3633 – Day18 – Brodhead, WI)

Hey, isn’t that Dakota Mohawk next to the Cub hat?  And, just look at his little pot belly!  Kind of makes hiding behind his leather flight helmet a joke doesn’t it.  (DSC3722 – Day18 – Brodhead, WI)

On our way back from dinner in Monroe, WI, we spotted this very unique round barn.  Our first thought was to grab the camera and share the photo with you today.  Yep. We are givers.  (DSC3732 – Day18 – Brodhead, WI)

The little Cub is no less admired even when placed in a row of rare classic vintage airplanes.  (DSC3748 – Day 19 – Brodhead, WI)

This little guy shielded the sun from his owner’s tent.  Most of those in attendance chose to camp (we weren’t part of the ‘most’) (DSC3766 – Day 19 – Brodhead, WI)

The auto-gyro is about to land.  The pilot did fly-bys all day and no one could restrain themselves from looking up when he flew over.  (DSC3874 – Day 19 – Brodhead, WI)

The curves of this seaplane fuselage look more like they seduce the water than glide over it.  (DSC4075 – Day 20 – Brodhead, WI)

How considerate of the Department of Homeland Security to send out airport security personnel in period attire.  (DCS4078 – Day 20 – Brodhead, WI)

Most people open their airplane doors with a key.  John uses a broom handle; and just look at how excited he gets!  (DSC4096 – Day 20 – Brodhead, WI)

Even the automobiles are vintage.  (DSC4102 – Day 20 – Brodhead, WI)

Shapes and colors challenged every photographer to ‘see’ the fly-in differently.  Cool shot, don’t you think?  (DSC4106 – Day 20 – Brodhead, WI)

The Cub and I went up just after lunch to see what the fly-in looked like from aloft…Whoa!  That was impressive.  (DSC4186 – Day 20 – Brodhead, WI)

This is Connie Piper, Shawn Piper, and Dave Piper in front of…my Piper!  What a great family!  (DSC4201 – Day 20 – Brodhead, WI)

You don’t have to fly in a big airplane to have fun.  Check out the smiles.  (DSC4488 – Day 20 – Brodhead, WI)

Sadly it was time for the planes to leave.  But this guy was in a hurry.  Gotta love those Howard DGA’s.  (DSC4584 – Day 20 – Brodhead, WI)

The Iowa farmers were one of the first to contour their fields in this part of America.  (DSC4615 – Day 21 – Iowa)

Oxbow lakes will likely begin to form if these streams are left to meander on their own.  (DSC4632 – Day 21 – Iowa)

Sometimes the panorama out the window makes us forget we are flying.  (DSC4650 – Day 21 – Iowa)

We think the different color of the corn tassels provided a different accent to the contoured fields.  (DSC4656 – Day 21 – Iowa)

Yep, Barbara, it’s the Field of Dreams movie site.  (DSC4855 – Day 21 – Iowa)

Dave and Joan in their beautiful 1946 Ercoupe above the Iowa farmlands.  (DSC5137 – Day 22 – Amana, Iowa)

We floated our shadows on the tops of the crops below.  (DSC5129 – Day 22 – Amana, Iowa)

This photo says a lot more than I could about flying a Cub into a grass strip.  (DSC5142 – Day 22 – Amana, Iowa)

Wow, finally an old picturesque barn taken from ground level instead of the air.  (DSC5153 – Day 22 – Amana, Iowa)

500 feet above the Mississippi River a sand bar creates an image that wouldn’t be nearly as interesting viewed from a boat.  (DSC5215 – Day 25 – Iowa)

We landed at an abandon airstrip next to a hunting lodge and came across this nice bear helping this poor deer who had tripped while walking in the woods.  I told him I had a Cub… then I ran like hell.  (DSC5260 – Day 25 – Iowa)

This tractor artist used curves and straight lines to create this wonderful work.  Some of it may well end up in your morning cereal bowl… think about that.  (DSC5292 – Day 25 – Iowa)

This aspiring tractor artist has a long way to go and needs lots of practice.  (DSC5297 – Day 25 – Iowa)

Northeast Iowa is stunning in the late afternoon light from 500 feet.  (DSC5329 – Day 25 – Iowa)

Dam!!! (DSC5448 – Day 26 – Iowa)

