{"id":8761,"date":"2013-09-20T20:28:26","date_gmt":"2013-09-21T01:28:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/fitzvideo.com\/sky_surfing\/?p=8761"},"modified":"2013-10-05T20:36:03","modified_gmt":"2013-10-06T01:36:03","slug":"alva-oklahoma-magnificent-murals-higher-education-and-a-fortuitous-flat-tire-by-brian-fitzgerald","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/2013\/09\/20\/alva-oklahoma-magnificent-murals-higher-education-and-a-fortuitous-flat-tire-by-brian-fitzgerald\/","title":{"rendered":"Alva, Oklahoma – Magnificent Murals, Higher Education and a Fortuitous Flat Tire by Brian FitzGerald"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Cherokee Strip<\/h4>\n

Many of my flights into Oklahoma<\/strong> take me to the famous Cherokee Strip<\/strong><\/a> (generally more properly called\u00a0The Cherokee Outlet<\/a>\u00a0although there is a “Strip” also…)<\/em>. This is the place that was opened to settlers on a “first come – first served”<\/em> basis in 1893<\/strong> – the famous “Land Rush”<\/em>. Prior to “the Rush”<\/em>, the Cherokee Indians<\/strong>\u00a0owned the land and would lease it<\/strong> out for cattle grazing<\/strong> use. After the Civil War<\/strong>, though, the U.S. Government<\/strong>\u00a0summarily re-negotiated<\/strong> the treaty<\/strong> it had with the Cherokees<\/strong> because the tribe<\/strong> had made the poor<\/strong> political<\/strong> decision<\/strong> to align itself with The Confederacy<\/strong>. This did not sit well with the North<\/strong> after The War<\/strong> and subsequently the Cherokees<\/strong> were forced to sell the land to the Government<\/strong> for $8,595,000<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

I bring this to your attention because popular culture<\/strong>\u00a0(revisionist history?)<\/em> would have us think all\u00a0Indian Land\u00a0<\/strong>has been stolen. Not necessarily so.<\/p>\n

Enough of Brian’s History Class…<\/em> I had wanted to visit Alva, Oklahoma<\/strong><\/a> for some time. The final day<\/strong> of August<\/strong> would be that time<\/strong>…<\/p>\n

UPDATE<\/strong>: While researching some history on a later story about Foraker, Oklahoma<\/strong> I found details lacking in the above commentary. I don’t claim to be an expert on the history of this area but I want to be as accurate as possible.\u00a0After spending two hours in research the plot thickened. Apparently in 1866<\/strong> the Osage Indians<\/strong>\u00a0bought much of the land from the Cherokees<\/strong>. This was while\u00a0Oklahoma<\/strong> was a Territory and not a State. During the Cattle drive era, Texan herds would travel through this land on the way to the Kansas Railheads<\/strong>. Negotiations were made with the Cherokee<\/strong> and other land owners for grazing payment. After an initial 5 year agreement, the Consortium doubled the price which The Congress of the United States nullified. Congress then authorized the land to be sold for $1.25 an acre to which the Cherokee<\/strong> and other tribes of the area strenuously objected. To force the issue, in 1890,\u00a0President Benjamin Harrison<\/strong><\/a> forbade any grazing in the area, the landowners capitulated<\/strong> and sold out for\u00a0$1.40 to $2.50 per acre<\/strong>. During that same period of time The Cherokee Commission<\/strong> was ordered to “persuade” the Cherokee<\/strong> to part with the remaining unsold land. The sum of\u00a0$8,595,736.12<\/strong> was determined to be the value. Payment did not occur until 1964<\/strong>, at which time the value was determined to be $14.7 million plus $2 million in interest and was paid to heirs.<\/p>\n

There is more but that is a more detailed<\/strong> explanation than I had given earlier.<\/p>\n

Silhouettes<\/a><\/p>\n

My flight to Alva<\/strong> would be directly Southwest<\/strong> of Selby Aerodrome<\/strong><\/a>. This is one of my favorite<\/strong> directions to fly across the prairie<\/strong> because it is so open<\/strong>, flat<\/strong> and unpopulated<\/strong>. The wind<\/strong> was forecast to be from the Southwest<\/strong> that day at 8 mph so I would easily be able to fly under it that morning. With the “wide open-ness<\/em>” of the territory I would be crossing, I could fly low enough to take advantage of “Ground Effect<\/strong><\/a>” also. This would further reduce<\/strong> my fuel consumption<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In addition<\/strong> to all the aforementioned positives<\/strong> for the flight would be the fortuitous<\/strong> positioning<\/strong> of the Sun. Fortuitous<\/strong> if, like me<\/em>, you like to see silhouettes<\/strong> of my Quicksilver Ultralight<\/strong><\/a> cast over interesting prairie backdrops. If that scenario does not peak your interest, you might want to skip over the next 15 or so photos.<\/p>\n

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I examined it as closely as I could. I know it’s there but I can’t find the silhouette<\/strong> in this shot…<\/p><\/div>\n

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This one is both a “GlennView<\/a>“<\/strong> and a silhouette<\/strong> at the same time!<\/p><\/div>\n

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Few crops are more picturesque than Milo approaching harvest time!<\/p><\/div>\n

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A recently harvested wheat field.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Tilled ’till planting time.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Missing The Moment<\/h4>\n

A big thing<\/strong> for me when photographing<\/strong> these adventures<\/strong> is to catch the moment<\/span>. To do this I must have my camera READY<\/strong>. To facilitate this I have the Canon<\/strong> attached to a lanyard<\/strong> hung around my neck<\/strong>. Generally, I can grab it<\/strong> and hit the “start”<\/em> button<\/strong> and be ready to fire in seconds<\/strong>. My Canon Powershot SX160<\/strong><\/a> has served me very well. There is one issue<\/strong> I have with this Canon<\/strong><\/a>, though, and it has to do with the Low Battery Warning Indicator<\/strong>. After much experience<\/strong> I found that it indicates<\/strong> the batteries are dead way too early<\/strong>. I have found that it will function<\/strong>\u00a0way\u00a0long<\/span> after<\/strong> it tells you to change the batteries<\/strong>. The problem<\/strong> is guessing<\/strong>\u00a0how long<\/em>. Mostly I keep shooting until it summarily\u00a0shuts down<\/strong>. You lose. Shot lost.<\/p>\n

