West Virginia Days (August 24-26, 2021)

 

Short 3 day trip to Wheeling, West Virginia and to Mountaineer (aka Chester) where we also spent a day. Two overnight trips to see some nice places. We have been there before and will be again in the future. To the left is the bridge at Wheeling, one of the oldest suspension bridges in the US. It is now closed to traffic but makes for a cool walk over the Ohio River. Below are three photos from Chester: the Teapot, the military display outside of the city, and horses racing at Mountaineer Casino. My wife and I had a wonderful time there with beautiful weather and fine people.    

Hanging with the Great Blue Heron (August 23, 2021)

I like to take morning walks around the lake here, and this morning, was blessed with this look at the Great Blue Heron which is a frequent visitor here. Amazing and majestic birds, fun to watch them fly, and even got a photo of the takeoff below. 

It is not uncommon to see these and other remarkable creatures here, and enjoyed this walk. It inspired the morning motorcycle ride today. I rode out to Huffman Prairie Flying Field, where the Wright Brothers perfected their aircraft. It is known as the "First Airport". Photos there can be seen on my "Racing with the Wind" blog page.    

 

B-36 Open Cockpit Day (August 20, 2021)

Visited the US Air Force Museum, joined a long line of people to see the cockpit of a B-36J Peacemaker bomber. The plane was developed during WW2, but was not used during the war. After the war though it was the US heavy bomber during the 1950's. It was ultimately replaced by the B-52. The plane was powered by six turboprop engines and later 4 jet engines were added on giving it a total of 10 engines! It was actually bigger than a B-52 but the all jet B-52 is still (as of this date) in service. This was an amazing experience and enjoyed it a great deal. Always remarkable things at the Air Force Museum!   

 

Miami County Fair (August 17, 2021)

Had a fantastic time at the Miami County Fair on August 17 with my wife. We enjoyed seeing all the animals of which there were many types from the farm, and as always was fun to interact with the bunnies at the fair. Interesting people and great food. Yes, that included the amazing Corn Dogs. This is the second fair we have gone to this year (the Green County Fair post is a little below this post) but this one is my favorite. Just seem to have the best time here, though planning to go again to both fairs in 2022. Thank you for visiting my page and enjoy the photos below. 

 

At the Air Force Museum (August 8, 2021)

My wife and I were in the area, and while there, I took a couple of hours and returned to one of my favorite places which is the National Museum of the United States Air Force. All sorts of amazing things to see there, and some of them can be seen below. 

For instance, at left is the prototype C-17 which is at the museum. Directly below is the B-36 which is one incredible aircraft. Speaking of incredible though, I have a photo of the cockpit of the X-15 research plane. Still the fastest plane ever to fly. Among its pilots was Neil Armstrong. Also below is the X-1B research plane, and a moon rock.   

While the museum is now again requiring masks (thanks to the Anti-Vax morons) you can tour the Presidential planes. They have a collection of planes that served as "Air Force Ones" such as "The Independence" which was used by President Harry S. Truman. 

The plane is well preserved and like all of them is protected by plastic panels but is pretty much as the Presidents would remember them. They make for very interesting periods of history and are remarkable to walk though. Thank you for visiting my page!    

 

Charleston Falls and Cave (August 4, 2021)

This was part of a motorcycle ride this fine day, went out to Troy, but due to a detour headed in a different direction. Went as far as Ross Road (and photos from the helicopter I saw there can be seen on my "Racing with the Wind" blog page...as well as more photos from this visit). 

I made a stop at Charleston Falls and Cave. I had never been there, it was an impulse stop. Good thing, because it was very cool. It was a long trail to get to the falls. Unfortunately, due to lack of rain the past few days there was not a very big amount of water falling down the cliff but there was some. The last photo below tells about it and has a photo taken during "wetter days".

Nice park, and as are so many parks in Ohio both beautiful and free. Interesting, different and a great walk on a beautiful day. Thank you for visiting my page.    

 

Greene County Fair (August 2, 2021)

Wonderful day for a visit to the Greene County Fair. It was held at the Fairgrounds just outside of Xenia, Ohio. We got there in the early afternoon, and got to see many of the animals, plus check out some of the food to be found there. The rides (which we did not ride anyhow) did not start until 4pm. 

Got to see the aerial show though which was pretty amazing, and the motorcycles in the "Globe of Death". Going early was a great idea they were lined up to get tickets, and cars were lined up for miles as we left. Had a fantastic time, have missed going to these sort of events during the Pandemic.  

 

Exploring Dayton on Sunday (August 1, 2021)

 

Went into Dayton on this Sunday in the car, having dropped my wife off at one of her favorite places for awhile. Went to see some stops in very interesting Dayton, Ohio. One of my first stops was The Dayton Art Institute. I have the photo at left and the one directly below of this very interesting place. Debbie and me have been to this location to see the art inside and it is well worth a visit. We have also been (two years ago) to the Octoberfest which was held there. There is a lot to see in the immediate area as can be seen below.  

The Dayton Masonic Temple is one impressive building. It is across the street from The Dayton Art Institute. Some of the details of the building can be seen both in the two photos below as well as from the historical marker at right. 

The temple is one massive building, and I believe this is one of the largest Masonic Temples that I have ever seen. It has a number of uses and has had a number of uses in the past. We read that tours can be taken inside the building, and we are looking forward to doing so in the future.  

This is the Greek Orthodox Church which is also near The Dayton Art Institute and the Masonic Temple. All three of these buildings are on the banks of the Great Miami River which is in the photo directly below. 

I have seen the inside of the church during the Greek Festival a couple of years ago, and it is amazingly beautiful. The festival was also a fantastic time.  Sadly due to the lingering effects of the Pandemic they are only going to have a drive through Greek Festival again this year. 
   

Finally a look at the home of Orville Wright built after the creation of the first powered aircraft to fly and later the first practical airplane (The Wright Flyer III). Wilbur had died of typhoid so he did not live in this house with Orville though his sister did. It is a beautiful house in a still very fine neighborhood and is said to have a number of interesting features inside. I am hoping to take a tour of it which is has tough to do again due to the Pandemic. 

Photo below is of an aviation art piece in Downtown Dayton. Had a great time exploring this city and am looking forward to another visit very soon. Thanks for visiting my page and I hope you have enjoyed this look at this very interesting city.