Subtle color variation in the rows of corn makes an interesting image.  (DSC5470 – Day 25 – Iowa)

Boy am I glad no one was at the airport when we left at dawn.  The surprise 70th birthday party for the Cub might have been ruined.  (DSC5498 – Day 26 – Knoxville, Iowa)

With the summer sun behind us, the earth reflecting its colors on the bottom of our wing, the scenery below screamed that the fall season was rapidly arriving. (DSC5537 – Day 26 – Iowa)

The gold and brown of fall was the dominant color as the chilly air tried to breach the cabin of the Cub.  (DSC5526 – Day 26 – Iowa)

Persistent crops still showed deep green colors despite the fall temperatures.  (DSC5519 – Day 26 – Iowa)

Though it looks cramped, it is very comfortable in the Cub’s cabin.  (DSC5543 – Day 26 – Iowa)

Wisps of fog clung to the branches of the trees that were guarding the ponds and creeks.  (DSC5672 – Day 26 – Iowa)

We caught this shy red barn peeking at its reflection in the pond.  (DSC5765 – Day 26 – Iowa)

This is the only contour crop photo we will post today though there are dozens more that will take your breath away.  (DSC5977 – Day 26 – Iowa)

Racing trains requires very little skill, that’s why we are so good at it.  (DSC6032 – Day 26 – Iowa)

We don’t know what this crop is, but it stood out from a long distance away.  (DSC6059 – Day 26 – Nebraska)

Looks like we are in the middle of the USA.  We certainly are in the middle of Kansas. (DSC6074 – Day 26)

Sunrise over the plains of Kansas.  The ground fog almost looks like sand dunes, but it’s just the earth pulling a blanket of fog over itself to catch a few more winks.  (DSC6075 – Day 27 – Kansas)

Out the ‘front window’ farms stretch across the horizon.  (DSC6137 – Day 27 – Kansas)

A rare bit of green on the banks of this stream in southwest Kansas.  (DSC6144 – Day 27 – Kansas)

The crops on this section of contour farm must have been harvested.  (DSC6165 – Day 27 – Kansas)

Soft orange predawn skies backlit the windsock as we taxied for takeoff.  (DCS6177 – Day 28 – New Mexico)

From crop circles, to fields of contour crops, to red earth with delicate erosion patterns providing camera ready images, America never ceases to amaze us.  (DSC6221 – Day 28 – New Mexico)

Interstate 40 attempts to hide from us behind some large red rock formations.  (DSC6270 – Day 28 – New Mexico)

Not more than 20 minutes after we landed in Grants, NM, innocent puffy white clouds became Cumulous Nimbus Abundus  Alotus over our next leg (Okay, I added the Abundus Alotus because I love the sound of Latin words even if I have to make them up)).  We wisely chose to stay put in this old Route 66 town for the night.  (DSC6298– Day 28 – New Mexico)

By dinner time, those angry Cumulous Nimbus… became mature thunderstorms towering over the horizon.  (DSC6307- Day 28 – New Mexico)

Each morning this observation tower waits for the sun to appear above the mountains to the east.  (DSC6313 – Day 29 – New Mexico)

With Route 66 as our primary means of navigation, we did some sightseeing along the way.  (DSC6345 – Day 29 – New Mexico)

If my memory serves me right, I ate here as a kid.  (DSC6479 – Day 29 – New Mexico)

It was so clear that every image was perfect as we toured the Petrified Forest.  (DSC6550 – Day 29 – New Mexico)

Unmistakably Sedona, Arizona.  (DSC6684 – Day 29 – Arizona)

This lone tree admires its shadow as the sun brings color to the pasture.  (DSC5838 – Day 30 – Arizona)

Huge bails of hay left in the field have a random pattern that we can’t make sense of.  (DSC5829 – Day 30 – Arizona)

The view out the front reminds us that warmer, dryer flights are a part of aviation in this part of the country.  (DSC6254 – Day 30 – Arizona)

When considering landing for the day, perusing the roadside billboards gives us some options on where to eat.  (DSC6461 – Day 30 – Arizona)

We are smiling because we are already planning next year’s adventure.  Thanks for coming along. We enjoyed your emails and comments.  (Day 31, Corona, California)