Twice now<\/strong> my desire to save a few bucks<\/strong> on batteries has cost me a rare and excellent shot<\/strong>. Today was the second huge loss<\/strong>. It happened as I continued Southwest flying in ground effect…<\/p>\n

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Suddenly off to the South<\/strong> I saw an Air Tractor<\/strong><\/a> making a high pull up after a spray run<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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So as to make sure he knew that I saw him<\/strong> and also to not interrupt his work, I climbed and turned parallel<\/strong> to his line of travel.<\/p><\/div>\n

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I set up for what would be a perfect shot of him making a pass over the crops with the spray behind. In order to set up this\u00a0Pi\u00e8ce de R\u00e9sistance<\/a>, I took this photo as he banked into The Pass<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

Imagination Required<\/h4>\n

Here is where you get to fill in the “vision”<\/em>. I had the<\/strong>\u00a0perfect angle<\/strong> with the sun beaming down<\/strong> from the left<\/strong> and a marvelous green carpet<\/strong> below the Ag Plane<\/strong> as he released the perfect stream of vapor<\/strong> that wafted down behind his plane. The moment I clicked<\/strong> the shutter,<\/strong> the camera shut down<\/span>. No Go<\/strong>. No time to load batteries and go back. Shot Lost<\/strong>. Completely Inexcusable<\/strong>. Unprofessional<\/strong>. A Debacle<\/strong> of the First Order<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Take my word for it, though<\/strong>. This was the “definitive”<\/em> spray plane shot for the millennium<\/strong>. Imagine the purest, most sublime image of a “morning sun, back lit, spray plane<\/em>” swooping over a magnificent<\/strong> Kansas Corn Field<\/strong>, crystal clear, all colors bright and shining – this was it<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Man. That was painful<\/strong>. Maybe I need to break loose on the battery account…<\/em><\/p>\n

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To make up for the loss of The Ultimate<\/strong>\u00a0Spray Plane Pass<\/strong>, I hung my MXL<\/strong> between these two tracks. By the way. That’s the last Silhouette<\/strong>…<\/p><\/div>\n

Art On Wheels<\/h4>\n

I know I can’t be “The Lone Ranger”<\/em> on this but, I think modern tractors<\/strong> are very attractive<\/strong> to look at. I put them up there with a ‘69 Shelby\u00a0Mustang<\/a><\/strong>, ‘70\u00a0Chevelle<\/a><\/strong>, ‘68 Roadrunner<\/a><\/strong>, a ‘67 Impala SS<\/a><\/strong>, a ‘70 Corvette 454<\/a><\/strong>, etc. They have a pleasing line<\/strong> to them that I\u00a0believe<\/strong> is by design. I think this is wise<\/strong>\u00a0of the manufacturers<\/strong> because it is no more expensive<\/strong> to make something practical<\/strong> look good<\/strong> than it is to make it look bad. It all depends on the designer’s enlightenment<\/strong> to this principle. Functional things can be art objects, too<\/strong>. The boring, tedious\u00a0“form follows function”<\/em> utilitarian design dogma<\/strong> has bequeathed our civilization buildings and cars nobody feels proud<\/strong>\u00a0to work in or own. I think the goal<\/strong> of modern manufacturers should be<\/strong> to make “form enhance<\/span> function”<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n

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Nice, huh?<\/p><\/div>\n

Argonia, Kansas<\/a><\/h4>\n

Even though the head wind<\/strong> was minimal,<\/strong> I was flying low<\/strong> because the landscape was wide open<\/strong> on the way to Alva<\/strong>. Also, I like the view from 75′ AGL<\/strong>. The town<\/strong> seen below appeared as I popped over a tree row<\/strong>. Frankly, even though I have been there<\/strong><\/a> many times I did not recognize<\/strong> it. I have even shot part of a movie on Amateur High Powered Rocketry<\/a> there. Nonetheless it wasn’t until writing<\/strong> this story<\/strong> that I recognized<\/strong> it from the pictures.<\/p>\n

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Argonia, Kansas<\/strong><\/a> under my right wing from 75′ AGL looking Northwest<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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A mile South<\/strong> of town is their treatment facility with an Equestrian Arena<\/strong> next to it. People have arrived for a horse show or contest.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Argonia<\/strong> again looking due North<\/strong> from 75′ AGL just after passing over the Chikaskia River<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n

Freeport, Kansas<\/h4>\n

Not long afterward, I came upon Freeport, KS<\/strong><\/a>. I was intrigued<\/strong> by it because it seemed about as small<\/strong> as a town<\/strong> can get. Sure enough, when I researched<\/strong> it for this story, I found it to be THE<\/span> smallest incorporated town<\/strong> in Kansas. It is inhabited by\u00a05 people<\/strong>. I knew there was something special<\/strong> about it… I will stop there some time.<\/p>\n

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Freeport, Kansas<\/strong> from 75′ AGL looking West Northwest<\/strong>. Whoops! I lied. There’s another MXL Silhouette<\/strong>…<\/p><\/div>\n

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From this distance you can see the “strip mall”<\/em> no longer in use to the left<\/strong> of the grain elevator<\/strong>. I would have liked to take a closer picture<\/strong> of it but after this shot I climbed<\/strong>\u00a0and banked left<\/strong> so as not to inadvertently buzz<\/strong> anyone who might be in the area around the intersection.<\/p><\/div>\n

Silhouette-a-rama<\/h4>\n

Maybe I am over-doing it but this was one silhouette<\/strong> I could not pass up. Golden Milo\u00a0Again<\/strong><\/a>. Have you ever seen such a handsome crop?<\/p>\n

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Another silhouette<\/strong> I could not leave behind. There isn’t a weed<\/strong> in this field.<\/p><\/div>\n

