A stunningly brilliant cloud formation illuminated by an eagerly rising morning sun made waiting on the ground all the more difficult. Forty-five minutes later and we would take to the skies. The wait was well worth it. BFH0011- North Carolina

Photos for

"Dyersville, Iowa" Cub Adventure 2018

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Tobacco crops' brilliant light green hue caused Mr. Nikon to leap from his resting place in the front seat and spring into action. Who could blame him? BFH0018 - Day 1 - North Carolina

The glistening silver angular patterns of this truss bridge caught our eye as we crossed the Monongahela River. However, while composing the image, the row of tall brick buildings seemed to deserve a photo composition of their own. Morning Light: it can be magical for the mundane. BFH0025 - Day 2 - Pennsylvania

It didn't take Terry long to fill us in on why a vintage World War II C47 was parked on the ramp. It seems the plane was here to give rides the weekend before and had mechanical problems. Soon a half dozen men would arrive and begin the two-day repairs to make it airworthy for its flight back to New York. IMG_3777 - Day 3 - Ohio

At best we have 2 to 3 seconds to compose and shoot a photo. Many times it's just luck that we capture some images. We depend upon Mr. Nikon to make all the rest of the adjustments like focus, metering, and shutter speed. It isn't until we get to our day's destination and download that we get to see what was taken. BFH0027 - Day 2 - Pennsylvania

Though the heavy summer rains are keeping the fall season from getting started, a quick stop at a roadside farmers market provided an opportunity to capture some early fall colors.  IMG_3745 - Day 3 - Ohio

This family won "Best of Show" in the 2018 "Pond Awards" we judged while flying. Look at all the functionality in this pond. It has an island with a pier that has a raised section so kayaks and paddle boats can circumnavigate around the island unencumbered. And what if the wife says..."Let's go camping this weekend," there is no need to hook up the travel trailer and drag it down the interstate. Nope! the trailer is already set up in the woods by the "lake."  BFH0067 - Day 4 - Indiana

Lastly, in the pond category, the "shared pond" competition, which is new this year. The benefits are obvious. You get a larger pond. You share the costs of keeping it in pristine condition and you can meet your neighbors while kayaking around the pond. What is there not to like? Well a few folks still wanted their own pond. Just check out the two homes in the top right of the photo. BFH0080 - Day 4 - Indiana

This beautiful home won our Home Depot "Best Use of Windows in a Single Family Residence." Granted we are only looking at the back of the house, but look at all those windows that will need washing...ugh.  BFH0078 - Day 4 - Indiana

Motorists on the Interstate that bisects this quarry from right to left are likely unaware of the scale and depth of this enormous operation. Even from the air it's a bit overwhelming to accurately comprehend just how much stone has been removed to create these giant excavations. IMG_3797 - Day 6 - Illinois

This screen shot of the weather on September 5th tells the story of nearly continuous storms that have been tracking from Texas to the Great Lakes for weeks and weeks. The line of storms from Tulsa, Oklahoma to just west of Milwaukee, Wisconsin has been relentless (the blue dot to the left of Milwaukee is our location in Madison, Wisconsin as we sat out the weather hoping for a break).   IMG_3834 - Day 8 - Wisconsin

Fields of crops adjacent to streams and creeks bore the brunt of the record rainfall. Fortunately the forecast for the next week is rain free.   _BFH0084 - Day 9 - Wisconsin

The farmer's home looks like it's safe for now; but look past the small grove of trees to the right of the house, the silvery water is mini-rapids created by the flood waters of the creek   _BFH0091 - Day 9 - Wisconsin

With so much focus on the flooding it's easy for us not to appreciate the stunning colors of the crops that fill the terrain. _BFH0096 - Day 9 - Wisconsin

As we flew south, the rolling hills with elevated terrain meant less flooding and a broader pallet of colors, textures and shapes _BFH0118 - Day 9 - Wisconsin

The Cub was 5 years old when Brodhead airport was established. FAA records indicate the Cub spent some of its early years in the midwest. It's tempting to consider that the Cub might have flown into Brodhead, piloted by one of its early owners._BFH0221 - Day 10 - Wisconsin

Early on Friday morning, Craig's Ercoup taxied next to us to begin a full day of enjoying Brodhead, Grassroots 2018, _BFH0148 - Day 11 - Wisconsin

Frank Baker literally wrote the book on flying around the country in the 1946 J3 Cub he restored. What is amazing about Frank's travels is that his Cub has a 12 gallon fuel tank. If you want a great book to read, consider Frank's book "Piper Cub Tales"; it is available on Amazon.

