Huffman Prairie Flying Field and the Wright Brothers Monument (March 30, 2023)

Taken from a motorcycle ride today to Huffman Prairie Flying field. The field was used by the Wright Brothers after Kitty Hawk for flight test of later designs and flight instruction. Unlike Kitty Hawk, NC  the winds were not as strong here in Ohio so to launch their aircraft a catapult was used which is seen at right. 

The site covers some 84 acres and was used by the Wrights starting in 1904. They perfected the Wright Flyer III (which is on display in Dayton, Ohio) and tested some other designs here. I also went to The Wright Brothers Monument which has the monument to the brothers as well as a small museum. The monument can be seen behind my motorcycle on my "Racing with the Wind" Page. Here are some of the displays in the museum near the monument. Some of the people who learned to fly at the above mentioned flying school, and below a photo of the Wright Factory in Dayton. Sadly, just last weekend, that building was heavily damaged in a massive fire at the site. 

Below is some of the later designed planes by the Wright Brothers, including the Model L and G which were designed after Wilbur Wright's death. Part of the Model G, which was a 'Flying Boat" is on display at the museum on loan from the Smithsonian. Those photos can be seen below.   

As always thank you for visiting my pages!
 

Return to Rising Sun (March 13-15, 2023)

We returned to Rising Sun, Indiana for two days (drove back on the 15th). Had a great time, though was firmly in the grip of winter. Temperatures were in the 20's most of the time, the best day weather wise was the day we left. Only blue skies of the trip, and even warmer in the 40's. I took the helicopter photo in Aurora, Indiana which is just down the road from Rising Sun. Took one walk to the river, but did not stay long due to temperature. 

That said, always a fun place and some nice towns, and we had a great time there. Looking forward to the next visit

Rising Sun Indiana (March 4-5, 2023)

First trip of 2023 with my wife and her friend to Rising Sun, Indiana which is a favorite place of ours. Saw my first "Hoosier bunny" of the year there, and in fact saw a couple more a few hours later. Wandered around the town viewing the river, the aircraft (flew once on the center one). Saturday had breakfast at the Main Street Diner which is in downtown Rising Sun and enjoyed an excellent meal. Nice relaxing town to visit and we had a great time under blue skies.

 

Since Christmas (January 16, 2023)

A few post Christmas photos. My decorations are all put away (as of yesterday) and the lights at other places are going out (although not all). Been enjoying the usual winter activities and the sights. Been to the Air Force Museum a couple of times, the usual air operations at the lakes and even checked out some motorcycles at the bike shop in Dayton. Went to the Elvis Tribute Show in Dayton a few days ago with my wife and some friends and we had a great time. He did a very good job and enjoyed the show. Snow other than the Christmas storm has been a no show so far . Going to be a great 2023. 

 

Next to Last Day of 2022 (December 30, 2022)

Wonderful change the past couple of days here. Over the days just before and after Christmas, we had the monster storm to deal with. Sure a White Christmas is beautiful but with wind chills down to -39 , the massive problems it caused with power outages and travel on a national level it was quite the adventure. Luckily here the lights stayed on, and we stayed home. 

Still, last couple of days and thankfully for a few more days it is almost springlike. Temperatures are in the 60's which is great for this time of year, the snow is melted for the most part and get to walk and awake to views like these here around the lakes at my house. The rainbow was a really pleasant surprise. Comes with some rain but even that is a blessing as it washes the salt from the streets and as we are in a drought is a real bonus. 

Sure there will be some more winter, hopefully more calm than the storms of the past few days, but days like this here in Ohio are a real blessing!   

 

Christmas Sights (December 30, 2022)

One of our favorite things to do during Christmas time is to drive around listening to Christmas music and look at the lights. Seen below are two sights in downtown Dayton, followed by two houses in Huber Heights (three photos though) and finally the 151 foot tree in Carillon Park in Dayton. We did that a few times this year and really enjoyed those drives. Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas 

 

First Snowstorm of Winter 2022/2023) December 22, 2022

Last night the big snowstorm hit, have been expecting it for the past few days. Came with a fury including high winds and the biggest snow since, well, since last winter. Hard to tell how much as with the 40-50 mph winds its hard to measure. Much of the snow has been blowing. 

Did get out this morning though, and walked down to the lake to check out the snowfall, visit with the Canadian Geese, and just look it over. I do find snow beautiful and it was fun to get out for a bit. That bit was not long though with a temperature outside of -9 degrees at the time.