Red Dirt Country<\/h4>\n

The instant I crossed the border into Oklahoma<\/strong> the ground turned red. Well, in the general area of the border it did…<\/em> It is a distinctive<\/strong> trait of the Oklahoma landscape<\/strong> and one the state’s citizens are proud of. I noticed on The Web that Texas<\/strong> talks<\/strong> a lot about their Red Dirt<\/em> but I have never associated it with The Lone Star State<\/strong>. I am a bona fide, native born Texan<\/strong> – thrilled to be<\/em> – but as far as I’m concerned the Red Dirt Moniker<\/strong> belongs to Oklahoma<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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If this shot doesn’t scream “Red Dirt Oklahoma!”, nothing will.<\/p><\/div>\n

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A little farther along I was fast enough<\/strong> on the trigger to catch the last two deer of an eight count herd<\/strong> sprinting across my path.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Still hugging the earth, I passed this little village South of Anthony, Kansas<\/strong><\/a>. This is looking South Southwest<\/strong> from 50′ AGL.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The same village<\/strong> but closer. In the background you can see the white, evenly spaced lots going left to right. I believe these have to do with horizontal oil drilling<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

Oil Boom Continues<\/h4>\n

As if on cue, after noting the drilling pads<\/strong> in the photo above, next I see an active drilling rig<\/strong>. The area South<\/strong> of\u00a0Anthony, Kansas<\/strong> in particular, and much of the land along the border<\/strong> between Kansas<\/strong> and Oklahoma<\/strong> in general, has seen a great influx of Big Oil<\/strong> drilling operations over the last 3 years<\/strong>. The talk has been of horizontal drilling<\/a><\/strong> and “fracking<\/a>“<\/strong> although due to general<\/strong>\u00a0industry secrecy<\/strong>, production facts are hard to come by.<\/p>\n

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Oil And Agriculture Do Mix<\/h4>\n

Environmentalists<\/strong> present the impression\u00a0drilling for oil<\/strong> is\u00a0synonymous\u00a0with wholesale<\/strong> destruction<\/strong> of the environment<\/strong>. Anyone<\/strong> in our region willing<\/strong> to pay a minimum of attention<\/strong> to the matter<\/strong> can plainly see that is just not true<\/strong>. In the previous<\/strong> two photos<\/strong> you can see the earth has been plowed<\/strong> around and right up to the edge<\/strong> of the well site<\/strong>. Not long after this picture was taken, this land will be planted<\/strong> and crops raised<\/strong>. The two<\/strong> industries work<\/strong> quite well together<\/strong>. In fact, my friend Farmer Gary Foster<\/strong> says the most successful farmers<\/strong> he knows tend to have those “rocking horse”<\/em>\u00a0oil pumps on their land. Every farmer<\/strong> prays for lots of them to appear<\/strong> on his property. They’re a good thing.<\/p>\n

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Less than a mile from the drill site.<\/p><\/div>\n

Time And Distance<\/h4>\n

Still flying low, ahead I see a wide band of trees. Judging by the time I have spent airborne, I know I should be seeing Alva<\/strong> soon. Because I don’t know if I am coming to a wide forested area<\/strong>, I gain altitude in order to increase emergency landing spot<\/strong> availability should I experience<\/strong> an engine failure<\/strong>. As I do this I see the scene below. The trees<\/strong> are thriving<\/strong> at this point on the otherwise tree-sparse plains<\/em> due to the abundant water provided by the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Gateway To Alva<\/h4>\n

From the direction I am arriving, The Salt Fork<\/strong> made a Gateway<\/strong> to Alva, Oklahoma<\/strong><\/a>. In the distance I see it unfurled gracefully<\/strong> astride the red dirt,<\/strong>\u00a0a long container<\/strong> train<\/strong> slowly working its way through<\/strong> town from the Northwest<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Alva, Oklahoma<\/strong> from 800′ AGL looking West<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

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The Heart<\/strong> of Alva<\/strong> from 1,000′ AGL looking Northwest<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

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Just after taking the picture above I shot this of the Alva Regional Airport<\/strong><\/a> which is 1.5 miles South<\/strong> of the center of town. We are looking West<\/strong> from 1,200′ AGL.<\/p><\/div>\n

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One last photo before<\/strong> entering the pattern, this to show the relation<\/strong> of Alva Regional<\/strong> to the city. 1,200′ AGL looking Northwest<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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OK. One more shot… The pattern was clear… I had to take this “center cut” shot of the city from the South<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Just after exiting the active runway, taxiing toward the terminal building I snap this. We are looking Southeast<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Michael Degan – Man Of Many Talents<\/h4>\n

While tying down<\/strong> my plane I notice a John Deere Tractor<\/a> bearing down on me from the South<\/strong>. Since it was trailing a large grass cutting rig<\/strong> it was blazing along at walking speed<\/strong> but its size<\/strong> made it seem faster<\/strong>. Finally it pulled up to the lawn<\/strong> adjacent to the terminal building<\/strong> and Mike Degan<\/strong> jumped out with a smile. “You’re the Ultralight guy! Greg (Murray – the airport manager) said you would be here today. Do you need anything?”<\/em>, he said in quick order. I had called and talked to Greg Murray<\/strong> the day before to check on fuel<\/strong> and procedures<\/strong>. He said he would not<\/strong> be working<\/strong> on Saturday<\/strong> but had a good man<\/strong> to handle everything<\/strong>. That was obviously the case.<\/p>\n

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Michael Degan<\/p><\/div>\n

A Man With A Plan<\/h4>\n

Mike told me\u00a0he was a Psychology Major<\/strong> at Northwest Oklahoma State University<\/a> (NWOSU – The Rangers<\/a>) and that he wanted to help people<\/strong> rid themselves of the burden of substance abuse<\/strong> (what we used to call drug addiction<\/strong>)<\/em>. I was immediately impressed<\/strong> with his forthright attitude<\/strong> and plan<\/strong> of action<\/strong>. It was apparent<\/strong> to me that he was not just “hanging out”<\/em> through college but was on a mission<\/strong>. I like that a lot.<\/p>\n

He invited me into the Airport Terminal Building<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Mike At Control Central<\/p><\/div>\n

