Ideas for places to visit in the Midwest
If someone woke you up, you would be grumpy too. Starting this Wright Twin Cyclone’s 14 cylinders is fun to watch as it kicks and backfires during the startup process. Here you see the co-pilot watch the engine as each cylinder comes in line until they all are working in unison. Once all is running smoothly the smoke disappears, the engine settles down then more power is added and the plane comes alive.
“Spanish Lady” is Nose Art on a North American Aviation T-6 Texan. The Spanish Lady is a 1949 North American T-6G Texan. She was originally manufactured by North American Aviation in 1944 as an AT-6D and was used to train allied pilots during World War II. The Texan is two-seat aircraft and served as the advanced single engine trainer during the war. For many pilots, the Texan was the last trainer flown before moving to their combat aircraft. In many ways the Texan was a new pilot’s final exam, hence the nickname the Pilot Maker. Between 1 July 1939 and 31 August 1945, a total of 193,440 pilots graduated from Army Air Force advanced flying schools. Most of those logged significant time in a T-6.
Commemorative Air Force’s P-17 Stearman. The Army and Navy both used the trusty Stearman where they were referred to primarily as a PT-17 with the Army and a N2S-3 with the Navy. Although the Stearman was challenging to fly in the hands of a student pilot with no previous experience, it allowed instructors to quickly evaluate student performance and move those who were not progressing into other jobs. Made primarily out of wood and fabric with a steel tube fuselage, the Stearman was one of the strongest trainers built during World War II. After the war, many Stearmans soldiered on for decades as crop dusters and air show performers. The remaining examples of this classic aircraft are now sought by collectors worldwide.
B-25 Mitchell “Show Me” taxis in after a short flight. Following is a PT-17 Stearman. St. Charles’ Smartt Field is home of the Missouri Wing of the Commemorative Air Force which has the B-25, the Stearman and a TBM-3 Avenger. The Wright Twin Cyclone engines power this beast to the delight of air show attendees across the nation. It can be seen at Smartt Field in St. Charles County from time to time or just flying around St. Louis.
The Min-Aqua Bats’ final act, A Salute to America. These young ladies skiing around Lake Minocqua with flags flying is a sight to see. Happy Memorial Day to my friends.
The pyramid practiced in the previous photo is performed in front of crowds in Minocqua, Wisconsin. I remember watching this ski team in the early 50’s.
One of the oldest water ski show teams in the United States today. The Min-Aqua Bats Water Ski Club originated in 1950 with a group of local young people water skiing on Sunday afternoons. After noticing their efforts were attracting an audience, the skiers decided to put together a show. So, the Min-Aqua Bats Water Ski Club was born.
The Min-Aqua Bats practice for their summer shows while helpers wait for them on the dock and a few spectators watch from their boats in the distance. Since the early 50’s this ski team has thrilled vacationers in Minocqua, Wisconsin with their acrobatics on water. This is a team practicing building a pyramid in the long northern sunset
This is one of my favorite photos of Minocqua, Wisconsin. The skiers silhouetted in a beautiful Northwoods sunset show their dedication to their sport. I took this photo while having dinner at Bosacki’s Boathouse. Unfortunately, it was through a window and the inside were reflecting in the photo.
More Spring in Forest Park. Post-Dispatch Lake in Forest Park is the best place to see wildlife. Ducks, geese, egrets and other creatures are abundant in this area. Here are a pair of geese with their newly hatched goslings.
All seasons in Forest Park are worth a visit. This section between the Grand Basin and Post Dispatch lake is particularly scenic. It has multiple streams, bridges, wildlife and flowers. You can view the St. Louis Art Museum from the Grand Basin and walk over to the Boat House for lunch. A nice way to spend an afternoon.
See our gallery of Forest Park photos, click here.
Art Hill in Forest Park may be considered the the heart of the park. Art hill is well known for snow sledding, kit flying, picnicking and just a place to congregate. The hill stretches from the entrance of the St. Louis Art Museum down the the Grand Basin which is what is left of the canal system from the 1904 World’s Fair.
This is a scene of the walkway that lines the upper rim of the hill. The turning of these trees in the fall is the highlight of fall in Forest Park.
Great Rivers Imaging 