{"id":8409,"date":"2013-08-26T11:53:57","date_gmt":"2013-08-26T16:53:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/fitzvideo.com\/sky_surfing\/?p=8409"},"modified":"2013-10-07T17:06:18","modified_gmt":"2013-10-07T22:06:18","slug":"a-trip-to-tiger-town-cleveland-oklahoma-by-the-sky-surfer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/2013\/08\/26\/a-trip-to-tiger-town-cleveland-oklahoma-by-the-sky-surfer\/","title":{"rendered":"A Trip to Tiger Town – Cleveland, Oklahoma – by The Sky Surfer"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>

Pre-dawn at The Selby Aerodrome<\/a><\/strong>. The Sky Surfer<\/strong> had checked it over the previous evening – the Quicksilver<\/strong> is ready to take wing<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

(<\/span>Dear Readers:<\/span><\/strong> We’re going out on a limb by letting The Sky Surfer (TSS) pen his own paper this time rather than adhering to the time tested method of “refashioning” his broken prose prior to publishing. For once\u00a0The Editor<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0is going to let him write what ever he wants. BUT, that doesn’t mean he has total control of “the outcome”. Being unskilled against the inside moves of a veteran corporate survivor, Surf Boy did not realize the contract allowed me –\u00a0The Editor<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0– the power to insert corrections wherever I deem necessary. Therefore, you will see throughout this questionable piece of “ego-journalism”, corrections, embellishments and expansions provided to enhance the factual basis of this story.<\/span><\/address>\n
The Sky Surfer has been known to publicly elevate his middling, meagerly adequate, borderline –\u00a0some might even say mediocre<\/em><\/span>\u00a0– \u00a0flying abilities into the rarified air of a Lindbergh, a von Richthofen, a Rickenbacker, a Beachy, a Doolittle – get the picture?<\/span><\/address>\n
Rather than let him continue to draw you deeper into this “aviation mastery pipe dream” of his,\u00a0The Flite Blog Editorial Staff<\/span>\u00a0will do everything in its power to\u00a0fact check\u00a0this piece with the purpose of reining in this galloping egotist\u00a0(sigh… as if that were possible…).<\/span><\/address>\n
So, when required, these “reality checkpoints<\/strong>” will be highlighted in red in the same manner used for this opening explanation. Thank you for participating in this experiment.\u00a0–\u00a0The Editor<\/strong><\/span>)<\/span><\/address>\n

On Route To Tiger Town<\/h4>\n

The night before<\/strong> making this flight I consulted my primary weather prognosticators<\/strong> (wunderground.com<\/a> & weather.com<\/a>) and the\u00a0consensus<\/strong>\u00a0was the wind was to be from the Southeast at 9 mph,<\/strong>\u00a0the temperature\u00a0fair<\/strong>. I looked on my “Points of Interest”<\/em> map and zeroed<\/strong> in on an interesting town in Oklahoma<\/strong>\u00a0to the Southeast<\/strong> that had been brought to my attention<\/strong> on a previous flight to Pawnee, Oklahoma<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

On arrival in Pawnee<\/strong> that Friday the 5th of July,<\/strong>\u00a0I had the good Providence<\/strong><\/a> to meet\u00a0Tom Tisher <\/strong><\/a>who was working<\/strong> on the rodeo grounds<\/strong> adjacent to the air field. While giving me a ride<\/strong> into town he suggested I try Cleveland, Oklahoma<\/strong><\/a> for one of my next flights. He had been\u00a0born there<\/strong> and said it featured a good air field<\/strong> on the edge of town. It went on my list<\/strong>, waiting the right wind<\/strong> conditions. Propitious weather<\/strong> conditions occurred 17 Aug 2013<\/em> – The Sky Surfer<\/a> had a mission<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Some Easy – Some Hard<\/h4>\n

Not to paint this darkly<\/strong> but some Fun Flights<\/strong> require much more physical effort<\/strong> than others. They are all great adventures<\/strong> and inherently fun<\/strong> but some require far more exertion<\/strong> than others. Perhaps God<\/strong> arbitrarily chooses<\/strong> to test one’s\u00a0mettle<\/strong> on occasion. Maybe He<\/strong> wants us<\/strong> to prove<\/strong> ourselves at times. Also, I suppose one should expect “Mountain Top Experiences”<\/em> to necessitate<\/strong> more than a passive involvement to achieve<\/strong>. For any or all of those reasons, the Flight to Cleveland<\/strong> was one such test of endurance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

(OK. Let’s stop right here. I have already read through this artful co-mingling of fiction and fact and I’m here to tell you any real or perceived “exertions”\u00a0The Surfer <\/strong>had\u00a0on the Cleveland, Oklahoma Fun Flight<\/strong> were all of his own making. As usual the whiner tries to make it sound like he is some Old Testament Mighty Man, striving with God, conquering great forces of nature, performing heroic deeds but, as we shall see, The Flight Was Easy – The Surfer Made It Hard<\/span>. Hang in there. Let’s just let it unfold. You’ll soon see what I mean. – The Editor<\/strong><\/span>)<\/span><\/address>\n
\"\"<\/a>

Just after takeoff<\/strong>, the sun has yet to clear the horizon. Looking Southeast<\/strong> from 600′ AGL.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The flatness of the water surfaces below betray the stillness of the air.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0(Puleeeze… How many of these “Sand Pit Pictures”<\/em> must we endure??? For some inexplicable reason<\/strong>\u00a0(not even known to him), The Sky Surfer<\/strong> sees art in these ground holes<\/strong>. A good<\/span><\/strong> writer, Dave O’Malley<\/strong> of Vintage Wings of Canada<\/a>,<\/strong><\/span> once tried, ever so gently, to persuade The Surfer<\/strong> that even<\/em>\u00a0one sand pit shot was one too many<\/em><\/span>. As we have also found, it would seem the use of diplomacy to help TSS<\/strong> is wasted effort. – The Editor<\/span><\/strong>)<\/span><\/address>\n
\"\"<\/a>

Still in a monumental\u00a0“Summer of Rain”<\/em>, consistent, daily precipitation has kept the ground wet most everywhere in the region. Oxford, Kansas<\/strong><\/a> in the distance.<\/p><\/div>\n