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I backed up against the South<\/strong> wall to take in as much of the expanse of the main room as possible. As you can see, it is a very attractive<\/strong> and functional<\/strong> terminal with a suitable aviation flair<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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A display of Aviation Memorabilia<\/strong> at the terminal. There are more displays like this in the building.<\/p><\/div>\n

Loaner Car<\/h4>\n

I am quite content<\/strong> to walk<\/strong> into town<\/strong> when I arrive at the airport of one of my Fun Flight Excursions<\/strong>. I am thrilled<\/strong> when some of the airports have a loaner car<\/strong> you can borrow<\/strong> to drive into town. Generally they are old “beaters”<\/em><\/strong> but they still get you around faster<\/strong> than on foot<\/strong>. Alva Regional<\/strong> stepped up my “gratefulness\u00a0quotient”<\/em>\u00a0dramatically when Degan<\/strong> handed me the keys<\/strong> to this nearly new<\/em> sedan<\/strong> with air<\/strong> that blew cold<\/strong>. A King’s Treatment<\/strong> for a Pauper Pilot<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

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Mural Magic<\/h4>\n

Alva calls itself\u00a0“Oklahoma’s Mural Capital”<\/em> but I think “America’s Mural Capital”<\/em> might\u00a0fit better<\/b>. There are approximately 25<\/strong> of these exceptionally large paintings dispersed around the town. Established in 1997, the Alva Mural Society<\/a><\/strong> has commissioned a variety of mural painters<\/strong> to represent the history<\/strong> of this region. I like<\/strong> them a lot. They add greatly<\/strong> to the character of the town<\/strong>. The mural society<\/strong> provides a nice brochure<\/strong> with mural thumbnails<\/strong> and a map<\/strong> to find them. I took pictures<\/strong> of as many of them as I could but did not<\/strong> have enough time<\/strong> to find all<\/strong> of them. For some<\/strong> of the scenes, I wish<\/strong> I could have done a better job<\/strong>. In those instances, I would rather have had the sun at a better angle<\/strong> and the cars out of the way<\/strong>, a ladder<\/strong> to stand on, etc. That is what I notice. But, in general, I think they are good enough representations<\/strong> that you might want to go there and see<\/strong> them yourself<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Buildings, Too<\/h4>\n

Along the way, while tracking<\/strong> down as many of the murals<\/strong> as I could, I stopped to photograph interesting buildings<\/strong>, too.<\/p>\n

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Flynn Street<\/strong> – Looking toward the West<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

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The Rialto Theater<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

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I like the stone caps and bases<\/strong> on the windows of this brick building on Flynn Street<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The First Mural<\/strong> I Encountered Was This One Celebrating The Old Alva Train Depot<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

The Runnymede<\/h4>\n

This building is a restoration project<\/strong> of great significance. In 1893<\/strong>, the entire building<\/strong> was moved<\/strong> from the now defunct town of Runnymede, Kansas<\/strong>. After a while it fell into disrepair<\/strong> and remained<\/strong> that way until its rescue<\/strong> in 1998<\/strong> by a citizen’s committee<\/strong>. You can read more about it HERE<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The Runnymede<\/p><\/div>\n

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The Runnymede Greeter<\/p><\/div>\n

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The subject matter<\/strong> of this mural is obvious<\/strong>. If it is not obvious<\/em> by my photo, the artist, in addition to painting a fine mural<\/strong>, has “broken the forth wall<\/a>” by including a statue leading the band<\/strong>\u00a0(the ladders aren’t part of the display…).<\/p><\/div>\n

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Charles Morton Share<\/strong> – Son<\/strong> of Pioneer Merchants<\/strong> –\u00a0Active in the Presbyterian Church<\/strong>. He established<\/strong> a Trust<\/strong> which funded the Library<\/strong>, Hospital<\/strong>, Professional Building<\/strong>, Wellness Center<\/strong>, Correctional Center<\/strong> and many<\/strong> other worthwhile projects<\/strong> in Alva<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The Devery Implement Company<\/p><\/div>\n

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An early 20th Century Wheat Harvest<\/strong> in Woods County, Oklahoma <\/strong>is portrayed.<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

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Across the street<\/strong> is an adjunct to the harvest, another creative “forth wall breaker” featuring a steam powered threshing machine.<\/p><\/div>\n

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A work in progress, I was able to photograph the painters in their labors.<\/p><\/div>\n

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\u00a0POW Camp<\/h4>\n

Years ago I had heard about this but the mural brought it back “front and center”<\/em>. In World War II,<\/strong> Alva<\/strong> hosted a Prisoner Of War<\/strong> (POW)<\/em> camp for the incarceration of “high value”<\/em> Nazis<\/strong>. This mural documents that.<\/p>\n

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To commemorate its first Hundred Years<\/strong>, Woods County<\/strong><\/a> erected this wall with its representative settlers.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The Thunderbird Division<\/h4>\n

The 45th Infantry Division<\/strong> (The Thunderbirds)<\/em> was established by Congress<\/strong> in 1920<\/strong> to be comprised of soldiers<\/strong> from\u00a0the four states of Oklahoma<\/strong>, Colorado<\/strong>, Arizona<\/strong> and New Mexico<\/strong>. Alva<\/strong> is the second town I have seen a reference to this famous fighting force. Pawnee, Oklahoma<\/strong><\/a> also has a tribute<\/strong> to it including a howitzer<\/strong> and fallen heroes memorial<\/strong>. I took some pictures of it HERE<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The 45th Signal Unit<\/strong> Was Based In Alva<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0A 3 Panel Piece<\/h4>\n

This next mural reflects the sad day “The Castle on The Hill”<\/em> burned down. Dedicated in 1898, this impressive building was the home of the Northwestern Territorial Normal School<\/strong><\/a>. “Normal School”<\/em> is the antiquated term for what we now refer to as a\u00a0“Teacher’s School”<\/em>. After the fire, the building<\/strong> was replaced<\/strong> by the Jesse Dunn Building<\/strong><\/a> which I will show later.<\/p>\n

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Left<\/p><\/div>\n

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

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Right<\/p><\/div>\n

Across the street from “the castle fire”…<\/h4>\n
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The Supply Trail<\/strong> (the shadows are from the overhead lights that illuminate the painting at night)<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

