Hot Days in NC (July 24-25,2011)

It was another toasty, but mostly dry weekend in North Carolina. Took a pair of early morning motorcycle rides to do a bit of exploring while I was home. Always nice to get out on the bike, but even nicer when the heat index is not yet up to 100+. Photo at left was taken in Huntersville, NC. Huntersville is a nice community about 12 miles from Uptown Charlotte, population around the 30K range I would guess. Seen here is the fairly new Town Center. I like riding around there, plus there is a great series of roads out of the town; this was actually near the end of the riding on July 24. Did like the look of this building though, and there are many interesting ones locally.
I also on July 24 rode to the college community of Davidson, NC. The school there is private and very old; Woodrow Wilson (President of the US during WW1) went for a time there. I like the downtown, as they are very restrictive of the types of businesses (no big box chains) that they allow there. They are not alone in that, Harrisburg, NC is also trying to keep things "local" which is different but a nice touch. I have seen the effects of unrestricted growth; urban sprawl, empty big box stores when they move to "greener and bigger" pastures, and a lack of variety that comes with such development. It is a nice small town area.
On July 25, rode out to High Rock Lake with Phil. Great ride as its country twisty roads and traffic was light on a week day too. Like the lake, its a remarkable peaceful place (though on this day a guy with a boat engine problem was sending up huge clouds of oil scented smoke) but nice to visit the Marina there, and enjoy a cold coke with a good friend. We enjoyed the ride, continuing on to Salisbury, NC (which is very close to the lake) and back down some more fine roads to Concord and the end of the days ride.
Had a great visit, and though not long trips, nice to see these places and to get out on the motorcycles.

Sunday in the RVA (July 17, 2011)

Nice weekend in the RVA, enjoyed the cooler temperatures of late, though the summer blast is coming back slowly but surely. Did a lot of work here this weekend, just the normal living a life sort of thing. Did get out with a friend and his girlfriend to see "Class Act" at Stony Point Fashion Park. Enjoyed a cold beverage from Starbucks, and some great Motown music from this very fine band. I always enjoy the free concerts, and though not much of a shopping guy, do like Stony Point (some great places to eat there, and I am an "eating guy"). If you get the chance; check out the band when they play around town, and check out the mall.

Carolinas Aviation Museum, July 8, 2011

On July 8, Phil and I rode our motorcycles to Charlotte, NC to the Carolinas Aviation Museum. It is at a new location, and I visited it for the first time there with him during my visit home. Seen here is a bit of a hometown plane of sorts, this McDonnell Douglas F-4S Phantom II Fighter-bomber was stationed at NAS Barbers Point. It last flew with VMFA-235. Built in 1985 it was one of the last models of the Vietnam era fighter. The plane had a Pilot and a Radar Intercept Officer who sat sort of "motorcycle style" in the aircraft. The plane was capable of supersonic flight and carried a mix of missiles and also (later on anyhow) a 20mm cannon.
Phil is seen in this photo in front of this Douglas DC-3. This was a former C-47, which was the major transport aircraft of WWII, and the DC-3 was a major airliner prior to the war, and for a time after. In fact many are still flown today (mostly hauling cargo) many years after they were first built. This plane was built in 1942, and is still flown by the museum. It won an award at Oshkosh a few years ago. This plane never flew with Piedmont Airlines (which was a Carolina based airline which later was merged with US Airways) but has been outfitted in that role. It flies to many airshows in the region, as well as many others in the US.
Plane seen here is a Boeing PT-17/N2S Kaydet. It was the primary flight trainer for US Navy and US Army Air Force (the US Air Force was established after WWII) pilots. It is a two cockpit plane, which held the student and the instructor pilot. The small blue unit next to it was a WWII Link Trainer. One of the first "Flight simulators" the Link was used to teach the basics of flight to new students.
The museum has a nice collection of planes and other flight items. Unfortunately, many of the planes in the collection are outside the hanger beyond a fence and can not be easily seen as they are on "Airport property". Much of that is due to the new addition to the museum, which takes up a lot of room.
That new addition is this historic aircraft. It is the Miracle on the Hudson plane, aka US Airways Flight 1549. Flown into the Hudson River by Captain Chesley B. Sullenburger after the engines quit shortly after striking a flight of Canadian Geese on takeoff on January 15, 2009, the plane made a successful ditching and all 155 on board were rescued. The plane was moved from storage in New Jersey, where it had been stored, and arrived at the museum on June 10, 2011. US Airways and Airbus mechanics are restoring the plane for display; where it will remain at the museum at its "Final Destination". The plane can be seen in the water on tv as part of a movie on the event.
Before leaving the airport, Phil and I rode to the airport viewing area, and watched a few US Airways (and a Delta jet) takeoff on the very hot and humid day which was July 8, 2011. Had a great time during the ride and enjoyed the visit to the busiest airport in North Carolina. There were a lot of planes departing and arriving when we got there. The museum is very nice, and though there is a small admission charge, it was well worth the price and we enjoyed the visit. I will be returning in the near future, enjoyed the combination of aircraft and a great motorcycle ride as well.