(TSS tells us<\/span> how wet the ground is but, is he really paying attention<\/strong> to what he observes? You’ll see what I mean later… – The Editor<\/strong><\/span>)\u00a0<\/span><\/address>\n
\"\"<\/a>

Passing Oxford<\/strong> to the Southeast<\/strong> with the Arkansas River<\/strong> beneath at 300′ AGL<\/strong> looking Northwest<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

No Till Farming<\/h4>\n

I tried to photograph<\/strong> this better but, as the best shot of the three, it will have to do. The point<\/strong> of the exercise<\/strong> was to show a good example of “no till”<\/em><\/a> farming. What the photo does not show<\/strong> between the rows as well as I would have liked is the “flat”, cut wheat field underneath the crop. Whereas most of the time, a crop such as this will be planted in furrows dug by a plow, this one was planted by “drilling<\/a>” the seeds into the ground leaving the previous wheat field fairly intact. There are lots of reasons<\/a> to take this approach and I have inserted a number of links<\/strong> in this paragraph you can follow if you wish to find more about this method<\/strong> of farming.<\/p>\n

(OK. Good call. Rather than guessing wrong again<\/strong> about the type of crop photographed, (as he has done in the past<\/span><\/a>)\u00a0The Surfer<\/strong>\u00a0played it safe, went “generic” and thus spared himself the type of agonizing embarrassment his fragile ego cannot bear. – The Editor<\/span><\/strong>)<\/span><\/address>\n
\"\"<\/a>

A “No Till” Field Looking Good<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Through the high humidity<\/strong> I use the telephoto<\/strong> to take this picture of Arkansas City, Kansas<\/a>,<\/strong> South<\/strong> about 5 miles from my position. I am at 600′ AGL.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The same position but wide angle.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The Arkansas River<\/strong> looking East<\/strong> from the South<\/strong> end of Ark City<\/strong> from 500′ AGL.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Same position but looking West.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

After crossing the Ark River<\/strong> again the topography changes dramatically. A “GlennView<\/strong><\/a>” looking Southeast<\/strong> from 100′ AGL.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Now flying at 20′ AGL<\/strong> to stay under<\/strong> the headwind<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

In the distance just left of my heading I saw this big rig<\/strong> and took this shot with the telephoto<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Closer, now using the wide angle.<\/p><\/div>\n

Crossing Big Waters<\/h4>\n

Right on schedule I saw Kaw Lake<\/strong> and began to climb to a higher altitude. When flying<\/strong> any plane, and more so when flying a 2 cycle motor powered one<\/strong>, you endeavor to allow yourself a place to land<\/strong> in case the motor quits<\/strong>. The higher the altitude<\/strong> you maintain, the more choices<\/strong> you give yourself if<\/strong> your engine were to quit<\/strong>. In the photo below<\/strong>, my actual charted path<\/strong> would have started at the closest<\/strong> water<\/strong> in the foreground, continuing over water<\/strong> to the other side. Being not<\/strong>\u00a0a slave<\/strong> to the GPS<\/strong><\/a>, I maneuvered<\/strong> to the right in order to stay over land longer<\/strong> and to cross<\/strong> at the lake’s narrow<\/strong> point East<\/strong> of the Furguson Road Bridge.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Looking Southeast<\/strong> at Kaw Lake<\/strong> from 300′ AGL<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Still climbing<\/strong> I took this picture to the East<\/strong> so you could see how wide<\/strong> the lake gets here.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Just before going, as\u00a0Navy carrier pilots<\/strong> say, “Feet Wet”<\/em>, I took this shot of the Furguson Road Bridge<\/strong> and the Kaw Lake region<\/strong> to the Southwest<\/strong>. I am now at 1,300′ AGL<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

After crossing Kaw Lake<\/strong> I landed on a country road<\/strong> to get out,\u00a0stretch my legs<\/strong> and check the map.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The road was smooth and just wide enough, although the landing was cross wind.<\/p><\/div>\n