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This gives you and idea of the setting of this “Wild West”<\/em> action piece.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The Corner Of 6th & Barnes Street<\/strong> – You have to like a place called “Happiness House”<\/em>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The Homestead House Call<\/p><\/div>\n

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The Alva Speedway<\/strong> – A Favorite 1950’s Alva Venue<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

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The Run – The Greatest Horse Race In History<\/p><\/div>\n

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The Corner Of 6th & Flynn<\/p><\/div>\n

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Flynn Street<\/strong> Looking East<\/strong> – The corner building reminds me of the 50’s.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The next corner farther\u00a0West<\/strong>\u00a0on Flynn<\/strong> features another attractive monument<\/strong> to architecture of the middle of the 20th Century<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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A Mural Of The Old Woods County Courthouse<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

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I think they keep Fire Engines<\/strong> or other City Vehicles<\/strong> here. Nice Masonry<\/strong>!<\/p><\/div>\n

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What a fine yard entry.<\/p><\/div>\n

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An elegant manor.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The Battle of Turkey Springs<\/strong> – 1878<\/p><\/div>\n

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Starr Lumber Company<\/strong> – Dedicated to one of Alva’s<\/strong> oldest family-owned<\/strong> businesses and its founder Wilson Worth Starr<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

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Northwestern Oklahoma State University<\/a><\/p>\n

Earlier I mentioned Mike Degan<\/strong> attending NWOSU<\/strong>. Quite an attractive campus<\/strong>, I took some pictures around its\u00a0North<\/strong> entrance.<\/p>\n

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The Fine Arts Building<\/p><\/div>\n

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Jesse Dunn Hall<\/strong> – The replacement for “The Castle On The Hill”<\/em> shown earlier.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Jesse Dunn’s Front Door<\/p><\/div>\n

The Ranger<\/h4>\n

People that attend and graduate NWOSU<\/strong> are called “Rangers”<\/em>. I liked this Ranger\u00a0statue<\/strong> so much I took a number of pictures of it. This statue is impressive,\u00a0inspiring<\/strong>. Uplifting<\/em>.<\/p>\n

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A superb entrance to a college!<\/p><\/div>\n

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On the side of a bank we see that this is “Hunting Country”<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The Alva Visitor’s Center<\/strong> features a glorious rendition of “The Castle on The Hill”.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

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Sustenance<\/h4>\n

Even though The Sky Surfer<\/strong> thinks he needs nothing but\u00a0“good air and great scenery”<\/em> to survive, like the mortals he glides above, he must eat<\/strong> to survive. Just after “the car key handoff”<\/em> with Mike Degan<\/strong>, Surf<\/strong> queried him as to a good local bistro. “The Bowling Alley”<\/em> was his flashback reply –<\/strong>\u00a0Not a moment’s deliberation or a second choice. Gracefully nodding his head, the Seasoned Surfer<\/strong> pondered if his culinary tastes<\/strong> would mesh with those of a youth<\/strong> forty years his junior<\/strong>. Sensing hesitation Degan<\/strong> assured, “Really. They have the best burger. It’s easy to find. Just look on that street in front of The College”.\u00a0<\/em>Wanting to be accomodating<\/strong> but still not\u00a0certain, Sky<\/strong>\u00a0smiled, thanked him for the suggestion, wheeled on a heel, and set off picture taking<\/strong>. About two hours later, dazed<\/strong> from 100+ temperature<\/strong> and constant hustle<\/strong>, the Bowling Alley Burger Bar<\/strong> gained credibility in The Surfer’s<\/strong> psyche. Heading West<\/strong> on Oklahoma Boulevard,<\/strong> his eyes beheld a sign that closed the deal.<\/p>\n

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How Cool Is That!<\/p><\/div>\n

Boys Never Grow Up – They Just Get Older<\/h4>\n

When I was young<\/strong>, left to my own devices I would have been content to live on Pie<\/strong>, Cake<\/strong> and Cookies<\/strong>. Mom<\/strong> wouldn’t hear of it, though, and always made sure I ate “well balanced meals”<\/em>. Conditioned<\/strong> by this upbringing<\/strong>, I entered the diner with every intention<\/strong> to order a regular lunch<\/strong> consisting of the acceptable food groups<\/strong>. Across<\/strong> from the counter, though, were four or five<\/strong> of those “lift up”<\/em> glass things<\/strong> that cover pies<\/strong>. I found that even though my mind<\/strong> wasn’t thinking<\/strong> it, my eyes kept straying<\/strong> from the menu<\/strong> in my hands to the superb selection<\/strong> of pies nary four feet from my stool. This distraction kept me from\u00a0comprehending<\/strong> the menu<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Flash<\/h4>\n

Then my heat-dazed mind<\/strong> was struck by an epiphany<\/strong>! Hey<\/em>. I’m The Sky Surfer<\/strong>. I’m 62 years old<\/strong>. I’m hungry<\/strong>. I have my own money<\/strong>. I don’t have to eat\u00a0“healthy”<\/em>\u00a0all the time.\u00a0I can eat whatever I want<\/strong>! Sensing invisible cerebral chains<\/strong> shatter and fall to the ground,\u00a0I ordered not one<\/span> but TWO<\/strong> pieces of pie<\/strong>, a scoop of ice cream<\/strong> and a glass of lemonade<\/strong>. Free At Last<\/em>! Reveling in my new found independence<\/strong>, I handed my camera to the waitress<\/strong> to immortalize the moment<\/strong>.\u00a0(It could be my sudden culinary exuberance\u00a0was enhanced by the fact that neither Mom<\/strong> or my Wife<\/strong> was there to put the kibosh<\/strong><\/a> on my plan with one look of “The Thin Eyes<\/strong>“)<\/em><\/p>\n

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The Sky Surfer<\/strong> partakes a light repast. Even though it had been over two hours since landing, he still sports a “raccoon-like”<\/em> oval around his eyes. Maybe he could stand to loosen up the goggles a bit…<\/p><\/div>\n

