VintageFlying.com

And then, a gasp from the beauty of the day’s first light crowning the mountains to the east.  It was a good day to fly…a very good day indeed.  (BFH_0003 - Day 1 - California)

Off our right wing Cumulous Nimbus Alotus (meaning many rain clouds) contributed moisture to the already steamy temperatures. (BFH_0042 - Day 1 - Arizona)

Yet off our left wing, only scattered puffy clouds and their shadows dotted the horizon.  (BFH_0070 - Day 1 - Arizona)

Monsoonal downpours a few days ago revived the seasonal dry riverbeds.  They also washed the foliage so a passing photographer could capture the gorgeous contrasting colors.  How's that for Mother Nature nicer side?  (BFH_0385 - Day 2 - Northern Arizona)

Talk about slot canyons!  It was difficult to select only 7 images for today's website entry.  We captured over 900 images today.  This one speaks for itself, don't you think?  (BFH_0435 - Day 2 - Utah)

If you've been to Monument Valley you seen this little guy but likely from a different perspective.  The hazy skies were due to wildfires in the surrounding states.  (BFH_0541 - Day 2 - Monument Valley, Utah)

Leaving Monument Valley we thought the spectacular views were over.  Heading south into Northern Arizona we encountered this massive uplift.  In the lower left of the image you can see some buildings.  Kind of supports the whole "massive uplift" concept doesn't it?  (BFH_0580 - Day 2 - Northern Arizona)

This is why we fly with Mr. Nikon on our lap.  Don't you find it curious that the rock is deep red and the earth supporting it is a faded grey?  And what is with that ephemeral pool of water trying to hide in the shadows?  (BFH_0680 - Day 2 - New Mexico)

At the last second we turned to align the rock formation with the leading edge of the left wing.  Bazaar sandstone formations entertained us for much longer than we anticipated.  Notice the window in shadow of the rock wing formation in the foreground?  (BFH_0841 - Day 2 - New Mexico)

We will end today's photos with this intricate pattern of erosion located in some remote place in New Mexico.  Miss Laurie believes that they look like dried palm fronds or better yet, dried ferns.  My guess is we need to return to this area again and rediscover some new images just waiting to be captured.  (BFH_0895 - Day 2 - New Mexico)

Are we to assume that little stream carved out this incredibly wide valley?  We're open to any other thoughts.  (BFH_0961 - Day 3 - New Mexico)

A closer look reveals that, once again, Mother Nature has an eye for putting colors and shapes together, leaving us to discover and appreciate.  (BFH_0976 - Day 3 - New Mexico)

Even an overcast day cannot dim the beauty of this unique formation.  Look closely, there are trees growing in the mini canyons.  (BFH_1000 - Day 3 - New Mexico)

Dana and Meredith are a match made in heaven.  They are both accomplished flight instructors and hold certificates in all the needed passions to fly a vintage airplane across America and land in all 48 lower states!  (BFH_1077 - Day 3 - New Mexico)

Just look at those smiles!  They been on their adventure across America since July 1st.  What an amazing couple. Visit them at www.holladayaviation.com  (BFH_1080 - Day 3 - New Mexico)

The flight plan rerouting took us south to Watonga, OK. Fortunately the storm arrived as we just finished fueling the Cub. The fast moving low clouds prompted a tornado warning.  (BFH_1199 - Day 4 - Oklahoma)

This year's draught hit a large part of our country.  It seemed only indigenous vegetation with deep roots survived the heat and lack of rain.

(BFH_1239 - Day 4 - Oklahoma)

The small puffy white clouds help this image with their ethereal personalities. (BFH_1303 - Day 4 - Oklahoma)

Tree lined meandering streams and rivers are the hallmark of this part of our country.  Not only is their shape pleasing but the contrast to the dried fields seem to bring their colors to life.  (BFH_1421 - Day 4 - Oklahoma)

Riverbed sand sculptures need to have their image taken to be studied later when on the ground.  Doesn't sound like the voice of experience?  Nope, we just made that up.  (BFH_1659 - Day 4 - Oklahoma)

This is one of Thomas the Train's friends...just ask my grandson Levi!  Thought we would switch things up for a change.  (BFH_1716 - Day 4 - Oklahoma)

