VintageFlying.com

As if by command, the golden hues of the early morning sun briefly wash the brown, dried grassy hills turning them into deep, rich golden-brown sentinels guarding the vast central valley's endless fields of harvest-ready crops. (_BFH0021 - Day 1 - California)

The question is, what caused this corn to be destroyed?  Let us know what you think. (_BFH0071 - Day 1 - California)  Brent sent us the answer.  The corn in your photo illustrates stalk damage caused by insects that make the stalks susceptible to wind damage.

If it weren't for the Sierra Nevada mountain range on the horizon, this looks like it could be southwestern Illinois. (_BFH0093 - Day 1 - California)

The raisin crop looks almost abstract from directly overhead. (_BFH0095 - Day 1 - California)

Do you suppose they wave at each other every time they pass? (_BFH0130 - Day 1 - California)

While flying over marshlands we encountered some artist-like combinations of textures and colors; much too cool not to share with you.  (_BFH0177 - Day 1 - California)

Could be a bicycle, or a pair of reading glasses, or...  (_BFH0190 - Day 1 - California)

By now you get the idea that these marshlands were incredible when viewed from the air.  (_BFH0196 - Day 1 - California)

This stretch of land is not far from Interstate 5.  I wonder how many people drive past it and never have the opportunity to experience these shapes, colors and random beauty?  (_BFH0238 - Day 1 - California)

This is the Quady Winery.  Brother Greg and I enjoyed some wine tasting here a few years ago.  Judging from their residence, I'd say the Quady's have been successful.  (_BFH0273 - Day 2 - California) 

What the heck are all those red boxes or trays all about?  Richard tells us they are likely sun-dried tomatoes in process.   We saw this place from miles away.  It really stood out against the deep green fields that surround it.  (_BFH0258 - Day 2 - California) 

We were hoping for a break in the fog surrounding the Golden Gate Bridge, but for the past two days it persisted.  Oh well, we'll give it a try on another adventure.  Photo credit goes to the live Golden Gate Bridge cam.  (Day 2 - California)

If a family lazily floating down a chilly stream fresh with water from the snow-capped Sierra Nevada's doesn't define Americana, few things could. (_BFH0348 - Day 3 - California)

Okay, if that didn't float your inner tube, then how about some college kids conquering the mighty Fresno River? (_BFH0368 - Day 3 - California)

What? The floating river idea no quite enough of an adventure for you.  Then how about an extreme water park?  Is this a hot Saturday in August or what?  (_BFH0423 - Day 3 - California)

Could that be the Cub's shadow between the struts?  (_BF0445 - Day 3 - California)

One lonely transmission tower stands alone in a field of contoured rice farmland.  (_BFH0429 - Day 3 - California)

A field ready to have rice planted enjoys some contoured terraces.  (_BFH0458 - Day 3 - California)

Fresh cool air had no problem finding its way into the Cub's cabin.  (_BFH0505 - Day 3 - California)

But then the view out the side of the Cub gives a feeling of riding a motorcycle in the air.  (_BFH0510 - Day 3 - California)

Lake Shasta was rimmed with a brilliant orange shoreline that separated the deep blue lake water from the many shades of green produced by the tall stands of pines, incense cedar, and fir.  (_BFH0599 - Day 4 - Northern California)

Mount Shasta can be seen from miles away, but don't waste your time in that endeavor.  Drive right up to it and stand with your mouth gapping wide open, you'll have lots of company.  (_BFH0619 - Day 4 - Northern California)

The surrounding terrain forms a sort of geological entertainment when view from above.  Small volcanic domes are continuously being separated by the mountains' winter runoff.  By late summer, that runoff settles into marsh-like meadows.  (_BFH0744 - Day 4 - Northern California)

From a distance we couldn't figure this out.  Then it became obvious as we approached.  But a thought came to mind, how many people who have watched a game there realize what the fields look like from just a few hundred feet above?  (_BFH0764 - Day 4 - Southern Oregon)

