{"id":8108,"date":"2013-08-08T17:25:46","date_gmt":"2013-08-08T22:25:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/fitzvideo.com\/sky_surfing\/?p=8108"},"modified":"2013-08-08T17:25:46","modified_gmt":"2013-08-08T22:25:46","slug":"prairie-renaissance-a-flight-to-yates-center-kansas-by-brian-fitzgerald","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/2013\/08\/08\/prairie-renaissance-a-flight-to-yates-center-kansas-by-brian-fitzgerald\/","title":{"rendered":"Prairie Renaissance – A Flight to Yates Center, Kansas by Brian FitzGerald"},"content":{"rendered":"

Static Front<\/h4>\n

In the days around 27 July 2013<\/strong>, Central Kansas<\/strong> was under a static front<\/strong>. While not a “front”<\/em> per se<\/strong>, it is a term my Dad<\/strong> used to describe weather<\/strong> that was not moving<\/strong>.\u00a0Winds<\/strong> were mild<\/strong> and out of the North<\/strong> – conditions which had brought welcome rain<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Conditions<\/strong> such as these allow for flying to destinations<\/strong> other than South<\/strong>\u00a0during The Flying Season<\/strong>. I save the destinations South<\/strong> for days when our prevailing South Wind<\/strong> is in force<\/strong>. I looked on my planning map<\/strong> and my attention<\/strong> was drawn to Yates Center, Kansas<\/strong>. I had never<\/strong> been<\/strong> there before and it looked<\/strong> interesting<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Yates Center, Kansas – Woodson County Seat, a Place of “Living Waters” and Home of Entrepreneurs\u00a0and Great Fliers<\/h3>\n

Although I had already printed<\/strong> the AirNav.com<\/strong><\/a> page of Yates Center<\/strong> airport data, since I was sitting at my workstation<\/strong>, I decided to look it up<\/strong> on the computer. I wanted to get the telephone number<\/strong> for the Airport Manager<\/strong>. Strangely enough, this time I could not find<\/strong> the listing so I got up and pulled the printed one from my collection. I called City Hall<\/strong> and they told me the airport had been de-commissioned<\/strong> but that I could call the man leasing<\/strong> the property to raise hay – Charlie Davis<\/strong>. If he didn’t mind, I could land there. I got Charlie<\/strong> on the phone and he was very enthusiastic<\/strong>. He said he would give me a ride<\/strong> to town when I arrived and offered his phone number<\/strong>. I thanked<\/strong> him for that generosity<\/strong> but told him I could be up<\/strong> there quite early<\/strong> and would not bother him on arrival<\/strong> but rather look for him later that morning<\/strong>. I prepared to fly to Yates Center<\/strong> the next day. I was determined<\/strong> to be “wheels up”<\/em> before sunrise<\/strong>…<\/p>\n

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The Quicksilver<\/strong><\/a> highlighted by a colorful daybreak.<\/p><\/div>\n

I had fueled up<\/strong> and pre-flighted<\/strong> the plane the evening before<\/strong> so all I had to do was roll<\/strong> it out<\/strong> and start<\/strong> it up<\/strong>. This is the first flight<\/strong> all season that I was actually<\/strong>\u00a0airborne<\/strong> before sunup<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Proof!<\/p><\/div>\n

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A train heading West through Rose Hill, Kansas<\/a>. Note the headlights<\/strong> on the train. It was much darker<\/strong> to the eye<\/strong> than this photo portrays as the camera enhanced the light to a significant degree.<\/p><\/div>\n

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This is Southwest Butler Quarry<\/strong><\/a>. The incredible volume of rain<\/strong> we have been experiencing this Summer<\/strong> is evident.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Having flown over this quarry for years I am constantly amazed how much gravel they continue to pull out of it.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Many times on the way to Beaumont, Kansas<\/strong><\/a> I fly to the North<\/strong> of this lake. Today I was surprised to see it directly on my path as I topped a ridge. I was barely able to snap this shot in time. I was flying down the dam to the left.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Flint Hills<\/h4>\n

In a previous story<\/strong><\/a> I had shown off my new dark tinted goggles<\/strong> bought for use when flying directly into the sun<\/strong>. Since this flight to Yates Center<\/strong> was also at sunrise<\/strong> and flying directly into it, I put the batman buggies<\/strong> to work again. But, it was on this morning I found<\/strong> their “failure mode”<\/em>. For me, sunglasses<\/strong> of any type (and that’s what these are)<\/em> only function<\/strong> in a “high contrast visual environment”<\/em>. Wearing them in “flat”<\/em> lighting (no highlights)<\/strong> like what happens on an overcast day,<\/strong> just makes everything harder to see<\/strong>. In photographic<\/strong> terms, it is equivalent<\/strong> to putting Neutral Density Filters<\/strong> over your eyes. You lose<\/strong> a few F Stops.<\/strong> It is like driving a car<\/strong> with deep tinted glass<\/strong> at night<\/strong>. It just doesn’t<\/strong> work<\/strong> for me<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