Frank was a navigator on B-26s during the Korean War. He navigated on all of his Cub flights using aviation charts, the airplane's compass and a stop watch. No other means of navigation was necessary for him to conduct his trips successfully. IMG_0191a 13 , (Archive Image from 2013) - Day 11 - Wisconsin

A number of years ago Frank sold his Cub. The new owner (on the left in this photo) had it completely refurbished by the Johnson Brothers. The Cub won the 2017 Oshkosh AirVenture "Grand Champion." Frank had only one stipulation when he sold it, knowing it would be restored. He made the new owner promise the Cub would be flown regularly, because that's the role it spent in Frank's years of owning it._BFH0254 - Day 11 - Wisconsin

As the word spread around the fly-in, Frank's admirers gathered to witness Frank reunited with his Cub to take flight. Frank continues to inspire people to this day._BFH0254 - Day 11 - Wisconsin

All buckled up and ready to fly. Frank is about to experience something he never anticipated once he sold the Cub. _BFH0283 - Day 11 - Wisconsin

Both the pilot and Frank peer out of the side windows as they perform one of their fly-bys for the crowd.  Looks like Frank will have something to talk about for a very long time._BFH0321 - Day 11 - Wisconsin

To everyone's surprise, when the Cub rolled to a stop, Frank's hand was on the throttle like it's been there for decades.  _BFH0383 - Day 11 - Wisconsin

After a week of rain, the grass runways in Brohead found enough sunshine to dry themselves off in time for all the incoming vintage aircraft bound for Brohead's Annual Grassroots Fly-In. With more horsepower than any pilot could hope for, this incredible Waco climbed like a love-sick angel. (Ok we may have seen that analogy years ago.) Without even looking, there was no mistaking what plane was climbing out. Monster engine, monster sound. Kind of like the testosterone rush from starting your new 80 horse power chain saw while wearing your flannel lumberjack shirt.  _BFH0630 - Day 12 - Wisconsin

Craig taxis the Ercoup for departure on Saturday. Tailwinds take him home to Dyersville in record time.  _BFH0572 - Day 12 - Wisconsin

On final approach, above the tree line, one needs to give a healthy dose of left aileron for the northerly crosswinds. All that changes abruptly on roll out when the tree line blocks the crosswinds and the ailerons must quickly be readjusted.  _BFH0180 - Day 12 - Wisconsin

Nothing says it better...Brodhead Grassroots !! _BFH0634 - Day 13 - Wisconsin

The flight from Brodhead to Dyersville in the late summer has to be one of our favorite legs on an Adventure. This Sunday morning image of a small Iowa church with cars parked for the church-goers to attend is an iconic image that plays itself out across our great country every week. _BFH0696 - Day 13 - Iowa

"Dyersville, Iowa"

"Where ballplayers and airplanes come out of the corn fields"

The story of how we ended up in Dyersville on one of our first cross country adventures defines the true character of this rural Midwest town about 27 miles west of Dubuque, Iowa. It started months before as we were planning on attending the Sentimental Journey to Cub Haven (Lock Haven, PA) in 2006.

We had mailed letters to various general aviation magazines and newspapers requesting recommendations on grass strips between Oshkosh and Southern California. While we were surprised at the number of letters and emails from our request, it was this family in Dyersville, Iowa that captured our imagination.

Dave Kramer responded with an email that said we would be flying almost directly over Dyersville airport on our way back home. He sent some photos of his Ercoupe and his home. On the afternoon of July 28, 2006, we landed on Dyersville's well-maintained grass runway. We have visited Dave and his wife Joan, along with his son Craig and wife Karen, every year since. We would be terribly remiss if we didn't also mention Dave's good friend and fellow pilot Fred Lansing.

It didn't take long before we felt more like a part of the family and less like a pilot who showed up for happy hour once a year in the late summer.

Dave is the consumate promoter of general aviation and of course Dyersville Airport (IA8). Each yearly visit meant new adventures with Dave and Joan who have lived here all their lives. More about that in the photos below.

Dave and Joan (left) one of the times we visited the "Field of Dreams" movie site.

Have you landed at Dyersville Airport? If so and you arrived from the east, you probably flew right over the "Field of Dreams" movie site. It's even on the Sectional Chart (see next image). Visiting the movie site just may convince you that there is more than theatrical fantasy at this cut-into-cornfield baseball diamond. If you are like many people who have visited, you may feel differenly after running the bases and throwing a few pitches. _BFH0735 - Day 13 - Iowa

Yep, our Sectional Chart cartographers must be baseball fans! Right above the town of Dyersville is the "Field of Dreams" location. IMG_3897 - Day 13 - Iowa

Dave, Fred, and Joan break for lunch with us in a small town where everybody knows their names and has some funny stories to tell.

We could always count on experiencing something we never have seen before each time we visit.

Dave gave us rides in his Ercoupe with the windows open and the warm summer breeze cooling off the cabin. While the Cub is our first love, Ercoupes hold a special place in our hearts with their highly rated and gentle flying characteristics.