Put a 747 passenger jet on the roof of one the Evergreen Museum buildings and have folks in swimming suits slide out of the plane and into a pool of water.  (_BFH0789 - Day 4 - McMinnville, Oregon)

Dropping into the Columbia River Gorge under an overcast sky seemed somewhat eerie.  The vertical walls of the gorge were tree covered and in the shade so photography would be difficult.  (_BFH1047 - Day 5 - Columbia River Gorge, OR)

Waterfalls appeared as if you could drill a hole anywhere on the walls and water would spring forth. (_BFH0956 - Day 5 - Columbia River Gorge, OR)

Though there was plenty of room to navigate the gorge, it felt very different to see mountains tower above us.  (_BFH1094 - Day 5 - Columbia River Gorge, OR)

Not far east of Hood River, the walls melted into gentle rock slopes with fewer and fewer trees or bush. (_BFH1150 - Day 5 - Columbia River Gorge, OR)

After miles of dodging wind turbines the Palouse falls came into view.  They seemed out of place in this barren treeless landscape. (_BFH1256 - Day 5 - The Palouse Falls, WA)

Nature has a way of taking something so ordinary, in this case water and making it look so special.  (_BFH1240 - Day 5 - The Palouse Falls, WA)

 As unique as the falls were, nothing could have prepared us for the hills sculptured into amazingly seductive shapes with intricate textures and colors. (_BFH1323 - Day 5 - The Palouse, WA)

 We think there should be artistic awards given to the most captivating and unique designs.  These Palouse land sculptors are very talented.  (_BFH1371 - Day 5 - The Palouse, WA)

What made these fields even more spectacular was the fact that they stretched from horizon to horizon.  Check out the building in the bottom of this photo to better understand the vastness of this agricultural art form. (_BFH1450 - Day 5 - The Palouse, WA)

When typical roads, barns and other structures are included with this unique landscape, one gains an understanding of the scale of these fields.  (_BFH1500 - Day 5 - The Palouse, WA)

At first glance, this image could be an end cut from a log with some moss growing out of it.  The comparative detail is haunting.  (_BFH1529 - Day 5 - The Palouse, WA)  We need to thank professional photographer and Nikon camera instructor Mike Hagen of "Out There Images" for encouraging us to fly over the Palouse.

Why yes the sky and water are really that blue (Okay, okay I used a polarizing filter). One last look over our shoulder as we departed Sandpoint to the east and a promise to return. (_BFH1594 - Day 6 - Sandpoint, ID)

McDonald peak, which is just in front of the Cub's wing leading edge, is over 9,320 feet high.  Our day ended here in St. Ignatius at the base of these impressive mountains.  (_BFH1609 - Day 6 - St. Ignatius, MT)

What a great way to spend a Wednesday morning.  The Clark Fork river creates some beautifully sculpted scenes.  Unfortunately, the folks driving the interstate (at the bottom of the photo) never get to see what it looks like.  (_BFH1640 - Day 7 - East of Missoula, MT)

Even close up, it's apparent the river sculpts the sandy valley floor allowing brush and trees to accent the work its done. (_BFH1639 - Day 7 - East of Missoula, MT)

After Bozeman we followed the Yellowstone River to Laurel, Montana.  The temperatures climbed as the elevation dropped.  This is a very rare photo of a tree seeking relief from the heat by laying down in the middle of the river.  Why of course it was wearing trunks... wah wah  (_BFH1666 - Day 7 - East of Laurel, MT)

As we began our taxi to the runway, we paused for a moment, unable to concentrate on our aviation responsibilities while the full high definition morning sky demanded our respect.  We squeezed off a few quick images, trusting Mr. Nikon could handle the task; composed ourselves and made our way to the runway.  (_BFH1679 - Day 8 - Sunrise at Laurel, MT)