I switched them with the clear goggles<\/strong> I also had brought. Suffice to say, it is no mean trick<\/strong> to do this in a 40 mph wind<\/strong> with no place to put anything down…<\/p>\n

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This looks like the official entry<\/strong> point to The Flint Hills<\/strong>!<\/p><\/div>\n

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This is looking North<\/strong> from 200′ AGL. In the distance, ominous clouds<\/strong> are moving in.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The next two photos are Neal, Kansas<\/strong><\/a>. It lies on Highway 54 about 19 miles from Yates Center<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Break Time<\/h4>\n

I decided to take a break<\/strong> and pull off<\/strong> the road<\/strong> for a minute. This area<\/strong> is like one big landing strip<\/strong>. As you can see in the picture above<\/strong>, hay<\/strong> is prevalent here. A mown hay field<\/strong>\u00a0is as good as it gets for a landing field<\/strong>. I saw one below on a hill<\/strong> next to some power lines. I settled down<\/strong> on it and quickly<\/strong> came to a stop<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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The sky ahead was becoming dark<\/strong> but I saw no lightning.<\/p><\/div>\n

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After looking at the map<\/strong> and taking stock of the weather I started<\/strong> the motor<\/strong> again. Before buckling in I ran Northwest<\/strong> of my MXL<\/strong> and snapped this shot<\/strong>. I was only 5 miles from Yates Center<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Just outside of Yates Center<\/strong> I saw this place I take to be a Christian Retreat<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

Yates Center, Kansas<\/a><\/h4>\n

Just before<\/strong> landing on the hay field<\/strong> and until a good while after I later landed at Yates Center<\/strong>, the wind had built up to about 15-20 mph<\/strong>. It was not a serious impediment<\/strong> but after surveying the sky<\/strong> I decided I needed to get on the ground<\/strong> at Yates Center<\/strong>\u00a0in due time in case it started raining<\/strong>. The clouds\u00a0shown<\/strong> in the two pictures taken<\/strong> at the hay field<\/strong> revealed the definite potential<\/strong> for a storm.<\/p>\n

I was down low<\/strong> enough (30′ AGL)<\/em> that I couldn’t see<\/strong> in the distance very\u00a0far<\/strong> in any direction. Shortly I noticed Highway 54<\/strong> off to my right (South)<\/em>. It passes through Yates Center<\/strong> so when I saw some houses ahead<\/strong> I decided I was at the outskirts<\/strong> of town. I\u00a0climbed<\/strong> to get some\u00a0altitude <\/strong>and a better lookout point. My assumption proved correct.<\/p>\n

Grand Tour<\/h4>\n

Even though the shortest distance<\/strong> to the airport would have been a hard right<\/strong>, I instead went left<\/strong> in order to circumnavigate<\/strong> the town to the North<\/strong> and East<\/strong> before landing. My general rule<\/strong> is to get the aerial photos<\/strong> of the town<\/strong> I am visiting<\/strong> on arrival<\/strong>. I think they are of great importance<\/strong> to the story and want to make sure I get them<\/strong> while I can. Then, if after touring the town,<\/strong> I need to get another<\/strong> aerial of an important discovery<\/strong>, I can get that shot<\/strong> on the egress<\/strong>. The following is Yates Center<\/strong> from the air.<\/p>\n

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Yates Center, Kansas<\/strong> from 1,000′ AGL looking Southwest<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

Yates Center – Town Center<\/h4>\n

The Center of Town at Yates Center<\/strong> is of great historical interest<\/strong>. In 1875<\/strong>, a man named Abner Yates<\/strong> owned the land around these parts. After The Civil War<\/strong>, Abner<\/strong> had journeyed to Kansas<\/strong> to buy land<\/strong>. He found and bought the only land<\/strong> in the area with what they called “Living Water”<\/strong> (I love that term! Read John Chapter 4<\/strong>)<\/em>. “Living Water” meant natural spring water that did not have to be obtained by digging a well. Yates’ property<\/strong> also happened to be near the geological center<\/strong> of The County. A County Seat<\/strong> was of great importance<\/strong>\u00a0politically and economically and Woodson County<\/strong><\/a> was having no small amount of trouble<\/strong> deciding where it would be. The contenders were\u00a0Neosho Falls<\/strong>, Kalida<\/strong> and Defiance<\/strong> with Abner Yates<\/strong> entering a bid with an empty square of land<\/strong> with nothing<\/strong> built upon it. At the election<\/strong> held to determine where\u00a0The Seat<\/strong> would be, Boosters<\/strong> for the town of Defiance<\/strong> cried out that Abner Yates<\/strong> property should be disallowed<\/strong> because having the only free running water<\/strong> it would be far too expensive<\/strong> for the citizens to buy. Abner Yates<\/strong>, though, closed the<\/strong> deal<\/strong> with a brilliant ploy<\/strong> when he loudly declared<\/strong> The County<\/strong> could have the land<\/strong> it needed FREE<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

