For those of you that have

For those of you who have been here, you know Airventure just sucks you back, again and again.  The fact that we are a mere six hours away towing our little home on wheels makes it a common summer destination and a no brainer. Even Bev, who thinks biomass that flys should have hollow bones and feathers, thinks it's a must do. However, the fly market probably is her beacon. It's not just an airshow, it's the most mucho grande airplane gig you can find. Oshkosh, WI most likely would be a wide spot in the road if not for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). It started innocently enough. A couple of guys start a group interested in building their own airplanes, and now there is a major irruption (biological term) of the crem de la crem airplanes from around the globe. If you've a mind, check out
 http://www.airventure.org/ to get a feel. If you can't stand the excitement, we'll be here until Thursday
morning if you want to join the melee.

OK, so you want to join the fun, "where are we gonna stay?". Of course there are the normal commercial options, which are normally secured many months in advance. Plus, they are away from happenings, they are quiet and cool. If that's your thing, don't camp at the airport.....where all the action is. We choose the latter. And Camp Scholler is the destination of choice for thousands. A small chunk of Camp Scholler is displayed in the photo. The biggest morass of tents and trailers you can imagine. You don't come here for the solitude.

Being headquartered in Oshkosh, WI the EAA has built their world-class museum on the grounds of Whitman Field. Remember, this is for experimental, general aviation. They remain at the top of the food chain for this class of aviation.

                                                                                     

Many of the airplanes that show up are true works of art. I don't know if they can be compared to a Picasso, but they truely have the love of the restorer/pilot and are works of art in their own sense. This is a 1930's model of a Waco. Sorry, I didn't check the model on the plane. It would have been considered as an upper-level transport steed.

Another pristine restoration and look at the polished aluminum. It's a Comanche 400 (Piper Airplane). I think the engine is more than the factory delivered. Not sure about that, but it will get you to the grandkids house likety split.

Here is a beautiful Ercoupe. This pilot also does  not get much else done, as he or she spends most of their time spit shining aluminum.

This is one of the many models of ultralights. You'll notice it has two seats side by side. I thought, hm, if I had one of those, maybe Bev would ride along for the view. Again I was wrong. But she does strap into the Pacer, where she is at least surrounded by fabric and a few aluminum tubes and a modest sense of security. And for that I'm grateful.

A War bird favorite. The DC3 aka "The Gooney Bird." It was in combat service all the way throughVietnam. Fortunately, the scrap yards haven't gotten ahold of all of them and there are still many of them plying the skies in a more docile environment.

Well, this will certainly be a shot to end the blog for the night. But notice the airplane shorts on this guy. They're probably the only ones like it in the world. They're custom made by some one very close to me.

Today was a warm up day. The big show does not start until tomorrow. I hope to get many more shots of the fascinating airplanes so if you can stand it, check back. Keep up the airspeed.

ps.....The Google blog engine is rather goofy and I can't get the preview mode to work. Not sure how this will look as an end product, but hope it is somewhat comprehensible.