Rugged terrain, totally unsuitable for an off-field landing stretched below us for miles and miles.  Our faith in the Continental engine's 75 horses grew with each passing moment.  (_BFH1782 - Day 8 - Montana)

The gentle rolling hills covered with grass suitable for grazing cannot withstand the erosion created by centuries of heavy rain.  Brilliant red soil lays beneath availing itself to mini forests of pine an brush making a perfect color contrast for errant flying photographers to capture.  (_BFH1844 - Day 8 - South Dakota) 

Touring by car or motor home, it is nearly impossible to appreciate the majority of variations in these hidden erosion-formed valleys near the Badlands National Park.  (_BFH2002 - Day 9 - South Dakota)

We cover a lot of ground while searching for a composition that defines the terrain under our wing.  This one speaks to the random designs  and subtle colors nature developed. (_BFH1994 - Day 9 - South Dakota)

Some of the formations reminded us of Bryce Canyon, in Utah  (_BFH2070 - Day 9 - South Dakota)

These buildings in need of more repair than they are worth probably have an interesting story to tell.  (_BFH2110 - Day 9 - South Dakota)

Three lonely trees stand their ground in the middle of a harvested field  (_BFH2175 - Day 9 - South Dakota)

Threatening storm clouds approach as this Waco stands guard along the turf runway at the Minden, Nebraska Annual Fly-In  (_BFH2253 - Day 9 - Minden, Nebraska)

After 3,120 miles in 43 hours of flight time landed us in Minden, Nebraska, the Cub takes a well-deserved rest with it's relatives from the Golden Age of Aviation 

The airplanes are lined up and ready to get underway.  However, notice that the boys are all sitting in front and the girls have chosen the back.  Hmmm  (_BFH2266 - Day 10 - Minden, Nebraska)

The boys seem pretty serious about this flying thing.  (_BFH2267 - Day 10 - Minden, Nebraska)

On the other hand, the girls seem to be approaching this as a fun time.  (_BFH2271 - Day 10 - Minden, Nebraska)

Checking the radar when the skies to the north began to darken revealed a fast moving thunderstorm headed our way.  (_BFH2396 - Day 11 - Nebraska )

The Missouri river once a narrow riverbed to cross, now takes several minutes.  The original riverbed can be seen in the left had side of the photo with its tree-lined banks.  The devastation from the spring floods is hard to comprehend even when it's only a few hundred feet below the Cub.  (_BFH2452 - Day 11 - Missouri River at the Nebraska - Iowa border)

It will be months before this farm is reachable and even longer to salvage the property.  (_BFH2424 - Day 11 - Missouri River at the Nebraska - Iowa border)

Unrelated to the flooding, this barn looks like something realllly big sat on it.  (_BFH2461 - Day 11 - Iowa)

Long shadows stretch across fields of corn announce the end of the day, but there are miles ahead to be flown.  (_BFH2469 - Day 11 - Iowa)

Runway lights at Dyersville Airport lose their effectiveness when the brilliant setting sun steals the show.  Throttle closed, mags off, fuel shut off... we've arrived.(_BFH2482 - Day 11 - Iowa)

Contoured fields snuggle against a tree-lined creek.  Contrasting the manmade earth sculpting with nature's water-defined free flowing boundaries.    (_BFH2586 - Day 13 - Wisconsin)

The Cub and the Coupe patiently wait while Dave, Joan and I tour the American Champion Aircraft manufacturing plane in Fox River Airport, Wisconsin.  (_BFH2644 - Day 13 - Wisconsin)

Joan and Dave cruise in the Ercoupe after departing Marysville Airport and a pleasant lunch stop.  (_BFH2680 - Day 13 - Wisconsin)

This lonely barn who's days have long passed now resides in the middle of a soybean field.  (_BFH2798 - Day 15 - Iowa)

Flocks of freshwater pelicans are both beautiful and a concern as they cross our flight path.  (_BFH2798 - Day 15 - Iowa)