Back On Point<\/h4>\n

After gobbling<\/strong> down the feast I paid up and left. Stepping out of The Bowling Alley<\/strong>, the combination heat<\/strong> and sugar shock<\/strong> gave me a moment’s pause. I looked at the clock<\/strong> and acceded I had found all the murals<\/strong> I could for that day. It was time to get back<\/strong> to the airport for a return to base<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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So you wouldn’t think I was whining, I recorded the official temperature that afternoon.<\/p><\/div>\n

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On the way to the airport I saw this nice pad<\/strong> on the South<\/strong> side of town.<\/p><\/div>\n

Fortuitous Flat Tire?<\/h4>\n

Perhaps you noticed<\/strong> the above fragment<\/strong> in the title<\/strong> to this story and found it a bit weird<\/strong>. Does The Sky Surfer<\/strong><\/a> really think a flat tire<\/strong> is a good<\/strong> thing? The answer is “sometimes yes”<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Flat Tires And Friends<\/h4>\n

Here is my\u00a0explanation<\/strong> which follows a general Flite Blog\u2122<\/strong> Theme<\/strong> of returning the teaching of Providence<\/strong><\/a> to current use. After finishing my lunch, I stepped outside where it was getting hotter<\/strong>, windier<\/strong> and later<\/strong>. It was mid afternoon – time to depart Alva<\/strong>. Pulling into the hangar area<\/strong> of Alva Regional,<\/strong> I was arrested<\/strong> by the sight of an open hangar with a man keeping cool<\/strong> in an easy chair in front of a blowing scroll fan.<\/strong>\u00a0All three were positioned next to one of the classic beauties<\/strong>\u00a0of the airplane world – an obviously, well-maintained\u00a0Cessna 190<\/strong><\/a>. I pulled up, rolled down the window and said, “How’s it going'”<\/em>. Retired Corporate Pilot<\/strong> James Stallings<\/strong> responded, “Not bad. Didn’t have anything better to do so I came down to the airport”<\/em>. Immediately sensing<\/strong> the presence of a kindred spirit<\/strong> I turned off the motor, got out and introduced myself. Hanging out<\/strong> at the airport on a Saturday IS<\/strong> the best thing one can do, particularly in the company<\/strong> of a such a handsome 1952 Cessna<\/strong>. I discovered that James<\/strong> was retired from commercial flying<\/strong> and had also owned a Cable TV<\/strong> company in Waynoka, Oklahoma<\/strong><\/a>. He had owned this 190<\/strong> since February<\/strong> of 1968<\/strong>. He said back when he bought the plane,\u00a0nobody<\/strong> thought it was special<\/strong>, but over the years<\/em>, people have begun to much more appreciate<\/strong> its round engine<\/strong> and classic lines<\/strong>. Recently, for my video series<\/strong> on Classic Airplanes<\/strong><\/a>, I completed an interview with\u00a0Bill Koelling<\/strong><\/a> regarding his 1937 Airmaster<\/strong>,\u00a0a precursor to the C-190. Cessna<\/strong> hit a home run with this line.<\/p>\n

Recognizing the “loaner car”<\/em> I was driving, James<\/strong> asked what I was doing in Alva<\/strong>. I told him I had flown<\/strong> in early that morning from Wichita<\/strong> in my Ultralight<\/strong> and had just returned from town after a look around and snapping a few pix. Stallings<\/strong> shook his head once, frowned<\/strong> and said, “Flat tire”<\/em>.<\/p>\n

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After I had landed, my\u00a0right main wheel<\/strong>\u00a0apparently had a small\u00a0hole<\/strong>\u00a0in its\u00a0tube<\/strong>\u00a0and it went\u00a0flat<\/strong>\u00a0while I was around town. The beautiful thing was that James<\/strong>, Michael<\/strong> and a couple other guys<\/strong> had seen it<\/strong> and already had multiple plans<\/strong> of action for me<\/strong> to take to remedy the situation. Depending on whether I wanted to change the tire<\/strong>, put “Green Slime”<\/em> in it or just pump it up<\/strong> in the thought it would last a two hour flight – the guys had me covered<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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More Talent On Display<\/h4>\n

After weighing the alternatives I went the “Green Slime<\/strong><\/a>” route. Wal Mart<\/strong> was not far away so I got some there and put it in the tire. At his introduction, I called him “A Man of Many Talents”<\/em>. Michael again proved that as he produced a jack suitable for scooting under my MXL’s<\/strong> low axle. Then James Stallings<\/strong> backed his pickup to the plane,\u00a0air compressor<\/strong> at the ready on the bed.<\/p>\n

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So, shortly after my return from Wal Mart<\/strong>, the tire was aired up<\/strong> and I was ready to roll.<\/p>\n

So What’s The Providence In All That?<\/h4>\n

I knew you would ask.<\/em> So here it is.<\/p>\n

That tire<\/strong> was going<\/strong> to go flat<\/strong> sooner or later. There are places<\/strong> I have flown over<\/strong> and sometimes landed on<\/strong> during this Flying Season<\/strong> where I<\/strong> was the only person<\/strong> for as far<\/strong> as I could see in all directions<\/strong>. Some of these places<\/strong> do not have roads<\/strong>. I suspect cell phones<\/strong> are ineffective<\/strong>, too. I see God’s Hand<\/strong> directly involved in the timing<\/strong> of this flat at Alva<\/strong>. Not only did the flat happen at an airport<\/strong> but\u00a0He<\/strong> put me in the midst of guys<\/strong> who wanted to help<\/strong>. I was\u00a0able<\/strong> to get the tire\u00a0fixed<\/strong> with a minimum<\/strong> of difficulty AND I was alerted<\/strong> to this huge “problem potential”<\/em>\u00a0for my Future Fun Flights. One I should have considered all along.<\/p>\n

[After the flight, this incident caused me to ponder<\/strong>\u00a0the reality of how bad<\/strong> it would be to have a flat<\/strong> out in the vast stretches of The Prairie.<\/strong>\u00a0I explored<\/strong> a number of remedies<\/strong> for that\u00a0possibility<\/strong>. Remember<\/em>, this is an Ultralight<\/strong>. I can’t carry too many tools<\/strong>, an air pump<\/strong> or a jack<\/strong>. After exploring “foam filling”<\/em> the tires, I instead decided to carry a can of “Fix a Flat<\/a>“<\/em> in my back pack. That seems like the best<\/strong> of all worlds. If I have a flat<\/strong> in the future,<\/strong>\u00a0you<\/strong> will be the first to know<\/strong> how well the stuff\u00a0works<\/strong>.]<\/p>\n