In the photos<\/strong> below you can see the square<\/strong> in the middle<\/strong> of town with the Courthouse<\/strong> right in the Center<\/strong>. Note the attractive red brick boulevards<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Yates Center<\/strong> from 1000′ AGL looking South Southeast<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

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Yates Center<\/strong> from 1,000′ AGL looking Southwest<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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A wider shot again from 1,000′ AGL looking Southwest.<\/p><\/div>\n

Living Waters<\/h4>\n

After encircling<\/strong> the town I took the picture<\/strong> below of the two lakes\u00a0<\/strong>that are Southwest<\/strong> of Yates Center<\/strong>. I am guessing at least one of these is the source of water<\/strong> previously discussed.<\/p>\n

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After taking the picture of the lakes<\/strong> I swung a 180 back Northeast<\/strong> to get this final view of the town from 1200′ AGL.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Turning again, now pointing due South<\/strong> from over the Yates Center Reservoir,<\/strong> we see the airport<\/strong> directly in the center<\/strong> of the shot – Looking right down the barrel<\/em>.<\/p><\/div>\n

Photo Ops Galore<\/h4>\n

Believe me, folks, I shoot way more pictures<\/strong> than I put in these reports. Great stuff continually jumps out at me.<\/p>\n

While in the landing pattern<\/strong> on downwind just before turning base, ahead of me I saw a charming sight<\/strong> (Hey. Cut me some slack. I’m from Suburbia)<\/em>. I have seen<\/strong> scenes like this from the ground<\/strong> a few times from afar\u00a0but never<\/strong> from the air<\/strong>. The thing is that while maturing, cattle<\/strong> get to know<\/strong> the rancher<\/strong> well and know when he is bringing<\/strong> some food<\/strong> out to them. It reminds<\/strong> me of my dogs<\/strong> following me when they think I have a treat<\/strong>. In similar<\/strong> manner, cattle<\/strong> will follow<\/strong> a ranch truck<\/strong> across the field.<\/p>\n

Concentration Required<\/h4>\n

Under pressure<\/strong> to get on the ground<\/strong> due to the oncoming<\/strong> bad weather, I didn’t want to go around more than once to capture<\/strong> this scene. Also, like all these shots – it was only going to happen<\/em> ONCE<\/strong>. In addition, I was concerned so as not<\/strong> to spook the beeves<\/strong> and had to ease in<\/em>\u00a0more power<\/strong> in order to extend<\/strong> my downwind leg at higher altitude<\/strong>. So, all in a flash I whip the cam<\/strong> out of its holster<\/strong> at the same time\u00a0adjusting<\/strong> the throttle<\/strong> and working<\/strong> the stick<\/strong> and rudder<\/strong>. We’re talkin’ a\u00a0“trick shot”<\/em> similar to shooting watermelons<\/strong> with a six-gun<\/strong> from the back of a\u00a0galloping\u00a0horse<\/strong>. I was able to get two rounds<\/strong> off . Below is the best<\/strong> of the two<\/strong>. 15 seconds later I was on the ground<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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In the distance, beyond the tail of my Quicksilver<\/strong>, you can see one of the cattle<\/strong> that was following the pickup<\/strong> in the previous photo.<\/p><\/div>\n

Boy Scout Time<\/h4>\n

Among many things I learned as a Boy Scout<\/strong> was to use available resources<\/strong>. Upon landing<\/strong> at the field<\/strong>, even though it was “technically”<\/em> no longer an airfield, I was happy to see a hangar<\/strong>. With the potential<\/strong> of a storm<\/strong> coming through the area at any moment it was imperative<\/strong> that I secure<\/strong> the plane as best as I could. I had looked around near<\/strong> the hangar<\/strong> to see if there were any tie down anchors<\/strong> in the ground and found none<\/strong>. In the event of that, I always carry stakes<\/strong>, straps<\/strong> and a hammer<\/strong>\u00a0in a backpack<\/strong> behind the seat. The “available resource”<\/em> alluded to earlier was the hangar<\/strong>. I pulled the plane<\/strong> up close to the wall<\/strong> on the downwind<\/strong> side of the hangar to use it as a shield<\/strong>. Now, with the “wind shadow”<\/em> and the tie downs<\/strong> I was comfortable leaving<\/strong> the airplane even if it should get a little<\/em> stormy. I covered<\/strong> the aircraft<\/strong>\u00a0instruments<\/strong> with a piece of plastic<\/strong> I found.<\/p>\n

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The grass next to the hangar was tall but it was the best place to tie down.<\/p><\/div>\n

I was checking<\/strong> the time<\/strong> (I use my cell phone as a clock)<\/em> to decide if it was too early<\/strong> to call Charlie<\/strong> or not. It was about 9:15 am<\/strong> so I thought I would call him. Just as I looked up<\/strong> from my cell phone I saw<\/strong> a pickup<\/strong> bounding down the road to the airfield entrance<\/strong>. I figured it had to be Charlie Davis<\/strong>…<\/p>\n