(Oh, no, no, no, no, no… We’re not going to let that one get by.<\/span><\/address>\n
The nonchalant explanation<\/strong> given above was but a charade<\/strong> designed to mask The Surfer’s relentless\u00a0construction of a totally<\/strong> <\/span>avoidable<\/strong><\/span> chain of<\/strong> errors<\/strong><\/span>.<\/span><\/address>\n
The Surfer<\/strong> wants you to believe he casually<\/strong> picked out a spot on the far bank of Kaw Lake<\/strong> to “take a break” and “stretch the legs”. Yeah, right… Here’s what really happened…<\/span><\/address>\n
Mr. Surf<\/strong> fashioned the first link in this chain of disaster<\/strong> by breaking one of his vaunted<\/strong> “unbreakable rules” – he\u00a0drank coffee<\/strong><\/span> on the way to the airport that morning<\/strong>. This act of defiance<\/strong> insured<\/span> the predictable, eventual, inevitable<\/span> “in flight emergency” dreaded by all airmen to which Sky Surfer<\/strong> arrogantly decided he had become\u00a0immune<\/strong>.<\/span><\/address>\n
Even at that, after hammering out\u00a0Link #1<\/strong>, Surf<\/strong> compounded his poor judgement<\/strong> when he casually discarded<\/strong> his first<\/strong> “free pass”. It occurred just after\u00a0receiving<\/strong> the first major physical manifestation<\/strong> of the impending calamity \u00a0only<\/strong> an hour<\/strong> into the 2.5 hour flight<\/strong> to Cleveland. At that time<\/strong> and for a while thereafter, TSS could have landed<\/strong> at any one of 500<\/strong> unique, convenient, safe, remote oil field<\/strong> and\/or country roads<\/strong> all about that area<\/strong> and safely disposed<\/strong> of “the issue”. But, shortly after the receipt of<\/strong> this initial emergency indication<\/strong>, it subsided fairly quickly. Satisfied<\/strong> he was in the clear,\u00a0Surf<\/strong> decided to “press on” and\u00a0Link #2<\/strong> of the chain was forged<\/strong>.<\/span><\/address>\n
Link #3<\/strong> in this chain of infamy<\/strong> occurred while he was taking<\/strong> the pictures<\/strong> on the approach to Kaw Lake<\/strong>. A casual view<\/strong> of the first shot in that series reveals a plateau<\/strong> open, flat and wide enough on which to land a Boeing 747<\/strong>. But, while concentrating<\/strong> on flying<\/strong> and photo-ing<\/strong>, Surfer<\/strong> dismissed the recurrent<\/strong> twinges<\/strong>\u00a0beating on the door<\/span> at the periphery<\/strong> of his consciousness. <\/strong>He assumed these harbingers<\/strong> would again subside<\/strong> as they had an hour earlier<\/strong>. They did.<\/span><\/address>\n
After shooting the last picture<\/strong> of Kaw Lake, Surf Boy<\/strong> hooked on Link #4<\/strong>.<\/span><\/address>\n
Crossing<\/strong> the body of water<\/strong> at an altitude<\/strong> calculated to allow a glide to shore<\/strong> should the engine quit<\/strong>, “a half-way, point of no return” was estimated. Upon reaching this point,<\/strong> the potential glide<\/strong> would switch from “turnaround”<\/strong> to “press on”<\/strong>.<\/span><\/address>\n
Reaching this point of no return<\/strong>, he momentarily<\/strong> entertained the idea of turning back<\/strong> to the plateau to pre-empt any bladder twinges<\/strong> which might again<\/span> flare up<\/strong>. Alas, foolishly forsaking<\/strong> the retrospectively obvious “easy out<\/strong>“, he elected to “press on<\/strong>“.<\/span><\/address>\n
Not<\/strong> 30 seconds<\/strong> after crossing this invisible line in the sky<\/strong>, The Sky Surfer<\/strong> was savaged<\/strong> by the most strident call<\/strong> his over-stretched bladder<\/strong> had ever shreiked at him in his entire life<\/strong> to that day. Summoning all his abdominal strength<\/strong>, all of his will power<\/strong>, grunting and groaning, screaming aloud<\/strong>… He inventoried every known method<\/strong>\u00a0for “holding it” garnered in 62 years<\/strong>… Surf<\/strong> tried focusing his mind<\/strong> on a myriad<\/strong> of disparate things. He even<\/strong> tried crossing his legs<\/strong> but the cramped “cockpit” of his spindly air machine<\/strong> would not even allow that time honored trick<\/strong>. Having climbed into the headwind, making a\u00a0ground speed<\/strong> of 28 mph, the far side<\/strong> of the lake crept toward him\u00a0slower<\/strong> than a turtle<\/strong>\u00a0in tall grass.<\/span><\/address>\n
2 minutes seemed like 2 hours<\/span>.<\/span><\/address>\n
Finally<\/strong> over the far <\/span>bank<\/strong>, rubber-necking <\/span>left<\/strong> and right<\/strong>, he spied the <\/span>narrow road<\/strong> shown in the photos above. Regardless of being <\/span>cross to the wind<\/strong>, it would have to do. <\/span>Gritting<\/strong> his <\/span>teeth<\/strong>, nearly in <\/span>tears<\/strong>, <\/span>TSS<\/strong> settled the <\/span>trusty Quicksilver MXL<\/strong> onto the surface fo the thin little road. <\/span>Not<\/strong> even stopping to <\/span>kill<\/strong> the <\/span>engine<\/strong> or <\/span>strobes<\/strong>, he simultaneously unbuckled<\/strong> his seat belt with <\/span>one hand<\/strong> and the leg strap with <\/span>the other hand<\/strong>. With\u00a0<\/span>total focus<\/strong> born of absolute\u00a0desperation<\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Surfer<\/strong>\u00a0bounded from the cockpit,\u00a0<\/strong>mercifully able at last to release the torrent<\/strong> at the side of the road.<\/span><\/address>\n
Thank God<\/strong> no one was out on the porch of the cabin 400 yards away<\/strong> to witness this debacle<\/strong>…<\/span><\/address>\n
That’s what really<\/span> happened. – The Editor<\/span><\/strong>)<\/span><\/address>\n

Burbank, Oklahoma<\/a><\/h4>\n

I had noticed<\/strong> it on the map when studying the route the day before but, flying low that\u00a0Saturday,<\/strong> it appeared suddenly<\/strong>. I climbed quickly to get a shot of this little village<\/strong> but did not want to expend much fuel<\/strong> on the effort.<\/p>\n

After the trip and upon writing this story, though, I learn now that Burbank<\/strong> was once an Oil Field Boom Town<\/strong>. Situated on Osage Indian Tribal Land<\/strong>, during the Oil Boom<\/strong> of the 1920’s,<\/strong> so much money<\/strong> was\u00a0paid<\/strong> to the tribe in royalties,<\/strong> they were called “The World’s Richest People”<\/em> by The New York Times<\/strong>. I have added Burbank<\/strong> to my “Future Exploration List”<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Burbank, Oklahoma<\/strong> From 75′ AGL Looking East<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

My course takes me over this huge gas well 1 mile\u00a0South<\/strong> of Burbank.<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

A little further along I saw this well-kept and apparently new cemetery<\/strong> off by itself in the country.<\/p><\/div>\n

Prairie Golf Course<\/h4>\n

I’m cruising along in ground effect<\/strong><\/a> to extend range. This means I am flying at about 10′ AGL<\/strong> (Above Ground Level)<\/em>. At that altitude<\/strong> one cannot see very far in the distance<\/strong>. Suddenly, out in this vast expanse<\/strong> a Golf Course<\/strong> appears. After taking the shot below I banked hard left<\/strong> so as not to buzz any players that might be out that morning<\/strong>. Nobody was playing yet. Later on Google Earth<\/strong><\/a> I discovered it is the Kaw Wah C Golf Course<\/strong><\/a> East of Fairfax, Oklahoma<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Kaw Wah C Golf Course<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Shortly thereafter I saw this little herd of Mustangs<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

Winding River<\/h4>\n

Continuing a direct path<\/span> to Cleveland, Oklahoma<\/strong> would require me to cross the winding Arkansas River<\/strong> three more times<\/span> in the final stretch. As discussed earlier, crossing<\/strong> wide bodies of water<\/strong>\u00a0at low altitude is not<\/strong> to be done<\/strong>. Fortunately, where the river bends East<\/strong> at Blackburn, Oklahoma<\/strong><\/a>, a detour<\/strong>\u00a0tracking the Eastward bend\u00a0<\/strong>of the river would not<\/strong> be very far out of the way<\/strong>. Also, I saw a nice path<\/strong> cut through the woods paralleling the river in the direction I would be traveling. This would provide plenty of landing area<\/strong> should “the fan stop turning”<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