Early morning flights are the best way to see the land below in its truest colors.  (BFH_1798 - Day 5 - Missouri)

This long forgotten railroad bridge is all that remains of an era where large quantities of agriculture was moved by rail.  (BFH_1827 - Day 5 - Missouri)

  Look, you too can have a house on the water...we mean really, really on the water.  Pretty cool idea.  (BFH_1835 - Day 5 - Missouri)

  Could this be the cast party for the movie "Cars 2?"  (BFH_1936 - Day 5 - Missouri)

Old McDonald had a farm, and on his farm he had some farm implements...a whole BUNCH of implements.  Kinda makes you wonder what Mrs. Old McDonald thought about her husband, but then the nursery rhyme is silent on that particular information isn't it?  (BFH_1936 - Day 5 - Missouri)

 The warm August sun played peek-a-boo with the lifeless airport windsock standing sentry beside the runway.  Even the brightly colored windsock was no match for the sun on this perfect morning. (BFH_2110 - Day 6 - Illinois)

Extra long shadows stretched from the base of anything rising above the earth’s surface. (BFH_2125 - Day 6 - Illinois)

Small ponds cool from the night, forced ghost-like wisps’ of fog to dance above their surfaces.    (BFH_2130 - Day 6 - Illinois)

Mr. Nikon looks out the right side of the Cub.  (BFH_2165 - Day 6 - Illinois)

What a great place to relax and read a book, don't you think?  (BFH_2307 - Day 6 - Illinois)

This trestle is from an active rail line.  (BFH_2435 - Day 6 - Indiana)

Fewer and fewer of these handsome old structures remain in our country's landscape.  (BFH_2485 - Day 6 - Indiana)

With the door and window on the right side open, we awakened Mr. Nikon and began to capture this highly charged emotional event.  (BFH_2525 - Day 6 - Indiana)

We guess you could say this homeowner has his own damed lake. (Yea, that was kind of weak wasn't it?)  (BFH_2615 - Day 6 - Indiana)

"Any luck fellas?"  (BFH_2555 - Day 6 - Indiana)

Early morning light dapples the forests and meadows to add depth and drama.  The deep blue of the sky is reflected in the small manmade ponds.  Another remarkable day has begun and Mr. Nikon is awake and working.   (BFH_2745 - Day 7 - Ohio)

Seems like a lot of carefully crafted work.  Unfortunately most passer's by will not likely see what we see from aloft.   (BFH_2765 - Day 7 - Pennsylvania)

We have no idea what that reddish brown crop is, but it sure makes for a pretty eye-catching pattern.   (BFH_2871 - Day 7 - Pennsylvania)

You remember when the carnival rides and booths came to town.  Kind of like Disneyland comes to Pottstown.   (BFH_3037 - Day 7 - Pennsylvania)

Such a cute little cottage snuggled into the woods.   (BFH_3042 - Day 7 - Pennsylvania)

The Lady looked her best as she faced the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean.  Her gown was a striking patina and almost glowed against the deep green trees.   (BFH_3186 - Day 8 - New York)

Considering how many people came to this country though these building, it is difficult to imagine how they processed them in only the space provided.  (BFH_3272 - Day 8 - New York)

We would say the first boat loads of tourists seemed pretty enthusiastic, except for the woman in the black top and jeans. (BFH_3333 - Day 8 - New York)

Is this or is this not the coolest tug boat you have ever seen?  (BFH_3411 - Day 8 - New York)

The legendary Staten Island Ferry. How do you suppose we figured that out?  (BFH_3432 - Day 8 - New York)

After three photos of boats it's time to get back to airplanes! Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome was peaceful on this Wednesday afternoon.  Plenty of time to poke around the hangars filled with rare aircraft.  (BFH_3789 - Day 8 - Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome)

Just look at these magnificent automobiles and aircraft.  Don't you just wish for a moment you could have lived back in that time?  Go ahead and really give that some serious thought.  (BFH_3719 - Day 8 - Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome)

While not up to typical museum display standards, these are the real deal.  So rare, so much a part of our aviation history they are wonderful treasures. (BFH_3863 - Day 8 - Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome)

First of three photos: As we flew over this beautiful but rather small lake we noticed the elaborate piers and rafts in what appears to be a sort of summer resort.  (BFH_3961 - Day 9 - New York)