Cornelius/Huntersville, NC (July 5, 2011)

Took an early morning ride to Hunstersville/Cornelius, NC on a July day. Nice to get out on the bike early, before the heat kicks in (and its also been a big week for late afternoon thunderstorms). Came across some interesting things (more photos can be seen on my Racing with the Wind Page) during the ride. For instance, Gator's seen at left. Was a favorite family restaurant in University City, but found this location near Michael Waltrip Racing (also a Mac's Speed Shop near there). Will be back to check that out, nothing like a little gator tail to enjoy here in North Carolina. Lots of good places to eat in the Lake Norman area.
Took this photo at Birkdale Village which is in Huntersville, NC. It is right off of Sam Furr Road near I-77 and is an interesting large development. Has businesses (and many) plus apartments/condos in the complex. That is getting to be a popular thing in this area; everything you need (for the most part) within walking distance. Lots of nice landscaping, and nearby is even more things. As an added bonus, this is very close to Lake Norman (see below). I can see this catching on, and in fact a number of places like this have been popping up in many nearby communities. I enjoy wandering in there, and there is a lot to see.
Michael Waltrip Racing is one of the regions NASCAR race shops, Michael is team owner, one of the drivers, and frankly one of the more interesting and colorful characters. It is located at 20310 Chartwell Center Drive in Cornelius, NC. This shop which is 14,000 feet of racing items and the shops where the cars are built, charges admission, but gives more access than many of the free shops in the area (though many of them do a great job). It is open weekdays from 9-5. Due to time, I did not get to tour it but I will be b back to do so in the future. I enjoy the racing in the area, and the race shops are an amazing plus to living in the Charlotte area.

Richmond International Airport, June 25, 2011

While at the Virginia Aviation Museum (see previous post) I also made a visit to Richmond International Airport. The airport, which I read is the busiest airport in Virginia, is located in Sandston, Va, some five miles East of Richmond. The airport was started as Richard Evelyn Byrd Flying Field in 1927. Among those present for the opening of the airport was Charles Lindbergh. The area had an even earlier history, some military balloons of the Civil War (the earliest use of military aviation in the US) were flown from nearby fields according to some accounts I have read. The airport has changed and grown greatly since its opening in 1927.
The airport is very open and airy as befits a place where people take to the sky. There are a number of shops just short of the boarding checkpoints, the usual airport assortment of restaurants and bookstores. Good waiting area for people there waiting for arriving or departing flights. The airport had a few cars on display, and was very clean. It was a light travel time when I was there, though there were a few people heading for flights. I think the biggest year for the airport was in 2007 when some 3,634, 544 flew out or into the airport. However, that data may not be totally accurate, though I think the recession has impacted it.
As seen in here, very open area. I like the high roof and the impression of it is very positive. The new terminal was dedicated in July 30, 2007. Eight airlines (American, Delta, JetBlue, AirTran, United, US Airways, Continental, and Air Canada) serve the airport. Local business leaders (in fact I watched the commercial on tv tonight) have been making a push to have more people fly the lower cost airlines as there is some concern they will cut back service to the airport if not cancel it outright. Richmond International once had some of the highest fares in the region, and that could well happen again.
Seen here is the control tower for the airport. In addition to passenger traffic, the airport also has a large number of cargo flights. The airport provides a lot of economic impact to the region, and is a major source of jobs and job attraction to Richmond and the surrounding areas.
Airports draw businesses to an area, and air service is an important part of that attraction. Being able to fly in cargo and commodities is also important to a community. Not everything is hauled by truck, or train, and many businesses depend on air service.
I enjoyed by visit to the airport, which is my second since I have been here.