Time To Catch The Wave<\/h4>\n

I thanked<\/strong> all the guys for their help<\/strong>. The tire<\/strong> was holding air<\/strong> just fine. Wind<\/strong> on the surface had risen to\u00a015 mph gusting to 20<\/strong>. Rather than taxi<\/strong> to the runway, on the ramp I turned<\/strong> into<\/strong> the<\/strong> wind, <\/strong>poured on the coal<\/em>\u00a0and was airborne<\/strong>\u00a0in less than 30 feet<\/strong>. Before grabbing the bearing back to Selby Aerodrome<\/strong>, I encircled Alva<\/strong> to the North<\/strong> so I could get more pictures<\/strong> of it. The following series<\/strong> is that result<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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NWOSU<\/strong> From 1,300′ AGL Looking East Northeast<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

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The Heart of Alva – 1,300′ AGL looking Northeast<\/p><\/div>\n

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Flynn Street<\/strong> Looking East<\/p><\/div>\n

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Alva, Oklahoma<\/strong> From 1,500′ AGL Looking East Southeast<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

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Innumerable Evidences of Oil Exploration North<\/strong> of Alva<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

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This final shot of Alva<\/strong> is from the North<\/strong> at 1,500′ AGL. Alva Regional Airport<\/strong> is seen on the West<\/strong> side of 6th Street \/ Highway 281<\/strong> heading South<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

New Technology Brings Boom<\/h4>\n

Most people<\/strong> in America have heard<\/strong> about the new technologies<\/strong> in Oil Production<\/strong> called “fracking”<\/em> and Horizontal Drilling<\/strong> – better referred to as Directional Drilling<\/strong>. The area<\/strong> I will be flying over next has been a “hot zone”<\/em>\u00a0these last few years<\/strong> for the use of these technologies<\/strong>. This next series<\/strong> of photos<\/strong> will give you a “birds eye”<\/em> view of it and a feel<\/strong> for the huge<\/strong> sums of money<\/strong> being spent in hopes of discovering more oil<\/strong> and gas<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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An active oil drilling rig<\/strong> a short distance North<\/strong> of Alva<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Frankly, I’m not sure about this shot. I think I was shooting Northeast. That could be Capron, Oklahoma<\/strong> in the distance.<\/p><\/div>\n

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This is the small rail stop in the foreground of the previous shot. I cannot find it on the map…<\/p><\/div>\n

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Southwest of Anthony, Kansas<\/strong>, an excellent view of the massive oil field<\/strong> effort I spoke about earlier. All the large white “pads” are drilling sites or recovery points. They seem to trail off to infinity East<\/strong> and West<\/strong>. I am at 1,800′ AGL looking Northeast<\/strong>. This is the first “line”<\/em> of three I crossed.<\/p><\/div>\n

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I took this telephoto<\/strong> shot as I passed over the active rig<\/strong> seen in the previous<\/strong> wide shot<\/strong>. I am at 1,800′ AGL.<\/p><\/div>\n

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I glanced to my right<\/strong> and saw the bright white reflection<\/strong> of the sun off the Salt Flats West of Cherokee, Oklahoma<\/strong><\/a>. I traveled there before and wrote about it HERE<\/strong><\/a> – From 1,800′ AGL Looking Southeast<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Then I looked due East<\/strong> to see another excellent representation of the drilling activity<\/strong> spread out along a long country road<\/strong>. I waited until I was a bit more\u00a0North<\/strong> to give a little “angle”<\/em> to the shot. I am at 2,000′ AGL and the first “pad”<\/em> is about 8 miles East<\/strong> of my position.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Farther Northeast<\/strong> I approached another long “train”<\/em> of drilling locations. What really caught my attention<\/strong>, though, was this large holding tank<\/strong> being installed. This is looking East<\/strong> from 2,000′ AGL.<\/p><\/div>\n

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West<\/strong> of the large tank I saw this crew connecting a pipeline<\/strong> to it under a road.<\/p><\/div>\n

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I would think this means they found some oil.<\/p><\/div>\n

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One more shot of the tank<\/strong> before I left the area. Note the Dust Devil<\/strong> in the field to the Southeast<\/strong>. The air<\/strong> was quite turbulent and hot at every altitude I tried.<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

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Shooting East<\/strong>, a telephoto showing another long line of drilling pads.<\/p><\/div>\n

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A little while later, another one<\/strong>. This is looking East<\/strong> from 1,200′ AGL.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The same line of pads<\/strong> but this time looking “straight down the barrel”<\/em>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Then I looked South<\/strong> under my right wing<\/strong> to see the first two “oil pad lines”<\/em> with the Cherokee Salt Flats<\/strong> in the distance.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Hunting. Fishing. Just being alone on The Prairie<\/strong>. What a nice Get-Away<\/strong>. I’m not telling you where it is…<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Anthony, Kansas<\/a><\/h4>\n

I visited the Anthony Municipal Airport<\/a><\/strong> a while back but have yet to tour the town. I will do that in a Future Fun Flight<\/strong> and report<\/strong> to you what I see there. I do know Anthony<\/strong> has done well by all the drilling activity<\/strong> of late. When I stopped there on the way back from Cherokee<\/strong>, their airport<\/strong> was in great condition and featured a brand new<\/strong>, credit card<\/strong> activated fuel<\/strong> system.<\/p>\n

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Anthony Municipal Lake<\/p><\/div>\n

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I liked the way the dust lifted<\/strong> into the sky. This also shows you how windy<\/strong> it was and the heat<\/strong> rising from the ground.<\/p><\/div>\n

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This is an excellent example showing a method for changing the pH of the soil. I think they are spreading lime.<\/p><\/div>\n