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…it was!<\/p><\/div>\n

Charlie’s Son<\/strong> had seen me flying<\/strong> over the Yates Center<\/strong> while I was taking pictures and called his Dad<\/strong> to say, “I think your guy is here”<\/em>. Charlie<\/strong> said he jumped in the pickup<\/strong> and headed<\/strong> my way.<\/p>\n

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Charley Davis<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

Charley Davis – Yates Center, Kansas<\/h4>\n

Sometimes<\/strong> when I call a town<\/strong> I have decided to fly<\/strong> to, it takes a lot of explaining<\/strong> as to what I am doing – photography<\/strong>, exploration<\/strong>, etc. From the moment I first talked<\/strong> to Charley Davis<\/strong>, though, I could tell he understood<\/strong> my mission immediately<\/strong> and completely. I think that is why he is a successful<\/strong>\u00a0entrepreneur<\/strong>. He has the ability<\/strong> to size up a situation<\/strong> quickly.<\/p>\n

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Charley<\/strong> was determined that I should not walk<\/strong> into town. I appreciated that fact and jumped in the cab.<\/p><\/div>\n

Charley<\/strong> said he had some work<\/strong> to do but would drop me off at the Town Square<\/strong> and be back in about an hour or so for lunch<\/strong>. I had asked him about his mechanic<\/strong> shop so I could get a photo of it. It was on the way<\/strong> to my drop off<\/strong> point so we swung by it first<\/strong>. True to the natural flair Charley<\/strong> seems to have for business<\/strong> this enterprise<\/strong> is named “The Greasy Wrench”<\/em>. They fix machines<\/strong> big and small.<\/p>\n

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The Greasy Wrench<\/strong> – (620) 625-2124
1408 118th Rd, Yates Center, KS 66783<\/p><\/div>\n

The Center<\/h4>\n

Charley<\/strong> dropped me off in front of the restaurant<\/strong> he and his Wife Michelle<\/strong> own. I’ll show it later. Moving<\/strong> quickly before it might rain<\/strong> I walked around The Center<\/strong> of town. One of the first buildings to catch my attention was the Woodson Hotel. In the process of being renovated as a Senior Living Center<\/strong>, The Woodson<\/strong><\/a>, originally built in 1887 is quite handsome<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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The Woodson Hotel<\/p><\/div>\n

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The lobby of The Woodson Hotel<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

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On West Butler Street<\/strong>, made of my “always-favorite”<\/em> brick, we see buildings of stone<\/strong> and filigreed facade.<\/p><\/div>\n

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A little farther East on the same street we see these fine structures.<\/p><\/div>\n

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At the corner of West Butler<\/strong> is the Board of Education<\/strong> building. The brickwork of it was so attractive<\/strong> it deserved its own shot.<\/p><\/div>\n

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A stone building from 1899<\/p><\/div>\n

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Health Insight<\/strong> is at the corner of Main<\/strong> and Rutledge<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Health Insight<\/p><\/div>\n

The County Seat<\/h4>\n

As I explained in my short history of Yates Center<\/strong>, it is The County Seat<\/strong>. We have seen the Center<\/strong> of Yates Center<\/strong> from the air. Now I will show it from eye level<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Woodson County Courthouse<\/p><\/div>\n

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I found this inscription next to the front door of The Courthouse<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The Courthouse Cornerstone<\/p><\/div>\n

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Yates Center<\/strong> has a fine tribute to the Guardians of our Freedom<\/strong> at the Southwest Corner<\/strong> of the Town Square<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The Center Plaque<\/p><\/div>\n

Prairie Renaissance<\/h4>\n

In the title<\/strong> of this story I use the phrase “Prairie Renaissance”<\/em>. \u00a0In America<\/strong>, as in most of the world<\/strong>, the trend of humanity<\/strong> has been inexorably from single family rural homes to villages to towns to cities to mega-cities. During this “progressive movement”<\/em>, for the most part,\u00a0mankind<\/strong> has turned its collective back<\/strong> on “the small town”<\/em>. This ethos<\/strong> has promoted the idea that\u00a0“Small Town is Small Time”<\/em> and that nothing<\/strong> of importance happens<\/strong> outside “The Big City”<\/em>.<\/p>\n

To thoughtful observers<\/strong>, though, the promise of “Big City Life”<\/em> has not panned out. Particularly with increasing worldwide communication<\/strong> and transportation<\/strong>, the putative superiority of City Life<\/strong> to Rural Life<\/strong> has proven to be a mirage<\/strong>. More important<\/strong> than ever to people attentive<\/strong> to matters of\u00a0Family<\/strong>, Faith<\/strong>\u00a0and Freedom<\/strong> is the elusive concept<\/strong> “Quality of Life”<\/em>. Alienation<\/strong> is a constant in The Big City<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

While Small Town Life<\/strong> is not perfect, I do believe it is more natural<\/strong> to human beings. More than we like to acknowledge<\/strong>, humans benefit from a close relationship to God’s Creation<\/strong> – His Countryside and His Creatures. Zoos<\/strong>\u00a0and Parks<\/strong> are nice but a pale<\/strong> comparison to the “real”<\/em> outdoors. In a Small Town<\/strong>, the outdoors is but a short walk<\/strong> or bike ride from one’s house.<\/p>\n