A “GlennView<\/a>“<\/strong> looking Southeast<\/strong> toward Cleveland<\/strong>. Look for the very small “up tick”<\/em> on the horizon<\/strong> where the town is. That is probably a water tower.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

A bridge crossing a creek tributary of the Arkansas River<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Here you can see the “trail”<\/em> I am following around the river bend. I am at 600′ AGL looking Southeast<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Another view of The River<\/strong> and the scene to the South<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

At the farthest point of The River’s<\/strong> swing East<\/strong> I saw this interesting remote cabin<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Then, in a half mile I saw these Geodesic Domes<\/strong><\/a> complete with Solar Power Panes<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

Cleveland On The River<\/h4>\n

Cleveland<\/strong> is bounded by the Arkansas River<\/strong> on three sides and sits on high ground<\/strong>. Since there had been so much<\/strong> rain, the river had overflowed<\/strong> much of the area beneath the town to the North<\/strong>. The next few shots give you an idea of what that looks like.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Cleveland, Oklahoma surrounded by River Water<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

A telephoto shot of The River<\/strong> bending on the East Side<\/strong> of town.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

North<\/strong> of town looking Southeast<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Cleveland<\/strong> as seen from the North<\/strong>. The airfield<\/strong> is on the ridge you can see overlooking the town almost 2 miles<\/strong> directly South<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

Desire<\/h4>\n

When I was in High School<\/strong>, you had to have desire<\/strong><\/span> to be on the Football Team<\/strong>. One way of demonstrating<\/strong> that was participating in “Summer Two-A-Days”<\/em>. These sessions were part “fundamentals review”<\/em>, part “weed out”<\/em>. They were very hard<\/strong>. You had to really want<\/strong> to be there and\u00a0show up<\/strong> twice a day in Summer Vacation<\/strong>. Some<\/strong> Coaches would continue this endurance<\/strong> test\u00a0even after<\/em> school started<\/strong>. As I pulled into the Cleveland airspace<\/strong> I saw a team working out below me. For a town<\/strong> this size<\/strong> this indicated<\/strong> to me a high level of intensity<\/strong> on the part of their\u00a0sports program<\/strong>. Checking later I found these to be the Cleveland Tigers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Cleveland High School<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

As I traced the West side<\/strong> of town I took the following series of shots<\/strong> from 1,200′ AGL<\/strong>\u00a0looking Westerly<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Before entering the pattern I took this picture of the\u00a0Cleveland Airport<\/strong><\/a> which sits on a high spot 2 miles South of town.<\/p><\/div>\n

Golf Course Embedment<\/h4>\n

Cleveland’s Airport<\/strong> is surrounded by The Keystone Golf and Country Club<\/a>. After landing I could hear the sound of golf carts<\/strong> all around me. It was a beautiful morning<\/strong>, perfect for a round or two. Before tying down my plane I took the picture below. For a moment I amused myself<\/strong> with the thought of how cool<\/strong> it would be to have a Mercedes<\/strong> for a loaner car<\/strong> but,\u00a0Cleveland Field<\/strong> being an\u00a0unstaffed airfield,<\/strong> I knew that would\u00a0not be possible<\/strong>. What the car did tell me was that\u00a0somebody<\/strong> was working<\/strong>\u00a0that Saturday and should be around the hangar<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

On the ground at 95F<\/strong> (Cleveland’s FAA Field Designation)<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Renue Aircraft<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

After entering the offices I met Gordon Jost<\/strong>, owner of Renue Aircraft<\/strong>. Gordon<\/strong> is in the business of painting airplanes<\/strong>. He also buys<\/strong> and sells<\/strong> them. During the week he employs 4 men<\/strong> in the paint shop. This Saturday<\/strong>, he just had his skeleton crew<\/strong> with him.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

We tried to get this cat to pose for the camera but gave up after some effort.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

A tour of the hangar\/paint shop revealed one of my favorites<\/span>: a Cessna 195<\/strong>! Gordon says it is for sale<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Other members of the Saturday Staff<\/strong> mill about.<\/p><\/div>\n

Centrally Located<\/h4>\n

Gordon<\/strong> and I talked for a while about what I do and what he does and airplanes<\/strong> and such. He lives in Tulsa<\/strong> and drives to the Cleveland<\/strong> shop each day for work. It is a 45 minute drive<\/strong> each way. Renue<\/strong> paints 3 to 5 planes a month<\/strong> and derives the majority<\/strong> of his business<\/strong> from the East<\/strong> and West Coasts<\/strong> and lately from\u00a0Michigan<\/strong>. After painting a plane from Michigan<\/strong>, all the guys up there liked the job<\/strong> so well they have been bringing theirs to Renue<\/strong>, too.<\/p>\n

After about a half hour<\/strong> I thanked Gordon<\/strong> for the tour<\/strong> and said I was walking<\/strong> into town to get some gas<\/strong>. Completely unexpected<\/strong> by me, he volunteered<\/strong> the use of his car<\/strong>. I thanked<\/strong> him for this generous offer<\/strong> and said I would get the gas and bring it back <\/strong>and then walk back<\/strong> into town.<\/strong> I figured this would be better<\/strong> because I like to wander<\/strong> around the towns I visit and I didn’t want to tie up his vehicle<\/strong> too long. Gordon said, “That’s fine”<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Mercedes Loaner<\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0(OK. We didn’t call Gordon<\/strong> about this but you have to figure he was questioning The Sky Surfer’s Sanity<\/strong>. After all, it had already reached\u00a085 degrees<\/strong> that morning and this guy drops in out of nowhere and announces he is going to make a 4 mile round trip<\/strong> carrying 30 pounds<\/strong> of fuel up a steep grade<\/strong>. Gordon<\/strong> was obviously concerned<\/strong> he would soon be getting a call from The EMS<\/strong> asking about a pilot they had in the emergency<\/strong> room<\/strong> passed out from over-exertion<\/strong>. Loaning the car was an Act of Mercy<\/strong>. That TSS<\/strong> would insist on STILL<\/strong> walking back into town even after being provided this enormous break<\/strong> surely put Gordon<\/strong> into shock and dismay but… No matter how hard you try, some guys just can’t be helped<\/span>. – The Editor<\/span>)<\/span><\/address>\n