Second of three photos: A flyover confirms this is likely much too elaborate for a family cottage on the lake. (BFH_3981 - Day 9 - New York)

Third of three photos: Those are duffle bags in that circle and each one has a white tag.  Notice the people on the ground are all wearing the same color 'T' shirts.  America may reveal itself when flying over it low and slow, but sometimes it takes time to figure it out.  (BFH_3981 - Day 9 - New York)

We flew over this from the opposite direction.  The hangars weren't in view.  At that point it seemed odd that there was a road in a corn field that went nowhere. When we passed the row of trees obscuring the hangars it became very clear; the road was a grass runway.  One of dozens of grass strips cut into a field of crops we've seen on this adventure.  (BFH_3988 - Day 9 - New York)

It didn't hit us at first, but this lake appears to be natural and not man-made.  We therefore will call it, "No dam lake."  (BFH_4017 - Day 9 - Massachusetts)

We always enjoy finding these quaint little family summer cottages that only get used during the summer months.  We wonder if they have room for friends that might visit. (BFH_4027 - Day 9 - Massachusetts)

The rental car folks said they didn't have the subcompact car we reserved. Could I make do with a convertible?...Really?!?!  (BFH_4059 - Day 9 - Plymouth, MA)

High end summer cottage tract homes? (BFH_4147 - Day 11 - Cape Cod, MA)

This estate clearly won the best of show.  (BFH_4157 - Day 11 - Cape Cod, MA)

The summer crowds stake out their place in the sun on this sunny August Saturday.  Look at those intriguing sand bar formations.  Too bad the folks on the beach don't get the same perspective we do.  (BFH_4134 - Day 11 - Cape Cod, MA)

Isn't this perspective just insane? To get some reference to size, there is a man and a woman walking together at the top center of the photo.  (BFH_4178 - Day 11 - Cape Cod, MA)

Do you see what we see?  Study this sand bar for a few moments.  It can be many things if you let your mind wonder about.  Need some perspective?  Those are small waves in the bottom left of the photo. Yep, this photo is right out of Mr. Nikon, no enhancements.  (BFH_4192 - Day 11 - Cape Cod, MA)

Can't find a pier to tie your boat to?  No problem, just let it settle on a sand bar as the tide goes out.  (BFH_4190 - Day 11 - Cape Cod, MA)

Tall grass micro-islands in the marshes display their own unique patterns.  (BFH_4208 - Day 11 - Cape Cod, MA)

Could these be lobster or oyster farms?  Got any ideas?  (BFH_4164 - Day 11 - Cape Cod, MA)

Provincetown, MA on a balmy August Saturday.  (BFH_4215 - Day 11 - Cape Cod, MA)

Leaving the Cape Cod peninsula we could not resist this cute little light house standing guard at the entrance of an inlet.  Besides, what photo collection of Cape Cod would be complete without even one light house image?   (BFH_4329 - Day 11 - Cape Cod, MA)

If the light house is a required photo then a fast moving mini-yacht is too...right?  The woman in the left rear of the boat doesn't seem to mind even with her arm in a cast.   (BFH_4359 - Day 11 - Cape Cod, MA)

We count 22 people on the deck of this sail boat.  Since they are all pretty much dressed in the same outfits, we will assume this is in preparation for a race, though not with the other boat in the photo.  (BFH_4397 - Day 11 - Cape Cod, MA)

Finally a airport courtesy car that is both built and runs like a tank.  (BFH_4466 - Day 11 - Hazelton, PA)

Western Pennsylvania with its rich farmland and tree-lined streams.  (BFH_4477 - Day 13 - Pennsylvania)

Dam!  (BFH_4508 - Day 13 - Pennsylvania)

Amaz-ing! Bet your kids would get totally lost in this one.  (BFH_4508 - Day 13 - Pennsylvania)

Partly cloudy skies add shadows that bring some drama to an ordinary image.  Okay, not very much drama.  (BFH_4556 - Day 13 - Pennsylvania)

The Department of Homeland Security has brought on international security guards to assist with flagrant violators of the shoe removal policy requirements at general aviation airports with grass strips.  Mandatory firearm training of uniform personnel is required to insure the officer can hit the broad side of a barn at 10 paces.  (BFH_4603 - Day 13 - Ohio)

