Ths is Union Pacific’s 4014, Big Boy returning from a coast to coast tour celebrating the United States 250th anniversary. Big Boy is a1.2 million pound steam locomotive that was restored by Union Pacific and now tours mosstly through the mid-west. The “Big Boy” engines were the largest ever made. Union Pacific (UP) needed aContinue reading “Big Boy on its way home”
Tag Archives: travel
F-15 Fly By
The Blue Angels made an appearance at the St. Louis Spirit Air Show. We were able to watch from a bluff overlooking the event airport allowing us to look directly at the planes. Here they are flying their F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. Low flying and precision acrobatics made for a lot of excitement. Click here toContinue reading “F-15 Fly By”
Forest Park Egrets
Egrets are a common and highly visible sight across Forest Park, serving as a prime destination for local birdwatchers and photographers. While these elegant, white wading birds spend their days foraging throughout the park’s expansive waterways, their presence is closely tied to a fascinating, unique urban phenomenon just outside the park boundaries. While egrets feedContinue reading “Forest Park Egrets”
Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXc
The Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXc is an iconic World War II British fighter. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin 60 series engine, it was famously designed as an emergency response to counter the Luftwaffe’s Fw 190. The “c” designation indicates its wing armament configuration. This Spitfire is performing at the 2026 Spirit of St. Louis AirContinue reading “Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXc”
F-22 Raptor
The F-22 Raptor is combination of stealth, supercruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability, represents an exponential leap in warfighting capabilities. The Raptor performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions allowing full realization of operational concepts vital to the 21st century Air Force. Click here for complete air show photos.
The “Warthog”
The A-10C Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against light maritime attack aircraft and all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. Click here for the all photos from theContinue reading “The “Warthog””
Blue Angels at the Spirit of St. Louis Air Show
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels currently fly the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (specifically the single-seat F/A-18E and the two-seat F/A-18F). They transitioned from the older “Legacy” Hornet to the larger, more powerful Super Hornet to showcase the maximum capabilities of modern naval aviation. These are spectaculr to watch. Phots were taken at the 2026 SpiritContinue reading “Blue Angels at the Spirit of St. Louis Air Show”
Winter view of the Navy Pier
Even a March walk on Chicgo’s Navy Pier can be interesting. Yes, Navy Pier is widely considered worth visiting for its diverse attractions, stunning lakefront views, entertainment, dining, and cultural spots, offering a quintessential Chicago experience for families, couples, and tourists, though in March there are fewer crowds. However, it is a year-round destination with seasonal highlightsContinue reading “Winter view of the Navy Pier”
Winter in Door County
A winter trip to a place like Door County can be very cold but rewarding. The contrast of the snow with Lake Michigan creates a serene setting (if there is not a blizzard at the time). This is taken from a road along North Bay near Baileys Harbor. The Birch Trees, Snow and lake makeContinue reading “Winter in Door County”
Winter hangs on in St. Louis
The snow is going away in St. Louis but it is still winter here. Buds are stating to show up on the trees with cold and rainy days ahead. Photographed here is the St. Louis Arch (The Gateway Arch) on one of those cold rainy days. Instead of the St. Louis skyline in the backgroundContinue reading “Winter hangs on in St. Louis”