The Trek<\/h4>\n

As I have noted in other Sky Surfing<\/strong> posts, one thing I like about my journeys<\/strong> is the walk into town from the airport. When talking to City Hall<\/strong>\u00a0Friday prior to the flight, I was forewarned the airfield was on a significant height<\/strong> above town. My mind reacted “Hey, Oklahoma isn’t Colorado. It can’t be that tough<\/em>.”<\/p>\n

After getting the gas<\/strong> and returning to the airport, I gave the keys to Gordon<\/strong> and headed back down Airport Road<\/strong> into town.<\/p>\n

Tiger Town<\/h4>\n

About a half mile down Airport Road<\/strong> I saw this house sporting The Paw<\/strong> – a\u00a0confirmation of my earlier suspicion. I think this is a Sports Town<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

I snapped this telephoto of the downtown area<\/strong> when I was about half way<\/strong> down the hill. The parking lot to the new WalMart<\/strong> is in the foreground.<\/p><\/div>\n

2nd Thoughts<\/h4>\n

By the time I reached the WalMart<\/strong> I am having second thoughts<\/strong> as to the wisdom<\/strong> of my walking tour. This was the downhill<\/em> leg of the journey<\/strong> and I was already tired<\/strong> and hungry<\/strong>. I stepped into the “food side”<\/em> of the store – always a bad idea<\/strong> when I am hungry<\/strong>. I emerged<\/strong> with a half quart Dr. Pepper<\/strong>, two candy bars<\/strong>, a pack of gum<\/strong> and a huge plastic bag<\/strong> of green grapes<\/strong>. I told you I have no business<\/strong> in a grocery store when I’m hungry<\/strong>. It took me an hour<\/strong> to eat<\/strong> all those grapes<\/strong>…<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Total Confirmation<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

Crossroads<\/h4>\n

Highways 64<\/strong> and 99<\/strong> connect in Cleveland<\/strong>. The traffic<\/strong> was consistent<\/strong> the whole time I was there. Mostly I walked along Broadway Street\/Hwy 64<\/strong> and took this\u00a0series<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

This brick office building is 99 years old<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

A Stone Building<\/strong> From 1905<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

A little farther North<\/strong> I saw this brick Church<\/strong>. It’s not that old but I liked the way it looks.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The growth of these flowers in the narro strip of soil between the wall and the sidewalk impressed me.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Next to the Church<\/strong> in this parking lot the “CMS Cheerleaders”<\/em> were raising money with a car wash<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Nice brickwork<\/strong> in the facade of the 101 year<\/strong> old<\/strong> Thorne Building<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

These buildings were all about 100 years old<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Same here.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The J. Sigan Building – 99 Years Old<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Although the facade had been updated, the stone wall<\/strong> of this old building remains.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Another Oil Company<\/strong> in Eureka, Kansas<\/strong><\/a> used a stripper pump<\/strong> in front of their building, too. I think it is a great touch<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

Walker’s Feed, Pet & Garden Center<\/a><\/h4>\n

I was getting pretty tired<\/strong> but wanted to make sure I hadn’t missed any historical items<\/strong> or other items of interest before walking back to the airport<\/strong>. A lot of the businesses<\/strong> were closed that morning but I noticed Walker’s was open<\/strong>. I entered to see what I could discover<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Inside I met Daniel Henning<\/strong>. Dan<\/strong> and his wife<\/strong> own this store. It has been in her family for three generations<\/strong>. The website I linked to the store name features some good pictures<\/strong> from earlier times. Until 1978, Dan<\/strong> hailed from Wichita<\/strong><\/a>. He attended Kapaun Mt. Carmel<\/strong><\/a> and Wichita State University<\/strong><\/a> and worked for a while at Cessna Aircraft<\/strong><\/a>. Then they moved to Cleveland<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

This marvelous seed selection<\/strong> caught my attention<\/strong>. Last year I have became an urban gardner<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Dan<\/strong> told me there had been two historic buildings<\/strong> across the street but they had recently been torn down<\/strong>. He said people would actually travel to Cleveland<\/strong> to photograph them. Bummer<\/em>… He also told me Getty<\/strong> drilled some of his first wells in the creek bed area I would be crossing<\/strong> again.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

On the way to the Broadway Street<\/strong> Bridge I saw this brick embedded in the sidewalk. I had seen some other “Cleveland”<\/em> bricks around town and surmised that there might be a Cleveland Brick Company<\/strong> in town. Searching the Internet<\/strong> did not yield that result. Maybe ACME Brick<\/strong> made bricks with the town’s name on them.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

This is the view East<\/strong> from next to the Broadway Bridge<\/strong> of the Ark River<\/strong> overflow area.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

This is where The Cleveland Trail<\/strong><\/a> crosses under the Broadway Bridge<\/strong>. The Cleveland Trail<\/strong> is asphalt and covers the old Missouri\u2013Kansas\u2013Texas Railroad (MKT)<\/strong>. It is part of that “Rails to Trails<\/a>“<\/em> project.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

After crossing the bridge<\/strong> and before starting my mile long ascent<\/strong> to the airport, I saw this Cross<\/strong> and Flag<\/strong> combination. I believe you cannot<\/strong> have the one on the right<\/strong> without the one on the left<\/strong> – at least not the one<\/span> our Nation’s Founders<\/strong> and Our Forebears<\/strong> gave us. God Blesses America When America Blesses God<\/em><\/strong> – 2 Chron 7:14<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

With Daniel Hennings’<\/strong> words in mind, I looked for Oil Wells<\/strong> that might be from the early Getty discovery<\/strong>. This one looked like it had been pumping for years.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

30 yards from the previous pumpjack was this scene. I can’t remember seeing a holding tank this big in Kansas<\/strong>. A number of\u00a0pumpjacks<\/strong>\u00a0are feeding this monster.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The measuring gauge<\/strong> on the side is a simple float system. As the float goes higher the measuring<\/strong> pointer goes lower<\/strong>. This tank is almost full. That’s a lot of oil<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Pumpjacks<\/strong> are everywhere. As I walked through\u00a0The Keystone Golf and Country Club<\/strong> surrounding the airport I saw one next to a tee.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

From the tee<\/strong> shown earlier I used the telephoto<\/strong> to show my airplane<\/strong> with more of the surrounding\u00a0Golf Course<\/strong> behind it, bordered by a Light Tower<\/strong> and Wind Sock<\/strong>. BP<\/strong> (British Petroleum)<\/em> no longer sells fuel<\/strong> at the field.<\/p><\/div>\n

