Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Magical

Regular readers know of my affinity with all things aviation related. This week, Ann-Christine asks us to share our concept of the term “Magical.” She writes in part, “But Magical can mean so many different things to everyone of us – At Lens-Artists, we have already had Magical Light as a theme, (last year) but this time it is all up to you! What is Magical to you?” You can read her entire challenge post here. So, I’ve always thought that being able to get into an aircraft and visit places unknown is magical in itself. But what about those aircraft who don’t have the advantage of generating any power to keep themselves airborne?

USAF Thunderbirds – Meet and Greet

Fargo, North Dakota.

The USAF Thunderbirds were in town for the Fargo Airsho (spelling correct), and a couple of the members of our Fargo Cadet Squadron did the advance “legwork” to arrange a “Meet and Greet” on the day before the performances began. Thanks to their forethought, cadets and senior members from squadrons in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota were able to visit with one of the Thunderbird pilots and some of the ground crew members. I must say, it was a thrill for this old man as well and I was glad to be in town when the meeting occurred. The image above features all of the CAP members in attendance as well as the Thunderbird crew members.

Cellpic Sunday – 8 September 2019

Casselton, North Dakota.

On a summer day, what better way to spend the afternoon at the airport. On this mid-August day, I was content to work on the ground crew as we certified a new tow pilot and did some flight proficiency training for the glider pilots who were there that day. As the tasks were winding down, I was invited to take the front seat for a ride.

Sonali’s Garden – Chai Tea on a Summer Afternoon

Bismarck, North Dakota.

In November 2018, the weekly Travel Tuesday post featured a park in Bismarck known as Chief Looking’s Village. This beautiful park includes some walking trails and playground equipment typical of a city park anywhere. It also contains a beautiful and well kept flower garden. A plaque on one of the stones in the garden welcomes visitors to Sonali’s Garden. As I noted in that post, Sonali Seth was taken from life as a young woman. With much love, her parents built this garden in her memory and they keep it fresh and well cared for. You can review that original post I wrote here.

Dronie Sunday – 18 August 2019

Fargo, North Dakota.

It’s been a month since I’ve shared a “dronie” photo. I haven’t had much of a chance to take photos from the aerial platform. With a trip to Winnipeg and another to Baltimore in the last few weeks, I’ve barely had time to only complete some proficiency flights as a remote pilot. I hope to change that in the next few weeks. In the meantime, I felt it’s time to share another image captured from one of my first attempts at using the remote photo software built into the DJI Go4 application I use to operate the Mavic Air.

Cellpic Sunday – 11 August 2019

Jamestown, North Dakota.

On a Civil Air Patrol activity a few weeks ago, I was flying in the right seat (just a passenger). Our first stop was at Jamestown. As we negotiated the landing pattern, I was snapping pics with my iPad Mini. You may recall a sunset view of the James River from last week. As we turned to our final approach, I spotted a train traveling through the lush, green countryside.

Cellpic Sunday – 4 August 2019

Fargo, North Dakota.

Coming out of the theater on a summer’s evening, the last vestiges of sunset were upon us. In the parking lot, a beautiful custom Chevrolet attracted my attention. Clearly the custom wheels and simple body design spoke to the care that created this automotive work of art.