Mr. Nikon managed to capture the actual moment of ignition of the gunpowder in the 'pan' of the rifle.  Believe it or not, this is where the phrase "Flash in the pan" originated.  That is to say the gunpowder in the pan flashed but the resulting flame failed to ignite the charge behind the ball in the chamber...thus a dud.  Ah a brief unimportant history lesson.   (BFH_4606 - Day 13 - Ohio)

We finished packing up our stuff and said our good-bye’s to Terry.  (BFH_4622 - Day 14 - Ohio)

Churches have the unique distinction of being seen from miles away. Those spires rise above most everything around.   (BFH_4662 - Day 14 - Ohio)

Abandon farm structures seem to whisper of a time when their function was indispensible.  Still they stand proudly as monuments of a time when life was simpler but required even greater risk than today.   (BFH_4736 - Day 14 - Indiana)

Take a moment, add some engine sounds, breathe in soft clear air, roll the wings left and right to feel how secure the Cub makes you feel.  It's a moment  you will never forget.   (BFH_4801 - Day 14 - Indiana)

  Half of the Continental horses playing in the sky.  The simplicity of this flying machine makes flying it such a pleasure.  Just ask the Cub.  (BFH_4823 - Day 14 - Indiana)

Always wondered what the tail looked like when aloft. It's a little scary, don't you think?  (BFH_4839 - Day 14 - Indiana)

Looks like the Doughboy pool salesman found a fertile neighborhood.   (BFH_4867 - Day 14 - Illinois)

A visit to Chicago and its culture expressed in architectural endeavors proclaims that big cities are very different indeed.  Isn't this a nice reflection of some of those endeavors?  (BFH_5644 - Day 19 - Chicago)

Each of the dozens of bridges that span the Chicago River have two sentinels from the early years that opened the waterways to tall masted vessels on demand. Though today they are relegated to supplying a resting place for the rare and endangered pigeon species seen here on the roof.  These structures are a proud reminder of the river's commerce and their stature must be included in any definition of the Chicago River's rich heritage.  (BFH_5725 - Day 19 - Chicago)

These giants of glass and steel seem to compete for airspace like a forest of tall pine trees searching for the life-giving qualities of the sun.  And just like that forest, each year proud new taller giants join the competition for airspace leaving shorter older structure to huddle less proudly in their shade.  (BFH_5885, 5897, 6140 - Day 19 - Chicago)

This ornate European style fountain with the Chicago skyline as a backdrop seems to capture the diversity of the city's cutlure. (BFH_5725 - Day 19 - Chicago)

Steve seems unusually happy mowing the grass, don't you think?  (BFH_6568 - Day 22 - Poplar Grove)

Perhaps because he isn't mowing the grass.  (BFH_6572 - Day 22 - Poplar Grove)

No caption necessary.   (BFH_6635 - Day 24 - Brodhead, WI)

A vintage flight of three arrives at Brodhead.  It is going to be a good day.  (BFH_6645 - Day 25 - Brodhead, WI)

This airplane stopped us in our tracks.  This one could be seen from any point on the field...as it should have.  (BFH_6737 - Day 25 - Brodhead, WI)

With perfectly blue skies and harmless puffy white clouds as a backdrop, these two class acts enjoy some midmorning sunshine.  (BFH_6749 - Day 25 - Brodhead, WI)

The tail on this Swift looked so perfect as it reflected the sky and clouds.   (BFH_6864 - Day 25 - Brodhead, WI)

"It's what's up front that counts." That cigarette advertising slogan fits this engine perfectly.  (BFH_6965 - Day 25 - Brodhead, WI)

Stan's meticulously restored Fleet with its unmistakable engine report turned heads on the ground like search lights when Lindberg landed in France.  (BFH_6976 - Day 25 - Brodhead, WI)

Ron and Stan, two of the Grand Masters of Vintage Aviation, take Stan's Fleet for a spin.  The two of them exude an incurable passion for classic vintage airplanes.  (BFH_7008 - Day 25 - Brodhead, WI)