Running Late<\/h4>\n

When I finally got back to the airport I ducked<\/strong> into Gordon’s<\/strong> office to tell him I was back. He said, “Did you enjoy your walk?”<\/em>. I had to admit<\/strong> to him it was quite a test of endurance<\/strong>. I offered that I probably<\/strong> could have been fairly well<\/strong> served<\/strong> if after using his car to get the gas, I would have spun the prop<\/strong> and returned to\u00a0The Air Capital<\/strong><\/a>. But<\/strong> then I wouldn’t<\/strong> have met Dan Henning<\/strong> or really seen much of Cleveland<\/strong>. The walking tour<\/strong> was worth it.<\/p>\n

My “mind clock”<\/em> had the time at about 1:30 or 2 pm<\/strong>. The clock Gordon<\/strong> and everybody else<\/strong> uses said 3 pm<\/strong>. With that surprise<\/strong> I\u00a0accelerated\u00a0my egress, said goodbye<\/strong> to Gordon & Company<\/strong> and hit the sky. Gordon<\/strong> had let on that he presumed my Quicksilver<\/strong> could take off in a short distance<\/strong> so I confirmed<\/strong> his suspicion by taking off<\/strong> from the tie down<\/strong> area next to his hangar (with room to spare)<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

After takeoff I popped the rudder<\/strong>\u00a0left to move it out of the way and snapped this shot of the Cleveland Airfield <\/strong>from about 500′ AGL.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Then I took this wide shot looking North<\/strong> of Cleveland<\/strong> and environs. In the foreground<\/strong> you can see much evidence of the\u00a0oil field<\/strong> I had just walked through<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The lighting<\/strong> was much better<\/strong> than when I had arrived in the morning so I had to get this telephoto shot<\/strong> of Broadway \/Hwy 64<\/strong>\u00a0coursing through town. I walked across the bridge<\/strong> in the foreground<\/strong> to return to the airport<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Again, because of better lighting, I took another shot of the River Overflow<\/strong> area North<\/strong> of town…<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

About 30 minutes<\/strong> later cruising at 70′ AGL, I stumbled across my best shot<\/span> of The Great Plains Wild Mustangs<\/strong> to date. On the hill at the upper left<\/strong> of the shot you can see a couple hundred<\/strong> more of them lounging<\/strong> about.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Lots of rain<\/strong> does marvelous things for The Prairie<\/strong> in The Summer<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Another Oil Field<\/strong> with no one around, pumpjacks<\/strong> slowly, continually<\/em>\u00a0bobbing up and down<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

I didn’t realize this was here until I had almost passed it by.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

From my recent trip to Burlington, Kansas<\/strong><\/a> and my conversation there with Gadget the Wizard<\/strong>, I take this to be a weir<\/strong><\/a> that can also be used as a river\u00a0crossing<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

I have yet to see this in Kansas<\/strong>. This well is having to flare off some gas<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

This time I crossed Kaw Lake<\/strong> about a half mile more to the East<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

An almost fluorescent algae<\/strong> covered large areas of the lake’s leeward side.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Another small flare<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

About an hour and a half into the flight the landscape turns to rolling hills.<\/p><\/div>\n

Break Time<\/h4>\n

After almost 2 hours<\/strong> in the seat, I decided I needed a break<\/strong>. Just a little to the left<\/strong> of my path I saw the harvested wheat field<\/strong> shown below. Even though there were a couple of wet spots<\/strong>, it looked like a promising candidate<\/strong> for a short layover<\/strong>. I circled<\/strong> once and settled<\/strong> on to the field. Usually about 4 inches<\/strong>, the wheat stubble<\/strong> on this field was quite a bit higher<\/strong> than I am accustomed to – probably 18 inches.<\/em>\u00a0Its\u00a0resistance<\/strong>\u00a0to my landing gear and nose pod rapidly drew me to a stop. I got out, took a few pictures<\/strong> and after admiring<\/strong> the scenery took off<\/strong> again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