Virginia Aviation Museum, June 25, 2011

After an early afternoon with the Harley Owners Group at the VA State Rally (don't ride a Harley, have a Kawasaki Vulcan, in NC at that) but enjoy being with bikers. I also enjoy aircraft, and made a return visit to this very fine museum. Located near the Richmond International Airport, the museum has some 37 aircraft on hand. A few you can see right out front without paying the admission (but its reasonable and worth it). One of the stars of the collection is the SR-71 Blackbird. Flown as a "spyplane" the SR-71 was never shot down, thanks to it being able to fly at "over Mach 3" and "over" 85,000 feet. They were retired, and Richmond has this one.
Also retired, and also on display outside is the F-14 Tomcat seen here. The Tomcat served in the US Navy from the 1970's till just a few years ago. Time and maintenance requirements caught up with the big Grumman fighter-bomber. The big twin engined swing-wing plane was one of the "Stars" of the movie "Top Gun" , and was involved during its service life in many of the nation's military actions. It was flown by a crew of two, and its primary role was air defense of US Carriers at sea. Noted it was a fighter-bomber though that last role was added late in its lifetime. Now the F/A-18 does both roles in the United States Navy.
As noted, there are a lot of planes there. Some of the planes are very rare, and many are virtually (if not literally) one of a kind. The plane that Admiral Richard E. Byrd (a Virginia native by the way) flew over the South Pole is on display there. There are also a number of flight simulators (entertaining to young and old) as well as other aviation displays. There are even some really good aviation movies. I watched one on the SR-71, which was really good. There is something there for everyone, even those with only a passing interest in aviation. I enjoyed a good three hours there, and this was my third visit to the museum since I have been in Richmond!
The museum has many classic aircraft of the 20's and 30's such as this Stinson Reliant, which is one of the most beautiful aircraft of the period in my book. This plane could fly 3-4 passengers at a then dazzling speed of 165 mph a bit over 800 miles. I love the flared wheel covers, and the big radial engine. Planes of those period were part of what was known as "The Golden Years" of Aviation. Many planes in the collection include these type of planes, general aviation planes, a hang glider, and a large number of commercial and military biplanes. The fact that they all have a history, and are not recreations is a huge plus, and there are some remarkable examples.
I am also impressed with the military warplanes of the WW1 era on display, such as this remarkable SPAD VII seen here. Back in that war, pilots flew without parachutes for the most part, in planes without such things as self-sealing fuel tanks, and often in aerial combat faced the choice of burning to death or falling out of the plane to the ground (many carried pistols to save themselves the choice). Many pilots had a combat history measured in hours. Very few of the planes of that period remain, and this is one of the few SPAD VII's in existance. It is a real treat to check out this museum, and if you get the chance in Richmond, take time to explore its wonders!

Summer, NC 2011! (June 21,2011)

Went after a fine first day of summer motorcycle ride on an amazing hot day the first day of summer. Temperature was 99 in Concord, summer indeed! Met my wife Patty (that is her hand at right) at work, and took her to Three Monkey's for lunch. Have nice lunch specials there (we had the Chicken Salad) but the focus of the photo is the Fried Pickles. Yeah, not the healthy way to enjoy pickles, but really really good. I like those, and I like that restaurant. Good food and great prices, plus the owner is really nice. Made for a nice time, and being a migrant factory worker I don't get to have lunch out with my wife all that often.
My son got me (among other things) a six pack of "Samuel Adams Summer Ale", so this was actually the first photo of Summer that I took, right after 1pm on June 21. Nice view of the backyard as well in Carolina. Like different beers, there are some interesting ones out there to check out (life is too short to drink bland beer). I am also a fan of locally brewed (in Richmond, VA) Legends Beer, and also like going to Capital Ale House in Richmond which has a HUGE selection of craft beers. On a hot summer day there is nothing like an ice cold beer, though ice tea runs a very close second. I never really had ice tea before NC...where sweet tea is an art form.
Finally, cooling in the AC are my border collies. Talk about something that gives you joy; a big part of my family these gals (both are female) keep me moving and on my toes. They love to play (except when its 99 outside, then they like to chill in the A/C) and love morning walks (and we did that each morning I was home, early before the heat built up). Border Collies have a lot of character and of all the dogs I have enjoyed over my life they are among the most amazing. I am constantly amazed at how smart they are; they as I have seen others do, can find many of their toys by name. Tell them to "bring me the football" and they do it. They also are masters of playing catch, and love to do it for hours on end. They are always glad to see me (thankfully, so is my wife and son) and always ready to get out and moving. That is good for them, but also good for me....beat having rarely used exercise equipment. Plus, not sure that anything can love you as much as a dog can. They are remarkable friends and a great joy in my life.