In Yates Center,<\/strong>\u00a0like many of the small towns I visit, I could see revitalization<\/strong>. People are beginning to believe<\/strong> again. With new eyes<\/strong> they are seeing the value<\/strong> that had previously been hidden<\/strong> right in front their faces. The town square<\/strong> of Yates Center<\/strong> is emblematic<\/strong> of this new outlook<\/strong> and is on the rebound.<\/p>\n

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On the East Side<\/strong> of Main Street<\/strong> is this incredibly ornate<\/strong> building built in 1884<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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More of the buildings on Main Street<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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On the West Side<\/strong> of Town Square is State Street<\/strong>. More of these buildings are now occupied.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Outer Ring<\/h4>\n

After taking the pictures<\/strong>\u00a0above of the buildings<\/strong> in and adjacent to the Town Square<\/strong>, I ranged out a bit to see what I would see.<\/p>\n

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Time To Eat<\/h4>\n

I had been walking<\/strong> around town for about an hour and a half<\/strong> and recalled\u00a0Charley<\/strong> saying he would be back around lunch time<\/strong>. It was too early<\/strong> for lunch but it had started to rain<\/strong> so I walked<\/strong> back to the\u00a0restaurant<\/strong>. Charley<\/strong> was still on the job so I sat down for a hearty breakfast <\/strong>while I waited for him.<\/p>\n

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The Renaissance<\/strong> is in full swing on the North Side<\/strong> of Rutledge Street<\/strong> which faces the Courthouse<\/strong>. This is the block just East<\/strong> of Charley and Michelle’s<\/strong> restaurant.<\/p><\/div>\n

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And here in the center of Rutledge Street<\/strong> are two of Charley’s<\/strong> enterprises: The Feed Bunk Restaurant<\/strong> and Down Home Gifts<\/strong>. Son Lance<\/strong> works with Mom<\/strong> in the restaurant<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

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Before heading into the restaurant I stuck my head in The Gift Shop<\/strong> to say Hi.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Rylie Albert<\/strong> was “hard at it”.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

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Next door<\/strong> in the restaurant, business was starting to pick up as lunch time approached.<\/p><\/div>\n

Jessica Rossillon<\/strong> was my waitress at The Feed Bunk<\/strong> and also handled the check out. Earlier I had met her Grandmother<\/strong>\u00a0when buying the newspaper (I was remiss for not writing her name down)<\/em>. Grandma<\/strong> was proud<\/strong> that Jessica<\/strong> was involved in Softball<\/strong>, Volleyball<\/strong> and 4H<\/strong>. I asked Jessica<\/strong> what animals<\/strong> she tended in 4H<\/strong> and she said, “lambs, goats and pigs”<\/em>.<\/p>\n

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Jessica Rossillon of Yates Center<\/p><\/div>\n

Famous Aviator In Town<\/h4>\n

While eating<\/strong> my breakfast and reading<\/strong> the local paper, I overheard a conversation<\/strong> in the next booth. A man,<\/strong> whom I would later learn to be Harry Theobald,<\/strong> got my attention as he talked<\/strong> to his friend about one of The Most Famous Fliers of Kansas<\/strong>. I know a bit about this aviator<\/strong> and can think of no better flier<\/strong> in Kansas – maybe the entire world<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

After finishing breakfast<\/strong>, Harry<\/strong> and I sat on a bench<\/strong> in front of\u00a0The Feed Bunk<\/strong> discussing his hometown (Yates)<\/em> and his lifetime residence there. Charley<\/strong> had finally finished the job he was working and walked up to us. Of course he knew Harry<\/strong>. Charley<\/strong> said he was hungry<\/strong> and invited both of us in. Harry<\/strong> said, “Thanks”<\/em> but he had just eaten<\/strong> and had to go. I also thanked Charley<\/strong> and said I, too, had already eaten<\/strong> but would sit with him.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, out of the blue, Harry<\/strong> asked if I would be interested in meeting the famous flier<\/strong> AND his brother<\/strong>. Wow! What an excellent addition to an already interesting Yates Center story<\/strong>. I looked at Charley<\/strong> and his demeanor indicated “No Contest”<\/em>. He said, “I’ll see you when you get back”<\/em>. Harry and I piled into his pickup and set off.<\/p>\n

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Harry Theobald & Charley Davis<\/p><\/div>\n

