Huffman Prairie Flying Field (April 26, 2021)

This field was actually the World's First Airport (or at least that is what one of the info signs say) which is Huffman Prairie Flying Field. Now a part of the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (which can be seen from the field) . This field from 1903 to 1905 was where the Wright Brothers perfected their invention as they moved from the Wright Flyer of Kitty Hawk fame to the Wright Flyer III which is considered the world's first practical airplane. While both 'flew" and were controllable the Wright Flyer III was much easier to fly and could easily cover greater distances.

There is no admission charge to visit this site, and there you can see replicas of the hangar they built there as well as the replica of the catapult they designed to get the plane in the air. As Ohio did not have the winds of Kitty Hawk, NC they used that device to launch the planes into the air. It worked remarkably well. I have a few more photos on my "Racing with the Wind" motorcycle blog page.       

 

Play Ball (April 25, 2021)

First time to see a sporting event since 2019 which was the Cincinnati Reds in that fine city. Today, went to the home of the Dayton Dragons to watch a high school matchup between Tecumseh High School and Troy High school. This was the first visit to the field for Debbie and me and we had a great time. A lot of developement has and is going on around the ballpark, and I am looking forward to returning again. Finally with vacinations, the world is opening up again ! 

    

 

New life in another Spring (April 25, 2021)

Was out on a grocery run on this foggy Sunday Ohio morning, and came across this family out for a walk. First babies I have seen, though have seen a number of nesting geese in the area. This time of year there will be a lot of them, as well as baby ducks and even (as seen in the past) baby rabbits. 

Speaking of rabbits, here is one below. Was watching it this morning chasing a squirrel. Not quite sure why, as it could have been a reason, or it could have been play. At any case, it was fun to watch.   

 

That's All Brother arrives at the Air Force Museum (April 20, 2021)

Drove out to the National Museum of the United States Air Force just outside of Dayton, Ohio to see the plane seen at left and above arrive today. It is "That's All Brother" which is a C-47 notable in that it was one of the planes that actually took part in the D-Day invasion by US and other allied forces to take back Occupied Europe from the evil Nazis. 

The C-47 was developed from the legendary DC-3 and was one of the most important aircraft of the Second World War for the United States. It was amazing watching this classic aircraft fly in today and enjoyed the visit a great deal.  
 

Myrtle Beach, SC (April 12-16, 2021)

My wife Debbie and me visited Myrtle Beach, SC for a few days from April 12 to the morning of April 16 and had a remarkable time there. Saw a lot of fun things. Visited Boardwalk on the Beach, Barefoot Landing, and The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. The ocean was a lot of fun and enjoyed that as well as the pools and the lazy river (the last was a ton of fun) at the Avista Resort. 

Another fun thing to see was the Ripley Aquarium. Walked under it to see the Sharks and other amazing sights there, and had a great time checking it out. There is so much to do at Myrtle Beach it is impossible to do it all.  

We really enjoyed the Legends in Concert Show at Broadway on the Beach (made two trips to Broadway at the Beach during the trip). The Legends Show had actors doing Elvis, the Blues Brothers, Dolly Parton and Bruno Mars. All were amazing as was the backing band. 

It was both a fun and relaxing four days and a wake up there, and really enjoyed it. Of special note in North Myrtle was a number of restaurants on Main Street in North Myrtle, also Boardwalk Billy's in North Myrtle and in North Myrtle Mission BBQ were all outstanding. It was a wonderful time at the beach and looking forward to the next trip in a few months to another fine and favorite beach. Felt good about going as we both had the shots to prevent Covid 19 and love that feeling !   

 

Stop(s) in the Mountains (April 11 and 15, 2021)

Made two overnights in the area of the Blue Ride Parkway over two nights- April 11 and April 15 with a trip to the beach in between. Took the photo at left at Pilot Mountain State Park and the two below in Mt. Airy, NC. Fun town and the inspiration for the Andy Griffith Show of the 1960s. Very friendly people there. It was fun to see some of the sights and to explore it with my wife who had never been there. Of special note, on the visit on the 15th we ate at a Mt. Airy restaurant called The Copper Pot (photo below). Amazingly good food and a lot for a little money. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are in the area.  

   

 

Exploring Ohio -Some aviation sites (April 6, 2021)

Got more photos on my "Racing with the Wind" blog page, but got out on the motorcycle today and did some exploring. Got the photo at left at the Fairfield Mall in Beavercreek, Ohio. The plane on display in there is a replica of the Model-B which was one of their most successful planes. Actually, at a nearby airport they have a replica Model B which for a fee you can take a short hop on. It is certainly on my bucket list. You can see the replica fly on the "Ohio" program of the show "Aerial America".

     

This is inside the mall, the staircase caught my eye. Certainly living down here is interesting with a lot of things to see and do. I do enjoy riding around on the motorcycle or exploring in the car with my wife. 

While I was out today, made a quick stop at the Air Force Museum. There I got a photo of this C-17 on display outside of the museum. I enjoy watching them fly, some of the C-17's are based here. They often fly right over my house. The museum is a great treasure and I often visit which you can see by a number of photos and posts about it on this page. Outside are some replica and actual World War Two aviation buildings. The building below as the sign says is one of the actual ones.   

Last two photos are of the Wright Brothers Memorial not far from the museum. Wilbur had died of Typhoid before it was built, but Orville attended the dedication. I also got a photo of a  runway on the base, nearby is Huffman Prairie where the Wright Brothers perfected the airplane they designed (and yes, I have been there). Finally, the last photo is of Huffman Dam. One of the many dams built after the great Dayton floods. Thank you for visiting my page.    

 

Looking Back at Virginia (April 3, 2016)

I was talking with a friend about visiting the Udvar-Hazy Center which is located at Dulles Airport just outside of  Washington, DC. It is one of two National Air and Space Museums in Virginia (the first is located in Washington, DC and have also been to that back in those days. I used to live in Virginia which like Ohio is a remarkable state. This museum has a historic and remarkable collection of aircraft and if you are ever in the area is well worth a visit. I believe due to the Pandemic both of them are currently closed but there is a good chance they will be opening soon.    

I visited here in 2016 but went there a number of times. Admission is free though parking is $15. There is however acres of parking on paved lots, and the museum itself would entertain you and yours for hours, even if you are not that much of an aviation fan. There is an Imax theater and they also often held special events outside. The only restaurant in there is a McDonalds but the employees are really nice and the prices were very reasonable. 

I enjoyed the conversation with Robert today and enjoyed sharing the photos with him...and you as well.  

 

Snow on April 1 (April 1, 2021)

No April Fool joke here, but real snow on this first day of April. It did not stick and in fact turned immediately to water, but was for a time pretty to see. I like snow, just not real fond of it in April, or in Spring. I have been enjoying the motorcycle rides. Won't be doing that today with temperatures in the 30's but will be back to the 60s-70s by this weekend. Did get out in the car for awhile to run to a few places, and got the photo below in New Carlisle. The building at right was robbed by John Dillinger in the 1930s when it was the New Carlisle Bank.