Frank's Cub makes its way through hazy skies and gusty headwinds as we get closer to the fly-in.  (_BFH2833 - Day 15 - Iowa)

Cowl bumps from three of the Monocoupe's express how different owners chose to redefine these noble airplane marketed to the rich, playboy set during their era.(_BFH3029-3034-3036 - Day 16 - Iowa)

Hanging out with relatives, Cubs are very social airplanes.  We are the last one on the right. We've traveled over 4,200 miles during the 16 days on the adventure to get here.  I'll bet we win the "Furthest Flown" award.  (_BFH2874 - Day 16 - Iowa)

So we can call this the "prop"er way to carry airplane parts?  wah, wah  (_BFH3008 - Day 16 - Iowa)

On the ground, this beautiful biplane, which resembles a butterfly drying its wings after a summer rain shower, looks stately.  (_BFH3058 - Day 16 - Iowa)

Seconds before this bi-planes landing gear touches down, the pilot shows the typical focus needed to insure a smooth landing.  (_BFH3095 - Day 16 - Iowa)

This colorful little Taylorcraft makes landing look easy and FUN! (_BFH3275 - Day 16 - Iowa)

This circa 1929 Travel Air mail plane turned heads as it roared off the runway and rocketed skyward.  (_BFH3343 - Day 16 - Iowa)

The sun made an appearance after some brief showers.  Looking through the rows of airplanes created an image filled with colors and shapes unique to vintage fly-ins.(_BFH3493 - Day 17 - Iowa)

With winds 22 mph gusting 30 mph Frank and I decided to stay on the ground.  With a sunny but windy day, we took the opportunity to attend Mt. Pleasant's "Midwest Old Thresher Reunion." (_BFH3503 - Day 18 - "Midwest Old Threshers Reunion", Mt. Pleasant, Iowa)

This old steam tractor is one of dozens that were wonderfully restored and worked just like they used to back on the farm.  (_BFH3505 - Day 18 - "Midwest Old Threshers Reunion", Mt. Pleasant, Iowa)

Wow! this perfectly restored steam engine named Percy chugged through the grounds hauling passengers and turning heads with a toot of it's whistle.  This photo is for Levi, my grandson who is part train.  (_BFH3538 - Day 18 - "Midwest Old Threshers Reunion", Mt. Pleasant, Iowa)

These traveling gentlemen asked for some money.  So I gave them my wallet, watch, ring and gold tooth. (_BFH3538 - Day 18 - "Midwest Old Threshers Reunion", Mt. Pleasant, Iowa)

Pitch fork equipped men toss shocks of wheat into a thresher.  Imagine the long days of work after harvesting the rolling hills.  (_BFH3635 - Day 18 - "Midwest Old Threshers Reunion", Mt. Pleasant, Iowa)

The rewards of back-breaking work after months of tending acres of wheat flow into a wagon.  (_BFH3642 - Day 18 - "Midwest Old Threshers Reunion", Mt. Pleasant, Iowa)

This farm won today's "Most Beautiful Farm" award.  The sun had just broken out of the mid-afternoon sky illuminating the crimson red buildings and setting off the snow white farm house.  We pointed Mr. Nikon and composed the image as best we could as we squeezed off six frames in less than a second.  (_BFH3720 - Day 19 - Southwestern Wisconsin)

Tobacco grown next to soybeans makes for an interesting contrast and texture.  We took some time to line the flight path of the Cub up with the rows of crops to get this geometric pattern.  Seemed to work well.  (_BFH3774 - Day 19 - Southwestern Wisconsin)

The sun paints a broad strip across these contoured crops.  We never tire of the artistry associated with these talented farmers.  (_BFH3865 - Day 19 - Southwestern Wisconsin)

The Cub gets a much deserved rest under the Waunakee Airport Windsock.  We will be here for the next few days.  (_BFH3874 - Day 19 - Waunakee, Wisconsin)