(Again, when the facts are\u00a0“inconvenient”<\/em>, The Sky Surfer<\/strong> seems to omit more<\/span> than a few<\/em> pertinent details<\/strong>…<\/span><\/address>\n
Possibly<\/strong> because he put himself into a state of exhaustion<\/strong> from his “forced march”<\/em> in and out of Cleveland<\/strong> or perhaps<\/strong> because he is just getting “drifty”<\/em> with\u00a0advancing age<\/strong>, over the previous 2 hour flight,\u00a0Surf Boy<\/strong> just plain spent too much time gazing<\/strong> at the beautiful scenery<\/strong> and not one nanosecond<\/strong> checking his fuel<\/strong> level.<\/span><\/address>\n
Not wanting<\/strong> to fool with topping the fuel tank when leaving Cleveland<\/strong>, he had decided a half full fuel tank<\/strong>\u00a0combined with the forecasted tail wind<\/strong> would be enough to get him most of the way<\/strong>\u00a0home. His\u00a0plan<\/em>\u00a0was that\u00a0after<\/strong> an hour<\/strong> or so he would land<\/strong> and add fuel<\/strong> from a “pony tank”<\/em> he lashed behind the seat.<\/span><\/address>\n
Well, shazaaam!-<\/em> as Gomer Pyle<\/strong> used to say- the tailwind<\/strong> turned into an\u00a0East Crosswind<\/strong> and provided no useful motive force<\/strong>, not that it would have taken him all the way home regardless<\/strong>. So for 2 hours he had\u00a0daydreamed<\/strong> his way through hundreds of square miles of the most open, “landing accessable”<\/em>, perfect “off field landing”<\/em> spots on the planet. When he finally looked over his head – and folks, the Quicksilver fuel tank is a completely visible, opaque container suspended no more than 12″ above the pilot’s head<\/strong> – he was shocked to see only about 1\/4 gallon remaining.<\/span><\/address>\n
At this revelation of “imminent\u00a0fuel starvation”<\/em>, the landscape below him had changed from “endless perfect landing field”<\/em> to one of steeply rolling hills<\/strong> and deep grass<\/strong>. Sure, one can land in this stuff<\/strong> if absolutely necessary<\/strong> but it is more advisable<\/strong> to be able to see<\/strong> the surface<\/strong> of the ground<\/strong>. Deep grass<\/strong> can hide big rocks<\/strong><\/span>. Surfer<\/strong> continued not even seeing a country road<\/strong> on which to land. Even though earlier he had inexplicably<\/strong> ignored the translucent container of “go juice”<\/em> suspended<\/strong>\u00a0mere inches over his head, it now consumed<\/strong> the focus<\/strong> of his entire\u00a0being<\/strong>. Increasingly anxious<\/strong> not to be forced into “dead stick<\/em>” mode, Sky<\/strong>\u00a0became increasingly<\/strong> less discerning<\/strong> regarding landing<\/strong> spots. When the mown wheat field<\/strong> came into view, he ignored the obvious reflections<\/strong> of standing water<\/strong> here and there, focusing instead on the patch that reflected not at all. He rationalized<\/strong> that the field had to be dry<\/strong> in portions that were draining<\/strong> into the wetter<\/strong> areas. To be charitable<\/strong>, that was actually the case<\/strong> but it did not mean the “drier”<\/em> areas were “absolutely dry<\/em>“.<\/span><\/address>\n
Upon touching down<\/strong> in the field, the tall wheat stubble<\/strong> did, of course, slow<\/strong> him down but not nearly<\/strong> as much as his right<\/strong> main landing gear<\/strong> did when it sank into the moist earth<\/strong>. In fact, because of the tall stubble,\u00a0Sky Surfer<\/strong> did not even notice the tire<\/strong> was embedded<\/strong> up to the axle<\/strong> until the first time<\/em> he attempted to take off. He had stepped out<\/strong> of the cockpit after landing<\/strong> and taken some photos<\/strong> and then poured<\/strong> more gas<\/strong> into the tank<\/strong>. After securing<\/strong> everything and starting<\/strong> the motor<\/strong> he strapped in and “ran it up”<\/em> to initiate the takeoff roll<\/strong>. No roll<\/strong>. Full power<\/strong> for 10 seconds<\/strong>. No roll<\/em><\/span>. Figuring something wrong, he shut down<\/strong>, got out and peered down through the tall wheat stubble to discover the tire embedded to the axle<\/strong>. The other two tires<\/strong> were fine, though. For the next 30+ minutes,\u00a0The Sky Surfer<\/strong> laboriously pulled the plane out of little “one tire troughs”<\/em>, re-started the motor<\/strong>, belted in<\/strong> and attempted takeoff<\/strong>. Each time just one<\/span><\/strong> of the tires would sink in<\/strong> and stop the plane.<\/span><\/address>\n
Now to credit The Sky Surfer<\/strong>, over the years he has learned<\/strong> not to endlessly repeat a failing plan<\/strong> expecting different results<\/strong>. After 30 minutes <\/strong>of this “beating a lame horse” he finally\u00a0stopped<\/strong>, reviewed the situation<\/strong> and formulated<\/strong> a new plan that was frankly “out of the box”<\/em> – borderline\u00a0genius<\/strong>!<\/span><\/address>\n
His observation<\/strong> was that the ground was dry enough<\/strong> to support himself<\/em><\/strong> without sinking. It was also dry enough<\/strong> to support the airplane<\/em><\/strong> without sinking. The crux<\/strong> of the problem<\/strong> was that with their combined<\/span> weight<\/span> on the tires, at least one tire would sink in: No Takeoff Roll<\/strong>.<\/span><\/address>\n
Thrilled<\/strong> at making what his\u00a0irrepressible\u00a0ego<\/strong> naturally <\/span>assumed<\/strong> to be a <\/span>brilliant observation<\/strong>, <\/span>The Surfer<\/strong>\u00a0at the same time noted that the field was well <\/span>terraced<\/strong> and that it <\/span>was drier<\/span><\/strong> on the <\/span>next terrace higher,<\/strong>\u00a040 yards Southeast<\/strong> of the <\/span>“zone of great distress”<\/em> in which he was trapped. But,\u00a0<\/span>try as he may<\/strong>, he <\/span>could not physically roll<\/strong> the plane to that place. There was way\u00a0<\/span>too much resistance<\/strong> from the wheat <\/span>stubble<\/strong> combined with the mild <\/span>upward grade<\/strong>.<\/span><\/address>\n
This was where <\/span>“thinking out of the box”<\/em> saved the day.<\/span><\/address>\n
It occurred<\/strong> to Surf Boy<\/strong> that while the plane<\/strong> wouldn’t taxi with him in it<\/span> over the spongy area, it might taxi<\/strong> with him out of it<\/span>. \u00a0He started<\/strong> the motor<\/strong> of the plane. Then carefully working<\/strong> the throttle<\/strong> proceded slowly to “walk it<\/em>” across the field all the while high-stepping<\/strong> gingerly backwards<\/strong> through the high stubble<\/strong>. After 3 or 4 minutes<\/strong> of this awkward dance –<\/strong>\u00a0(Surfmeister falling only three times)<\/em> the Dancing Duo<\/strong> made it to the top<\/strong> of the higher -drier-\u00a0terrace<\/strong>. While hope had never left him<\/strong>, he now had absolute confidence,<\/strong> he and the MXL<\/strong> would be airborne soon.<\/span><\/address>\n
What little wind<\/strong> wafted across the field was coming from the East<\/strong>. Although a normal takeoff would require far less distance<\/em>, Sky Surfer<\/strong> nonetheless walked off about 100 yards<\/strong> Southeast<\/strong> to check the “runway” for holes and rocks. Frankly, it was marginal<\/strong> because of a 2 foot patch of mud<\/strong> at the top of the next terrace<\/strong> down. Surfer’s bet<\/strong> was that he would have enough momentum<\/strong> at that point, though, that if he were not yet airborne<\/strong> upon reaching the\u00a0mud spot<\/strong>, he would at least have the nose wheel up<\/strong> in the air, make it over the terrace<\/strong> hump and be lofted<\/strong> into the air on the downside<\/strong>.<\/span><\/address>\n
That is what happened<\/strong>. Surfer and the MXL were\u00a0finally<\/strong> back in the game.<\/span><\/address>\n
Maybe<\/strong> this will learn<\/strong>\u00a0him<\/strong>… – The Editor<\/span><\/strong>)<\/span><\/address>\n