Slight Detour<\/h4>\n

While<\/strong> we were conversing<\/strong> I learned that Harry<\/strong> was over 90<\/strong> years old. I also discovered he was an aviator<\/strong> and had owned a Cessna<\/strong> at one time.\u00a0He mentioned his\u00a0sadness<\/strong> at the loss of his Dear Wife<\/strong> a year ago. Regardless<\/strong> of that, his general demeanor<\/strong> was cheerful<\/strong> and he was interested to discuss many things. He told me they had lived<\/strong> in the same house<\/strong> for 64 years<\/strong> and asked if I wanted to see it. “Of course!”<\/em> I responded. We made two turns and were there in less than a minute. Harry<\/strong> was about to drive by when I prevailed upon him to stand<\/strong> in front of it for a photo<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Harry Theobald<\/strong> and home of 64 years<\/strong>. While standing there he noted that Charley Davis<\/strong> had laid the new section of concrete<\/strong> in his driveway.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Farmstead<\/h4>\n

After looking at Harry’s house<\/strong> we had to drive out of town a short way to his property<\/strong>. Harry<\/strong> was born on a farm adjacent<\/strong> to this piece of land<\/strong>. On it,\u00a0in\u00a01960,<\/strong>\u00a0he had built the shed<\/strong> seen below. His Daughter Cynthia Blisard<\/strong> had painted<\/strong> the marvelous art<\/strong> that adorns the door. Like most people<\/strong> out in the country<\/strong>, Harry<\/strong> has strong feelings for The United States of America<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Harry<\/strong> beckoned me over as he opened<\/strong> the door to the shed<\/strong>. He said the Famous Flying Brothers<\/strong> were staying inside. He motioned<\/strong> for me to be quiet<\/strong> as they were probably sleeping<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Cynthia Blisard’s Magnificent Mural<\/p><\/div>\n

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Once inside Harry<\/strong> gestured to the place the two aviators<\/strong> had chosen for their nap.<\/p><\/div>\n

Flying As An Artform<\/h4>\n

For those of us smitten by The Flying Bug<\/strong>, there are a variety of ways it plays out. I happen to enjoy the minimalistic<\/strong> method<\/strong> of motorized<\/strong> flight<\/strong> known as Ultralight Flying<\/strong>. Others like to fly high powered speedsters<\/strong> and aerobatic<\/strong> planes. Helicopters, Gyrocopters, Powered Parachutes<\/strong> and many more are also included among the choices. Of a more “purist”<\/em> bent are the\u00a0Sail-planers<\/strong>. They choose to remain aloft<\/strong> in the manner of the great soaring birds of prey\u00a0<\/strong>– without motors<\/span> – by delicately\u00a0maneuvering<\/strong>\u00a0to take advantage of the lift differential<\/strong> presented by\u00a0temperature<\/strong> variations<\/strong> in the atmosphere. Called “thermals”<\/em>, these invisible “heat funnels”<\/em> emanating from the Earth’s surface<\/strong> have the power to levitate<\/strong> heavier-than-air objects<\/strong> built to function in a prescribed manner.<\/p>\n

Like it or not, all man-made<\/strong> air machines<\/strong> are poor imitations<\/strong> of one of God’s Most Elegant Creations<\/strong> – The Bird<\/strong>. Pilots who fly at the low end of the speed curve<\/strong> such as Sail-planers<\/strong>, Parachuters<\/strong> and Ultralight Flyers<\/strong>, come to have a more enhanced<\/strong> “feel for the air”<\/em>\u00a0not discerned<\/strong> by pilots flying high powered<\/strong>, fast movers<\/strong>. For me, the more I experience<\/strong> the myriad variations present in the invisible<\/strong> medium of air<\/strong>, the greater appreciation<\/strong> I have for\u00a0Birds<\/strong> and Butterflies<\/strong>\u00a0maneuvering\u00a0through it.<\/p>\n

One unexpected “soaring champion”<\/em> I have been fortunate<\/strong> to observe in my back yard for many Summers<\/strong> now is the Purple Martin<\/strong><\/a>. I say unexpected<\/strong> because even though they do not<\/strong> have the long<\/strong>, high aspect wings<\/strong> typical of most soaring birds, Purple Martins<\/strong> perform marvelously in minimal wind staying aloft<\/strong> for long periods with nary a flap of their wings.<\/p>\n

The Turkey Vulture<\/h4>\n

By far, though, the best flyer<\/strong> I have seen in my time studying<\/strong> such matters is the Kansas Turkey Vulture<\/strong><\/a>. I am aware<\/strong> that these birds are found throughout North<\/strong> and South America<\/strong> but when they fly around here<\/strong> I claim them for Kansas<\/strong>. They appear here in the Summer<\/strong>, but that being said, not all the time<\/strong> or everywhere<\/strong>. I wouldn’t say they are rare<\/strong> but it is a notable flight<\/strong> when I see one soaring<\/strong> in proximity to me. In those opportunities<\/strong> I have to watch them negotiate the atmosphere, I marvel<\/strong> at their complete mastery<\/strong> of this environment. While I may be furiously working<\/strong> the stick and rudder to stay upright<\/strong> in a turbulent situation, I look over and the Turkey Vulture<\/strong> might move – at most – a “finger feather”. They are the Kings of The Air <\/strong>and Harry Theobald <\/strong>had provided me the coveted opportunity <\/strong>to see two young princes\u00a0maturing<\/strong> in his shed.<\/p>\n