This Blériot  replica was true to its original design.  It beautifully managed a high speed taxi later in the afternoon.  Parked outside of the legendary Pietenpol Hangar, it welcomed pilots flying in to attend the Midwest Antique Airplane annual Grassroots Fly-in.  (_BFH3899 - Day 23 - Brodhead, Wisconsin)

Now don't you think a Cub's tire looks more natural with tall grass surrounding it?  There, I knew you would agree.  Thanks OPJ for making it happen.  (_BFH3911 - Day 23 - Brodhead, Wisconsin)

Connie and Dave stopped by to catch up on all that's been happening in their lives. Their son is flying for a commuter airline.  Do you detect the parental pride in their smiles?  Okay, that was a loaded question.  (_BFH3934 - Day 23 - Brodhead, Wisconsin)

This brightly colored Monocoupe enjoys the shade after a morning' flight.  (_BFH3939 - Day 23 - Brodhead, Wisconsin)

This wonderfully constructed SE-5A turned heads without even starting its engine. (_BFH3950 - Day 23 - Brodhead, Wisconsin)

The owner of this Luscombe has every right to be proud of his plane.  Just look at the attention to detail.  (_BFH3977 - Day 23 - Brodhead, Wisconsin)

This Porterfield was the narrowest airplane on the field.  What beautiful lines when viewed from the back. (_BFH4104 - Day 23 - Brodhead, Wisconsin)

There was no shortage of brightly colored vintage airplanes, which of course, were made even more stunning by the perfect summer sky.  (_BFH4116 - Day 23 - Brodhead, Wisconsin)

Why would Ed be running with a cow and a clip board?  Perhaps Ed's hand placement on the cow explains it.  Last year he had the cow tied to his engine cowling.(_BFH4160 - Day 23 - Brodhead, Wisconsin)

 Hmmm, we'll leave this caption to your creative thoughts.  We would only get in trouble if we told you what we were thinking.  Truth is, Ed is one of the most sincere pilots when it comes to furthering aviation.  His sense of humor and love for airplanes comes across immediately after meeting him.  But yes, he is a little weird about the whole cow thing (well maybe I'm making that part up). (_BFH4165 - Day 23 - Brodhead, Wisconsin)

After watching some of the rarest of vintage airplanes taxi by all day, this little guy came through.  It is a perfect half scale (we are guessing here) of a Decathlon airplane.  It was so cool to watch its take-off.  (_BFH4279 - Day 24 - Brodhead, Wisconsin)

Looking through the wings of a colorful Stearman, we see the parking area filled with dozens of unique classic aircraft enjoying one of the finest summer days this year.(_BFH4293 - Day 24 - Brodhead, Wisconsin)

Some lucky folks are headed up to enjoy both the cool air and view from being aloft in this New Standard Biplane.  (_BFH4325 - Day 24 - Brodhead, Wisconsin)

As we flew southwest, we noticed the crops were closer to being ready to harvest.  These patterns still entertain and amuse even after flying above them for the past few weeks.  (_BFH4464 - Day 25 - Iowa)

Okay, one more shot of these patterns.  And to think the best way to view them is from the air.  (_BFH4486 - Day 25 - Iowa)

That's the Mississippi River in top of the photo.  This is the Illinois side of the river just below Dubuque, Iowa.  Savanna Army Depot in Hanover, Illinois; an old ammo dump that is now deserted. Thanks Richard for identifying this place. (_BFH4500 - Day 25 - Illinois)

As we flew across the Des Moines River, we noticed a PA 12 Cub below following the shoreline.  He spotted us and  turned to catch up.  We flew in silent formation for a few minutes then he pealed off and went back to the river.  I've always had thoughts that someday something like this would happen on one of our adventures. Guess today was the day.  (_BFH4481 - Day 25 - Iowa)

Above, the sky was brilliant blue with small white puffy clouds.  Below was every shade of green in the Crayola box with an occasional splash of yellow.(_BFH4659 - Day 25 - Missouri)