Dave is a skilled pilot, an attribute that is repeated in his son Craig.

For many years, Joan gave tours and looked after one of Dyersville's most treasured historical buildings, the Dyer House.

Her knowledge and presentation skills kept even the kids interested.

The Basilica in downtown Dyersville is especially easy to see from aloft. Its tall twin steeples provide an unmistakeable landmark.

A visit to Dyersville is not complete without visiting this church and touring its breathtaking interior. Afternoon is the best time to witness the effects of the multiple stained glass windows that adorn the exterior walls between the architectually prominent brick buttresses.

The East - West runways at Dyersville's airport are cut into a cornfield just like the Field of Dreams. There is a newly constructed Pilots' Lounge with comfortable appointments that allow a transcient pilot the opportunity to relax, check the weather and likely be paid a visit from one of the airport's many supporters.

The most difficult part of visiting Dyersville is leaving. There seems to be no adequate reason to depart from the folks who made you feel welcome. And why on earth would any pilot resist the feeling of the main wheels gently touching down on a perfect grass runway cut into a cornfield?

The only way we have been successful departing the area is to make a promise that we will return next year. That's a promise we intend on keeping as long as we can.

Thanks for taking the time to appreciate this rural airport that speaks to the Golden Age of Aviation in its ageless pursuit of welcoming all those who fly in.

Back to flying, we find ourselves crossing the Mississippi River for the second time on our 2018 Adventure. The crossing still holds its unique experience for us. We share that with the barges below but are reminded of the difficult time farmers have endured with record-setting rainfall this season. The top left of this photo graphically demonstrates their crop losses. IMG_3861 - Day 14 - Iowa to Illinois

By late afternoon we were approaching our last fuel stop in southern Illinois. The fields of crops we flew over had far more flooding than what we had experienced up to this point on the Adventure. IMG_3869 - Day 14 - Illinois

This view from the Delta flight on final approach from Nashville, TN (BNA) to Raleigh Durham, NC (RDU) isn't as rewarding as it is from the Cub with its door and window open. The Cub is safe from hurricane Florence on the other side of the Blue Ridge Mountains at John C. Tune Airport in Nashville (JWN). Florence stalled once it made landfall in North Carolina, yielding just over 8 inches on our home rain gauge in less than 36 hours. IMG_3925 - Day 15 - Raleigh, North Carolina

Finally back in the Cub after over a week of airline flights and disaster preparations at home. We were fortunate for not sustaining any damage from the strong winds and heavy rains. The weather forecast for the next several days along our route of flight promised to be clear skies and light winds. We can't think of anything at the moment that could make us smile more broadly. _BFH1460 - Day 23 - Tennessee

Once past the hills south of Nashville, tree lines and crop variations dominated the horizon. In their own unique ways, each state has some patterns that distinguish itself or just maybe we were so happy to be flying again that we just imagined this._BFH1482 - Day 23 - Tennessee

Arriving at Elbert airport in time for a stunning sunrise is one of those moments that makes getting up early in the morning well worth it. IMG_3964 - Day 20 - Georgia

We should be home later today if all goes well. However, it doesn't mean the beautiful, unexpected scenes stop passing under our wings. _BFH1529 - Day 20 - Georgia

Cruising along and contemplating the last few legs of the adventure, a shiny circular pattern a couple of miles to the south caught our attention. Overcome with a gripping sense of curiosity we turned to a heading that would take us closer to this odd configuration (see above photo). Yep, you guessed it. It's an automobile test track; the following image gives a person a sense of just how all the different test pads and tracks are a part of this center. _BFH1575 - Day 20 - Georgia

There were many more test track configurations, but you get the idea._BFH1555 - Day 20 -  South Carolina

As the 65 Continental horses clattered to a stop and began their well-deserved rest, Laurie walked up to the Cub and snapped this image. In just a few minutes the Cub was unpacked and we were on our way to an early dinner. Photo by LAH.  IMG_0577 - Day 20 -  North Carolina

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We are glad you came along on this adventure. Our planning for the Cub Adventure 2019 has already begun. There are still many beautiful places and terrains for us to cover...Low and Slow in a vintage airplane.

One important fact becomes more clear after all the years of flying the Cub over rural farms and sparcely populated areas of our majestic country. When aloft in a vintage airplane it is very easy to forget it's 2018 and far easier to dwell on the romance of what those who piloted these wonderful machines experienced decades ago. Give some thought to following along again next year.

Oh yes, don't forget your cup of coffee...

Trip Statistics:

Number of Days = 23 days

Statute Miles Flown = 2,377.4 statute miles*

Number of Legs = 25 legs*

Longest Leg = 127 statute miles*

Total Flight Hours = 37 hours 35 minutes*

Total Fuel = 143.6 gallons

Average Gallons Per Hour = 3.8 GPH

*Recorded by GPS