Winfield, Kansas<\/h4>\n

After taking the\u00a0short break<\/strong> in the wheat field<\/strong> I made a slight detour<\/strong>. My Good Buddy Captain Doug Moler<\/strong> told me he would be attending the K & O Steam and Gas Engine Show<\/strong><\/a> at the Winfield Fair Grounds<\/strong><\/a>. If I hadn’t already committed to the\u00a0Cleveland Flight<\/strong>, I would have gone there, too. It is a big, regional event for the showing of Antique Steam and Gas Powered Farm Equipment<\/strong>. There is always a good turnout<\/strong> and the opportunity to watch these venerable old machines<\/strong> in action.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Directly South<\/strong> of Winfield<\/strong> is this unincorporated village with Crossroads Community Church<\/strong><\/a> at its\u00a0North<\/strong> end.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The Fairgrounds<\/strong> are seen directly ahead. I decided I would swing East<\/strong> of them (to the right)<\/em> along the railroad track<\/strong> and then cut back Southeast<\/strong> for home.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Now I see\u00a0weirs<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0all the time.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The Winfield Fair Grounds<\/strong> is home to the World Famous Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival<\/strong><\/a>. It occurs in September<\/strong>. This is from 1,000′ AGL looking Northwest<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Winfield, Kansas<\/strong> looking Northeast<\/strong> from 1,000′ AGL<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The A & O Show<\/strong> from 1,000′ AGL looking Southwest<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

One more again from 1,000′ AGL looking South<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The Sky Surfer’s<\/strong> favorite sky – Blue<\/strong> With Cumulus Clouds<\/strong>. Looking Northwest<\/strong> from 1,500′ AGL<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0(Note: In the caption above, The Sky Surfer neglected to mention the mud-stained left knee of pants that were clean that morning. – The Editor<\/span><\/strong>)<\/span><\/address>\n
\"\"<\/a>

In the foreground is “Cherokee Strip Residential Airpark<\/a>“<\/strong> with Udall, Kansas<\/strong><\/a> just beyond. From 1,200′ AGL looking North<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Back in “the neighborhood”<\/em>, here is Mulvane, Kansas<\/strong><\/a> from 1,200′ AGL looking Northwest<\/strong>. When looking at this, I am struck by how the trees, so lush after the exceptional rains of late, are obscuring most of the town.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

At The Mulvane Rodeo Arena<\/strong> on Mulvane’s West<\/strong> side I saw preparation for a Rodeo<\/strong>. From 1,100′ AGL<\/strong> looking North Northwest<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The East Wind<\/strong> blows smoke from an open fire 2 miles Southeast<\/strong> of Selby Aerodrome<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0Trip Complete<\/h4>\n

The photo above is no Objet d’Art<\/strong><\/a> but was taken to show the wind direction<\/strong>. Hoping to get a full tailwind push<\/strong> all the way home, for most of the trip there was no help<\/strong> at all. The weathermen<\/strong> missed this one for me but at least it did not turn into a headwind<\/strong>. I’m glad I had the opportunity to visit Tiger Town<\/strong> and walk around a bit. I hope you enjoyed the journey<\/strong>, too.<\/p>\n

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

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

The Sky Surfer<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Amazing… So typical\u00a0The Sky Surfer<\/strong> would lay his tailwind deficit<\/strong> at the feet<\/strong> of the weathermen<\/em>. He knew the wind direction<\/strong> could change<\/strong>. After all, he is constantly\u00a0harping<\/strong> about this area being The Great Plains<\/strong>.<\/span><\/address>\n
Overall, though, I am glad<\/strong> I gave Surfer Boy<\/strong> this opportunity for growth<\/em>. As you can see<\/strong> he has\u00a0far to go<\/strong> before possibly reaching his goal to be a\u00a0photo-journalist<\/strong>. It might happen\u00a0over time – stranger things have.<\/span><\/address>\n
Folks, handling “A Star”<\/em>\u00a0– at least in his own mind<\/em> – is an art<\/strong>\u00a0occasionally requiring<\/strong> the implementation of\u00a0extraordinary<\/strong> means<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/address>\n
If anything, I hope this <\/span>exercise<\/strong> has given you an <\/span>insider’s look<\/strong> at <\/span>The Flite Blog\u2122<\/strong> process – the “tug and pull” – the\u00a0stratagems\u00a0–\u00a0<\/span>behind<\/strong> the scenes leading to the <\/span>output<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>quality<\/strong> you expect.<\/span><\/span><\/address>\n
The sly benefit for management<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0(knowing the\u00a0fragility <\/strong>of The Sky Surfer’s<\/strong> ego) has been that once he sees all these public<\/strong>\u00a0corrections<\/strong> to his weak report<\/strong>, we know<\/span> he will sulk<\/strong> for a long, long, long, long time. This\u00a0will allow<\/strong> us to get back to status quo<\/strong>: The Sky Surfer<\/strong> flitting about the countryside taking random photos<\/strong> – The real writers<\/strong> back at the shop tying it all together<\/strong> and doing the “intellectual heavy lifting”<\/em>. After all, as long as “Sky Surfing – The Flite Blog”<\/strong> remains a visually interesting<\/strong>, somewhat informative<\/strong> web log, the “background process”<\/em>\u00a0is not that important to be known.<\/span><\/address>\n
Thanks<\/strong> again for being part of this experiment\/management tactic<\/strong>. – The Editor<\/strong><\/span>)<\/span><\/address>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(Dear Readers: We’re going out on a limb by letting The Sky Surfer (TSS) pen his own paper this time rather than adhering to the time tested method of “refashioning” his broken prose prior to publishing. For once\u00a0The Editor\u00a0is going to let him write what ever he wants. BUT, that doesn’t mean he has total […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,6,5,10,11,1],"tags":[26,50,51,33,38,52,48,53,45,22,34],"class_list":["post-8409","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fun-flights","category-show-an-airfield","category-show-an-airplane","category-teachable-moments","category-ultralight","category-uncategorized","tag-brian-fitzgerald","tag-cleveland-oklahoma","tag-fun-flight","tag-mustangs","tag-oklahoma","tag-prairie","tag-quicksilver-mxl","tag-the-great-plains","tag-the-sky-surfer","tag-ultralight-2","tag-wild-horses","category-3-id","category-6-id","category-5-id","category-10-id","category-11-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\/8409","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=8409"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8409\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9196,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8409\/revisions\/9196"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8409"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8409"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8409"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n