Yeah, we are still suckers for the hay bales in the fields photos.  But this time we included a pond, just for some variation.  (_BFH4688 - Day 25 - Missouri)

The river bed once contained a torrent of rushing water is now only a lazy flow through sun-bleached sand.  If you look closely you can see that the bank next to the corn and soybean fields has eroded claiming some of the crops.  (_BFH4702 - Day 25 - Missouri)

We weren't 20 feet off the ground at Maryville, Missouri when it was evident the winds were head-on and strong.  We even anticipated some turbulence which comes with the ever-increasing winds.  As we neared Salina, Kansas, we checked the winds on the ground.  The photo above is a screen shot of the ATIS from Salina.  We decided on runway 17.  We didn't use much of it.  (From iPhone - Day 26 - Kansas)

We spent the afternoon in Salina, Kansas waiting out the wind.  It worked!  Around 6:00 pm we were ready to descend to Larned Pawnee Airport.  The terrain was getting flatter by the mile making small tree-lined creeks the perfect accent for crop circles and traditional row plots.  (_BFH4744 - Day 26 - Kansas)

"Red sky at night; sailors delight" as the saying goes.  We wonder if it applies to pilots as well.  Even if it doesn't, what a great way to end a day of flying.  (_BFH4799 - Day 26 - Kansas)

The brilliant morning sun enhances the lines and boarders of these horizon to horizon crop circles.  (_BFH4714 - Day 27 - Western Kansas)

Perhaps this is why the golfers call them the "greens."  (_BFH4824 - Day 27 - Western Kansas)

We added an iPhone with ForeFlight aviation software this year.  Getting the latest weather and airport information when rerouting is necessary is much safer and quicker.  Still we depend on our charts as primary means of navigation.  Okay, so you noticed the iPod cable for enjoying a few tunes while traveling too.  (_BFH4969 - Day 27 - Oklahoma)

These folks were headed back home to California from the Stearman Fly-In in Galesburg, Illinois. We decided to have our own Flash Mob for vintage airplanes at the fuel pumps in Santa Rosa, New Mexico.  (_BFH5071 - Day 27 - New Mexico)

Who could resist dining at an original Route 66 diner? The inside was filled with memorabilia from the 1960's.  (iPhone4 image - Day 27 - New Mexico)

With the vivid green fields of crops now a day behind us, we look forward to the magnificent Southwest and its pastel colors and erosion carved canyons.  (_BFH5299 - Day 28 - New Mexico)

This moonscape can only be viewed from above.  As you can see there are no roads or trails in the image.  Those are white trucks on Interstate 40 in the top of the photo but not close enough to see this dramatic rock formation.  (_BFH5329 - Day 28 - New Mexico)

This sleepy river canyon is shaded by that enormous uplifted rock formation on the right.  We shot 760 photos today and it took all night to select just a few for today's posting.  (_BFH5344 - Day 28 - New Mexico)

Okay, We did that airplane shadow on the highway thing again.  Darn if the cars didn't slow down.  Yes, I'm still in therapy for this behavior, but occasional lapses are to be expected. (_BFH5434 - Day 28 - New Mexico)

Flying along the bluffs where unseasonably green valleys forced red sandstone cliffs made even deeper red from the passing showers to look their best.  (_BFH5667 - Day 28 - New Mexico)

Miles away, in the middle of the flat plains, we happened across this very unusual terrain.  Those trees in the river bed are the same size as a car.  Again, there was no vantage point to see this from any road.  (_BFH5728 - Day 28 - New Mexico)

Then it got even weirder.  This looks like a once molten rock formation that was carved by that stream.  Again, those are fair sized trees in the canyon.  The range of colors varied greatly from rock formation to rock formation.  (_BFH5774 - Day 28 - New Mexico)

Our day ended in Farmington, NM. When we came outside to check the weather after having lunch, we were greeted by genuine Cub-eating Cumulonimbus abundous clouds.  No debate on staying the night.  (_BFH5788 - Day 28 - New Mexico)