Conway Springs, Kansas<\/a><\/h4>\n

Many times I have passed Conway Springs<\/strong> in the distance. On this day my path<\/strong> to and from Alva<\/strong> brought me right over it, although I purposely detoured it to the South<\/strong>. It looks like an interesting<\/strong> stop for The Sky Surfer<\/strong> although it does not<\/strong> have an airport<\/strong>. Next season<\/strong> I will see if there is a suitable field<\/strong> I can land on nearby and walk into town.<\/p>\n

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Conway Springs, Kansas<\/strong><\/a> from 1,500′ AGL looking Northwest<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Same as above but a telephoto<\/strong> of the downtown<\/strong> area.<\/p><\/div>\n

Little Airplanes<\/h4>\n

One of my all time<\/strong> favorite movies<\/strong> is “Flight of the Phoenix”<\/em><\/a> – the one with Jimmy Stewart<\/strong> in it – no other will do<\/span>. An intense moment<\/strong> in this\u00a0intense movie<\/strong> is when Pilot Jimmy Stewart<\/strong> realizes that the German Engineer<\/strong> overseeing their attempt to resurrect<\/strong> their broken airplane<\/strong> is discovered to be a designer<\/strong> of model airplanes<\/strong>. Jimmy nearly beats him up. The Engineer<\/strong> makes the case that the only thing different about designing a model airplane from a full size one is scale<\/strong>. Jimmy<\/strong> doesn’t buy it but basically has no choice. At the climax the Engineer<\/strong> makes good.<\/p>\n

My experience with\u00a0RC Modelers<\/strong>\u00a0is that they are every bit as adamant<\/strong> as the German Aircraft Designer<\/strong> in “Phoenix”<\/em>. Their machines<\/strong> are<\/span> AIRPLANES<\/strong> and deserve respect<\/strong> as such.<\/p>\n

Without looking<\/strong> for it I have many times come across the impressive airport shown below<\/strong>. One time I was flying “nap of the earth”<\/em> and nearly “buzzed” the hangar area<\/strong> as flyers were readying their craft. I was approaching<\/strong> from the South<\/strong> (the tree line below the facility in the photo).<\/em>\u00a0Even though in an area devoid of settlement, about 100 yards out I noticed some little buildings through gaps in the tree line and pulled up into a left climbing turn. It was from that vantage point I discovered it was a Radio Controlled Airplane Runway <\/strong>complete with covered run-up stalls and storage buildings. I circled for a bit to the West<\/strong> and waved but none of them wanted to wave back. Anyway, this is one of the nicest RC Airfields<\/strong> in the area. I haven’t found who owns it.<\/p>\n

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Hot And Thirsty<\/h4>\n

The Sky Surfer<\/strong> likes to think of himself as a Spartan<\/strong><\/a>. He purposely refuses to concern himself with heat or “hydration”<\/em> issues, believing himself above such mundane concerns<\/strong>. Also, for more practical reasons<\/strong>, he has found it inadvisable at his present age to drink<\/strong> much water<\/strong> at all before setting out on a Fun Flight<\/strong>. A recent Fun Flight<\/strong> to Cleveland, Oklahoma<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0made this concern all too evident<\/strong>. This day, though, it didn’t matter<\/strong> what his ego believed, for soon after lift off<\/strong> his body became\u00a0consumed with thirst<\/strong>. Too bad, because when flying, one has available<\/strong> only what one has on board. Surf<\/strong> brought no water<\/strong> to drink along the way. He was parched for two hours.<\/p>\n

Even though<\/strong> the desire<\/strong> for a cool drink of water<\/strong> overrode nearly all other thoughts, he shook out of his stupor<\/strong> when he saw some vistas<\/strong> on the final approach<\/strong> to Selby Aerodrome<\/strong> that needed photographing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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From 2,000′ AGL, this is looking Northeast<\/strong> at the Spirit Aero<\/a> \/ McConnell Air Force Base<\/a><\/strong> area.<\/p><\/div>\n

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From 2,000′ AGL, looking North Northeast<\/strong> you can see Downtown Wichita<\/strong> to the left and Spirit Aero \/ McConnell AFB<\/strong> to the right near the horizon.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0Home Field – Water In Sight<\/h4>\n
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From 2,000′ AGL looking North<\/strong>, you can see the proximity<\/strong> of McConnell Air Force Base<\/strong> to Selby Aerodrome<\/strong>. We are 6.5 miles from the center of their runway.<\/p><\/div>\n

Descending From On High<\/h4>\n

This last photo<\/strong> I took before making my favorite “spiral entry to landing”<\/em>. When I approach<\/strong> a field that has no traffic<\/strong> and I am two or three thousand feet<\/strong> above it,<\/strong> I like to\u00a0spiral<\/strong> down to the\u00a0Base Leg <\/strong>of the pattern and then land. Today the conditions<\/strong> were right<\/strong>\u00a0for this. From 2,000′ AGL, I was able to make eight turns<\/strong> before entering the pattern<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Selby Aerodrome and Horse Stables<\/strong>. The grass runway<\/strong> is evident as is our yellow sided hangar<\/strong>. The dark green field<\/strong> to the upper right<\/strong> of the runway<\/strong> is the area over which I made the spiral entry<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

Finale<\/h4>\n
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Now that was worth the wait!<\/p><\/div>\n

My Flight to Alva, Oklahoma!<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

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

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

The Cherokee Strip Many of my flights into Oklahoma take me to the famous Cherokee Strip (generally more properly called\u00a0The Cherokee Outlet\u00a0although there is a “Strip” also…). This is the place that was opened to settlers on a “first come – first served” basis in 1893 – the famous “Land Rush”. Prior to “the Rush”, […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,6,10,1],"tags":[57,23,51,59,58,48,25,22],"class_list":["post-8761","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fun-flights","category-show-an-airfield","category-teachable-moments","category-uncategorized","tag-alva-oklahoma","tag-aviation","tag-fun-flight","tag-northwestern-oklahoma-state-university","tag-nwosu","tag-quicksilver-mxl","tag-sky-surfing","tag-ultralight-2","category-3-id","category-6-id","category-10-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\/8761","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=8761"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8761\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9193,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8761\/revisions\/9193"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8761"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8761"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8761"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}