Airplanes – Eskildoodle Photos and Feelings

Clouds of War

Over 80 years ago the clouds of war gathered during the most destructive event in human history. Airplanes like this served as trainers for aviators who faced terror and triumph in cold skies throughout the world. Many were lost but others returned, and would sometimes reluctantly share the barest shadows of the of the horrorsContinue reading “Clouds of War”

Where the Contrails End

We were not alone in the morning sky as we passed from Nebraska to Colorado recently. Shadows from the contrails of other planes left dark lines on the ground parallel to our direction of flight until they abruptly ended somewhere over eastern Colorado. Other contrail shadows that can be seen crossing our flight path seemContinue reading “Where the Contrails End”

Well ‘Vetted

A couple of dozen Vettes assembled at the American Legion Post in Lady Lake, Florida, then took off to fly (figuratively) in formation to a local airport to attend a fly-in. Though we drive an Altima, not a Corvette, friends invited us to tag along. It was a fun and engaging group, but we choseContinue reading “Well ‘Vetted”

Art of Aviation

This beautifully restored Stearman biplane, named “Old Crow,” rested brightly in the morning sun as well as in the mind’s eye on canvas. Thanks to the tender care of Hans Nordsiek of the Netherlands, “Old Crow” has served as his messenger to share the love of flying with children, young and old, in both EuropeContinue reading “Art of Aviation”

Helens’ Ring

The flight from Seattle to Portland was described as “a quick up and down” with no drink or snack service, and they implied that there would be little to see or do between takeoff and landing. However, the rimed remnants of Mount St. Helens rising above the clouds was a rare sight like I hadContinue reading “Helens’ Ring”

Planely Small

Just before the exit to Costco in Wesley Chapel, Florida, is the runway of a local airport. I always look to see what sort of small airplanes are tied by the flight line. Once in a while a blue and yellow WWII era Stearman biplane makes its appearance. It’s a fascinating sight for an airplaneContinue reading “Planely Small”

Cross My Heart and Hope to Fly

I remember my dad telling of the first time he had ever seen an airplane in the sky over the plains of Nebraska. It was a strange and novel sight and inspired him to learn to fly, which he did in 1929. He shared his dreams of flight with the rest of us, but IContinue reading “Cross My Heart and Hope to Fly”

Wishes on Wings

Silver wings streaming contrails across the cold, azure sky carried travelers to their destinations to celebrate the birth of a new year. Family and friends awaited the arrival of loved ones and the memories to be made and shared. Some may be happy and a few may be sad, but whatever they may be, IContinue reading “Wishes on Wings”

Flights of Mind

Cool air, gray skies, and the sound of an airplane flying overhead brought back memories of holidays from my childhood. Nearly always an airplane was involved, usually one that Dad had built or restored. They took us to heights and places above and beyond what we could ever have imagined, and it didn’t really matterContinue reading “Flights of Mind”