Cellpic Sunday – 25 June 2017

Mandan, North Dakota.

Lately, I’ve been to the Mandan (ND) Airport several times for various reasons in connection with my volunteer service for Civil Air Patrol. Recently, after landing, we pulled up to Hangar 42 and parked. Unlike fueling your car, aircraft aren’t always ‘filled to full tanks’ for each flight. Fuel needs are determined by educated estimates of fuel flow for the aircraft in gallons or pounds of fuel per hour. Then enough fuel for at least an hour’s reserve is added. Carrying more fuel than necessary decreases performance and limits our passenger and equipment capacity. After we determined our fuel load for the next flight, the fuel truck operator from Clear Skies Aviation drove up and readied his gear to refuel our tanks.

Cellpic Sunday – 18 June 2017

 

Valley City, North Dakota.

This week, I happened to be on a Civil Air Patrol flight and our route of flight was over the city of Valley City. Coincidentally, this week’s Travel Tuesday here, features the many bridges of Valley City as they cross the Sheyenne River on its southward trek through town. The largest bridge in the city, High Line Bridge, is an obvious feature at the north end of the city. Being a passenger on this flight, I had plenty of time to grab my cellphone camera and take a few pictures as we flew by.

Cellpic Sunday – 11 June 2017

Fargo, North Dakota.

Last evening, on a beautiful Saturday, Lynn and I went downtown to walk around the newly revitalized city center. Fargo has done a fabulous job in re-imagining our downtown and a walk down Broadway is all you need to see the results of their work. At one point, some years ago, much of downtown Broadway was an outdoor walking mall with only non-motorized traffic allowed. That’s all gone now, and the street is full to the brim pretty much every evening with diagonally parked cars.

Cellpic Sunday – 4 June 2017

Davenport, North Dakota.

This week, North Dakotans went back in time to an earlier era when steam was king. An organization dedicated to railroad preservation out of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota brought one of their prize historic trains to help a regional freight railroad celebrate their 30th Anniversary. Last week, Engine number 261 and a collection of historic railroad cars traveled excursion routes in southeastern North Dakota, offering seats to passengers for the trips. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t find out about the excursions until long after all the tickets were sold out. That didn’t stop me from visiting the small town of Davenport to take a look at the gleaming engine and beautifully restored cars.

Cellpic Sunday – 28 May 2017

Arlington, Virginia.

Traditionally, the kickoff to summer vacations is the Memorial Day weekend. Of course, for many families, it is a weekend to remember one or more of the family who served and gave the last full measure of devotion. On a hill in Virginia, overlooking our nation’s capital city, there stands an imposing tomb. The Tomb of the Unknowns actually contains the remains of a World War I soldier, a World War II soldier and a Korean War soldier who are “known but to God.”

Cellpic Sunday – 21 May 2017

Breezy Point, Minnesota.

In late April, we visited Breezy Point Resort for a conference. The resort is a is a popular place all summer, so even in the off-season, the center has customers who don’t mind it might not be “swimming in the lake” warm.

Cellpic Sunday – A Rose for Mom

 

“All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”

–Abraham Lincoln

On this day that was set aside to honor mothers, I realize that it has been almost 40 years since I have heard the voice of my own angel mother. Whether your mother is within arms reach, or within the arms of God, today is a day to thank her for what you have become today. Next month, it’s your old man’s turn (he said with a grin.)