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Harry approaches cautiously.<\/p><\/div>\n

Layin’ Low<\/h4>\n

Not apparent<\/strong> in these pictures is that it was fairly dark<\/strong> in the barn. We were stepping gingerly<\/strong> so as to not trip on boards<\/strong> and tools<\/strong> on the ground. I had to turn on the flash<\/strong> of my camera to light everything up.\u00a0As we approached the corner where Harry<\/strong> thought they would be found, suddenly<\/strong> there was a “skittering”<\/em> sound accompanied by\u00a0fuzzy<\/strong>, white things<\/strong> dashing through the shadows<\/strong>. Harry<\/strong> pointed and says, “I think they are next to the wall”<\/em>. I traded places<\/strong> with him. I peered into the dark<\/strong> but could see very little<\/strong>. I decided to try some “blind shots”<\/em> with the flash<\/strong> in the dark<\/strong> to see if I could get pictures of the brothers<\/strong>. Below is the result.<\/p>\n

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It only took about 30 seconds to grab these pix. During that time the brothers hissed continually at us while the one flapped his wing, slapping the ground.<\/p><\/div>\n

Return To Town<\/h4>\n

After seeing the Turkey Vultures<\/strong>, Harry<\/strong> said he had some business<\/strong> to do and would drop me off at the restaurant<\/strong>. He said if he could make it he would shoot out to the airfield<\/strong> to see my plane before I took off.<\/p>\n

Lunchtime Wrap Up<\/h4>\n

As I walked in, Charley<\/strong> and some\u00a0buddies<\/strong> were finishing their meals. Charley<\/strong> introduced me to his friends <\/strong>who were taking a break<\/strong> from working the harvest.<\/strong>\u00a0I sat down and drank a lemonade<\/strong> and we talked about matters farming<\/strong> and aviation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Michael Old, Charlie Davis, Keith Karmann and Kevin Day<\/p><\/div>\n

Airport Bound<\/h4>\n

Charlie<\/strong>\u00a0announced had to get back to work<\/strong> so if I wanted a ride<\/strong> back to the airport<\/strong> we had to get going<\/strong>. We excused ourselves from the crew and I wished them well. But before leaving, I wanted to meet the secret to the success of this going concern. We headed back into the kitchen<\/strong> to meet Mrs. Davis<\/strong> and Son Lance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

As in any popular restaurant<\/strong> during mealtime, action<\/strong> in the kitchen was intense<\/strong>. In my 30th year<\/strong> in the advertising biz<\/strong>, I am particularly attentive<\/strong> to the verities of different businesses<\/strong>. After waiting for the appropriate moment<\/strong> I was able to get “Shelly”<\/em> and Lance<\/strong> to stop for a microsecond<\/strong> to pose for a photo<\/strong> before they got right back to business. And business is good.<\/p>\n

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Lance<\/strong> and Michelle Davis<\/strong> – “The Feed Bunk”<\/em>\u00a0co-owners and Cooking Staff<\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0A Few More Sights<\/h4>\n

On the way to the gas station Charley<\/strong> listed – off the top of his head<\/em> – a number of notable sights around town<\/strong> to learn if I had already seen them. Quite a few I had not<\/strong>, so we made a quick tour<\/strong>\u00a0of them on the way to the airport.<\/p>\n

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The First Presbyterian Church<\/p><\/div>\n

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The Methodist Church<\/p><\/div>\n

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A Nicely Restored Victorian Home<\/p><\/div>\n

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Greek Columns<\/p><\/div>\n

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Delay Stadium<\/strong> – Among other events, The Hay Capital BBQ Contest<\/a> is held here each year.<\/p><\/div>\n

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I leaned out of Charley’s truck window<\/strong> to snap this.<\/p><\/div>\n

Farewell<\/h4>\n

Upon arrival<\/strong> at the airport I got right to work<\/strong>. After about 10 minutes<\/strong> of digging around in the tall grass<\/strong> I retrieved the tie down stakes<\/strong> and straps and reinstalled them neatly<\/strong> into my backpack<\/strong>. Moments later Harry<\/strong> arrived. Because he is a pilot<\/strong> I walked him around the plane<\/strong> to show him particulars<\/strong> to this design. He said it looked similar<\/strong> to one<\/strong> another fellow in the area had a while back.<\/p>\n

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Finally The Sun Was Out<\/p><\/div>\n

The More The Merrier<\/h4>\n

While Harry<\/strong> and I discussed fine points of aviation design<\/strong>, neighbor Ron McCormick<\/strong> and his Grandson Eli<\/strong> came across the field on a 4-wheeler with “Dog”<\/em> bounding beside them. They had seen<\/strong> some action<\/strong> and wanted a closer look<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Ron McCormick, Grandson Eli and “Dog”<\/p><\/div>\n