There was a double rainbow just before sunset.  The photo of them wasn't good enough to post, but this close up when the sun was working its magic certainly was.  Now if those darn power lines weren't there.  (_BFH5903 - Day 28 - New Mexico)

Minutes after our departure from Farmington, New Mexico,  Shiprock pinnacle came into view.  It can be seen from dozens of miles in any direction.  (_BFH5920 - Day 29 - New Mexico)

A quick look back over our shoulder and these cliffs were doing a splendid job of capturing and utilizing the morning sun to their advantage.  One minute we were staring down into deep canyons, the next we were staring up at huge buttes towering above us. All of this without changing our altitude.  (_BFH5967 - Day 29 - New Mexico)

We had heard the location of the Four Corners Monument was off by over a mile.  So since we were in the neighborhood, we thought we see for ourselves.  From the following photos, it's easy to see the monument is indeed it the correct location.  Yet another internet spoof proven wrong.  (_BFH5967 - Day 29 - New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah)

After we took the previous photo we shot this one.  Yep, that old monument is pretty darn close to the right location.  (_BFH5990 - Day 29 - New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah)

Then this shot followed quickly for those who want to check the Lat and Long.  (_BFH5996 - Day 29 - New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah)

When we heard that there was nothing for miles in any direction, we found it hard to believe...until this morning.  (_BFH6006 - Day 29 -  Northern Arizona)

We got this shot after the first downpour which included a dazzling lightning and Dolby quality thunder performance.  Unfortunately it also ended our hopes of any decent images of Monument Valley which is behind the Cub.  (_BFH6084 - Day 29 - Northern Arizona)

Our day ended in Page, Arizona but not before enjoying this panoramic view of Lake Powell.  (_BFH6167 - Day 29 - Page, Arizona)

Just south of Tuba City, AZ we flew over these unique formations.  We need to bring a geologist with us to help explain terrain like this that seems to occur in random order.(_BFH6279 - Day 30 - Page, Arizona)

Doesn't this look suspiciously similar to milk chocolate frosting dripping over cookie dough.  No?  Okay, then we shouldn't have skipped breakfast today. That's what happens when you miss breakfast.  (_BFH6286 - Day 30 - near Tuba City, Arizona)

Mr. Nikon and his friend Mr. Circular Polarizing filter had their work cut out for them this morning.  Oh yes, credit also goes to Mr. Sun for the rich early morning light.  (_BFH6332 - Day 30 - Sedona, Arizona)

We may have missed shooting in Monument Valley, but descending through these stately formations is right up in there as far as memorable experiences go.  (_BFH6379 - Day 30 - Sedona, Arizona)

Just seconds before touching down we enjoyed a nice breeze directly down the runway at Corona, California.  (DSC_3967 - Day 30 - Corona, California)

It will likely take the better part of a year to get that smile off of my face.  That's okay, no rush.  (DSC_3985 - Day 30 - Corona, California)

We are thankful you decided to come along so this experience could be shared.  In our minds, we have this image of you with coffee cup in hand, visiting the website.  Give some thought to coming along again on the next adventure.  Why yes, we have already begun to plan the next one.  How about mid-July of 2012?  Perhaps some new and different places.  Count on it!

Bern Heimos

Trip Statistics:

Number of days on the adventure: 30

Number of statute miles flown: 6,821.6 miles*

Number of legs: 50 legs*

Longest leg: 4 hours, 15 minutes*

Shortest leg:  I'm still pretty sure it's my left leg

Total Flight time: 100 hours, 4 minutes*

Gallons of Fuel:  441.7 gallons

Estimated gallons per hour:  4.4 Gallons Per Hour

Engine mechanical problems: NONE (other than a pesky oil leak)

Airframe mechanical problems: NONE

Total number of photos taken: 6,463 photos

* The GPS kept track.