Saturday night just before sunset these ominous clouds rolled in.  The storm that followed created havoc on tents and their occupants.  (BFH_7347 - Day 25 - Brodhead, WI)

Not all the crops were stricken by the drought.  Thank goodness.  (BFH_7486 - Day 26 - Illinois)

Reasoning with Mark Twain wasn't easy.  I got the feeling he was just humoring me.  (BFH_7616 - Day 27 - Iowa)

With just a slight blurring of this image we created a more surreal statement.  Sadly in a matter of hours we would be leaving the land of contour farming.  (BFH_7678 - Day 28 - Iowa)

The magic of the soft and warm morning light brings depth to the colors.  Soon we would cross into Missouri and its tree-lined fields.   (BFH_7754 - Day 28 - Iowa)

This poor old barn attempts to hide in the woods.  One gets the idea that it is somewhat embarrassed by the condition it is in.  (BFH_7773 - Day 28 - Missouri)

Tree-lined creeks and streams are the boundaries of most fields in Northeastern Missouri.  What the farmer plants and how he utilizes his terrain is a statement best viewed from aloft.  (BFH_7894 - Day 28 - Missouri)

Landing at Junction City was…well interesting.  With wind gusts to 32 mph we didn’t use much runway, unless of course you count the distance from the Cub being lifted back into the air as we attempted to flare.  (IMG_3295 - Day 28 - Junction City, Kansas)

The morning “winds aloft” report indicated headwinds around 55 mph so we figured a ground speed around 20 mph.  We gave thought to dragging the Cub by the tail down the highway to the next waypoint some serious consideration.  (IMG_3299 - Day 29 - Pratt, Kansas)

The night before we checked our route of flight on the weather radar.  It didn’t look good. The rain was forecast to sweep through and bring dryer weather by mid-morning.  Such was not the case.  The storms ahead of the front decided they liked central Kansas and spent the day like lost tourists just milling about. (IMG_3306 - Day 30 - Pratt, Kansas)

Mr. Nikon slept for two days as the skies unleashed their furry; but this morning he was wide awake to capture the last of Kansas’ golden light of dawn. (BFH_7948 - Day 31 - Kansas)

Kansas has streams but they seem to dissect the farms in a random pattern and seldom are they used for property designations.  (BFH_7968 - Day 31 - Kansas)

Often we take the scale of crop circles for granted.  With the harvest in full swing, we are reminded of just how large a standard crop circle is.  However since everything is bigger in Texas, we wonder if these are indeed standard crop circles.  (BFH_8049 - Day 31 - Texas)

Arizona sunsets rank among the highest for composition and beauty.  We cannot find a reason to disagree.  (BFH_8108 - Day 31 - Arizona)

     What better way to end a vintage adventure that to get the use of a vintage Dodge Coronet as an airport courtesy car?  Yep, three speed on the column and no power steering. (BFH_8199 - Day 31 - Benson, Arizona)

There is no mistaking the crossing of the Arizona-California boarder.  The green crops that present themselves after hours of earth tones and a clear blue river that divides them welcomes pilots following Interstate 10.  (BFH_8219 - Day 32 -  Colorado River at the Arizona/California Boarder)

Final approach!!!  (096-2 - Day 32 -  Almost home)

Leaning against my best friends for over a month, the 75 Continental horses now get a well deserved break. (102-2 - Day 32 -  Home)

The ride home from Chino Airport in the car will undoubtedly be filled with thoughts of next years adventure.  Perhaps the deep south?  Hmmm, not a bad idea.

Don't forget your freshly brewed cup of coffee when you join us.  Oh yes, thanks for coming along.

Bern Heimos 
 

Trip Statistics:

Number of days on the adventure: 32

Number of statute miles flown: 6,778.5 miles*

Number of legs: 33 legs*

Longest leg: 4 hours, 30 minutes*

Shortest leg:  I'm still pretty sure it's my left leg

Total Flight time: 103 hours, 36 minutes*

Gallons of Fuel:  441.8 gallons

Estimated gallons per hour:  4.3 Gallons Per Hour (thanks to generous tailwinds in Kansas and the remaining route home)

Engine mechanical problems: NONE

Airframe mechanical problems: NONE

Total number of photos taken: 8,247 photos

* The GPS kept track.

See you on Cub Adventure 2013!