Egress Routine<\/h4>\n

Earlier in the day I had told Harry<\/strong> how quickly the Quicksilver<\/strong> becomes airborne <\/strong>and that it could perform a neat, <\/strong>high angle\u00a0quick climb <\/strong>to about 100′<\/strong>. I announced<\/strong> to everyone present I would demonstrate<\/strong> these two exceptional MXL<\/strong>\u00a0performance traits<\/strong> on take off. Then, I would circle<\/strong> to get some pictures<\/strong> of them below after which I would\u00a0leave<\/strong> the area.<\/p>\n

I thanked Charley<\/strong> for his fine hospitality<\/strong> and Harry<\/strong> for showing me The Fuzzy Flying Duo<\/strong>. The Rotax<\/strong> started with one pull<\/strong>. I let it warm up for 2 minutes while I strapped<\/strong> in, started the GPS<\/strong> and checked the controls. I taxied<\/strong> about 10 feet to position directly<\/strong> into the mild wind<\/strong> and took off. The aircraft<\/strong> performed as advertised<\/strong> but my photos<\/strong> of the guys below were sub par, <\/strong>unfortunately not good enough\u00a0<\/strong>to include in this story. I waved goodbye<\/strong> and set a course for Selby Aerodrome<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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After takeoff I turned around for a moment to grab this telephoto<\/strong> shot of Yates Center<\/strong> with the Reservoir<\/strong> in the fore.<\/p><\/div>\n

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4 miles Southwest of Yates Center is this park.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Lake Fegan<\/strong> is a few miles farther.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Lakes South of Toronto, Kansas<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0Slightly Different Track Yields Different Sights<\/h4>\n

Earlier in the morning<\/strong> I passed low to the North<\/strong> of this area and didn’t see any of it. Toronto, Kansas<\/strong><\/a> is a new name to me. I think I’ll fly there some time. That is the Verdigris River<\/strong><\/a> passing it to the West<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Toronto, Kansas<\/p><\/div>\n

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Toronto’s Main Street From 1,100′ AGL Looking West<\/p><\/div>\n

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Toronto<\/strong> From 1,100′ AGL looking West Northwest<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

After leaving the Toronto<\/strong> and Verdigris River<\/strong> area I broke out into the open plains<\/strong> again.<\/p>\n

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Interesting rock patterns<\/strong> adorn these bluffs below.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Flying low, this creek caught me by surprise. I snapped this shot under my right wing.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Plains Trig<\/p><\/div>\n

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I took a picture of this farm on the way to Yates Center<\/strong> in the morning but like this angle better.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Before arriving at Beaumont<\/strong> I had to climb over these buttes.<\/p><\/div>\n

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I decided not to land at Beaumont<\/strong> but grabbed this picture instead. Note the Mooney<\/strong> parked in front of the restaurant \/ hotel.<\/p><\/div>\n

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About a mile West<\/strong> of Beaumont<\/strong> I spied this relatively small dry gulch.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The quarry is a bit drier now. Seen from 600′ AGL looking Northwest.<\/p><\/div>\n

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I was admiring this property complete with stables, pasture and lake.<\/p><\/div>\n

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My path took me directly over Butler County Airpark<\/strong>. My friend Chuck Gantzer<\/strong> lives there with his Pietenpol Airplane<\/strong><\/a> in the large Quonset<\/strong> style hangar home<\/strong> near the left end of the runway.<\/p><\/div>\n

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East of Derby<\/strong>, a new swimming pool and fence.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Back At Selby Aerodrome<\/strong><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Simple Ending<\/h4>\n

I try to close my stories with a unique photo<\/strong> angle or scene. This time, though, the story ends simply<\/strong> with proof that I returned to base with the same equipment I left with.<\/p>\n

That you can<\/em><\/strong> see.<\/p>\n

What you can’t see<\/strong>, is the gladness of heart<\/strong> I carry by being blessed again to experience The Heartland of America<\/strong> from the unique vantage point my\u00a0gossamer<\/strong>\u00a0chariot<\/strong> allows and from meeting The People Who Live There<\/strong>. No photo can reveal it, but the sentiment is as solid and valuable as gold.<\/p>\n

See you next time!<\/p>\n

Blue Skies & Tailwinds!\u2122<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Sky Surfer – Brian FitzGerald – Wichita<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Static Front In the days around 27 July 2013, Central Kansas was under a static front. While not a “front” per se, it is a term my Dad used to describe weather that was not moving.\u00a0Winds were mild and out of the North – conditions which had brought welcome rain. Conditions such as these allow […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,8,6,1],"tags":[26,35,41,44,25,39,45,30],"class_list":["post-8108","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fun-flights","category-musings-not-related-to-aviation","category-show-an-airfield","category-uncategorized","tag-brian-fitzgerald","tag-great-plains","tag-kansas","tag-neal","tag-sky-surfing","tag-the-flint-hills","tag-the-sky-surfer","tag-vintage-airplane","category-3-id","category-8-id","category-6-id","category-1-id","post-seq-1","post-parity-odd","meta-position-corners","fix"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8108","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8108"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8108\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8232,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8108\/revisions\/8232"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8108"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8108"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8108"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}