After a very hot and uncomfortable Oshkosh 2016, I was looking forward to this year more than ever. I was teased for starting to count down the days at 300. I spent weeks getting the plane ready for the show, doing the annual inspection, cleaning and polishing and touching up the paint. I even installed two new Gopro mounts.
This year, the crew was to be Nancy, my friend Garret and his girlfriend, Kathryn. After an uncomfortable time last year, my son, Sean, decided to take a year off from the show. He's just not that into flying in any case.
For our part, we were all very excited for the show. The weather promised to be great for the show with comfortable temperatures and low humidity. The weather on the way to and from the show....not so much. After spending a lot of time with online weather and with a briefer, it looked like there were two choices to get around a huge area of weather marching right along our flight path. We could either go south to Kentucky and Iowa, then north or we could go north to Canada and work our way westward. With the speed and range of the Velocity, either was doable. We decided to launch early on Saturday on the northern route.
I ended up getting thousands of still pictures of the trip. I also got hours of video from four different cameras. That has been a lot of work to process and edit. This blog entry will be mostly stills, with videos to follow.
Clean, fueled and ready to launch on the night before departure
As predicted, the visibility gets worse and worse as we head north. We decide to set down in Niagara to check weather and let the closest front pass over us.
After touring the falls, we head back to the airport and check weather again. We get good news and bad news. Conditions locally have come up to about 3,000 and 5 miles. However, large storms are headed toward us on both the north and south sides of Lake Erie. We decide that the only way to make it is to head down to Cleveland over the length of the lake. Not very appealing, but we decide to give it a try as we are told that conditions after that will be improving and actually great at Oshkosh.
Taxi to the runway in light rain
Murky on climb out, but better over the lake as predicted.
Our heading down the lake just off the southern shore
We drop below the broken layer of clouds at 1,900 feet and land at DeKalb, Illinois for fuel and a weather check. Here is a video of the landing at Dekalb.
As we land, we are followed in by a group of other Oshkosh planes. Conditions are fine ahead and we know we will make it to Oshkosh. It is now 5:00 and we text Brett and Elizabeth at the show to tell them we should be in by shortly after 6:00.
Late afternoon light on a line of OSH bound planes
At last, we reach Ripon and start the approach. It is extremely busy and we have a hard time staying at 90 knots, but we are given clearance to Runway 36L, which is a nice easy landing. Here's a shot of the turn to final for landing with the show on the left.
Brett and Elizabeth got our text and are waiting at the arrival end of 36 to video our arrival. I am thrilled, as we have videos of departure from the ground, but have never had an arrival filmed from that perspective. I will edit all 5 views together for a great composite video of the arrival. In the meantime, here is Brett's video. Thanks!
Made it! We are tied down at Oshkosh for the 9th flight in and my 27th visit to the show. I LOVE this week and am ready to go. We are hot and tired after being in transit for 12 hours dodging weather in marginal conditions.
Brett and Elizabeth somehow talk their way through the gate and drive right up to the plane in their huge rental van. Hilarious. We then drive all over the show in the van, just because we could.
Still from the winglet Gopro of our arrival
Made it! Happy campers.
Brett and other Velocity folks arrive within minutes. Great to see you guys!
Elizabeth drives us all around the airport in our minivan and no one stopped us. The arch, the tower, everywhere. I've never done this. I was cracking up. You won't get to do this once the show opens.
Thumbs up from Brett as we drive past the tower.
...and the AOPA building.
The EAA arch at show center. Why not, says Elizabeth.
We are hungry again (see a pattern emerging? ) so we drive directly to Friar Tuck's for dinner. It is one of our Oshkosh favorites. Think I'll go light with my usual whole prime rib on a bun with a giant slab of cheese. Of course, we'll need some fried mushrooms and cheese sticks to lay down a good base for that. Good times.
The girls perk up considerably several cold drinks later
Following our SOAP (Standard Oshkosh Arrival Procedure), we head to the grocery for snacks and various liquids to stock our dorm rooms. Everybody is in such a good mood that even this part is fun.
The next morning, it's breakfast in the dorm cafeteria, then a quick bus ride to the show. The bus picks us up right in front of the cafeteria and drops us at the entrance. Even though we have a rental car, we usually do this because it is so convenient and, at only $1.50 per person, cheaper than parking.
Elizabeth makes her mad face as Brett gets all 5th grade with a donut and sausage.
On the bus to the dorms. Very excited and all wearing our Oshkosh gear.
Me taking a picture of Brett taking a picture. Don't ask- its a thing.
Finally, it is time to head to our first full day on the field. After breakfast and the bus ride, we make our traditional formation entrance with winglets.
Garret, Brett and I in formation show entry at main gate.
The Velocity Aircraft booth is just inside the gate. We stop by and say hello to Scott and Bonnie Swing. Velocity has been owned and operated by the Swing family for decades. It is one of the things that influenced my decision to buy not one, but two kits from them. There truly is a Velocity family of builders.
On the walk to the plane we run into more builders, Tom and Loretta Irion (former grand champs at Oshkosh) and John Youngblood, also an award winner. Everyone flashes the "V sign" for Velocity.
Next, we pass an actual Eagle One! This has become a thing in which Velocity pilots do a heroic pose looking off to the side (Eagle One Left, Eagle One Right) while taking a picture after arriving somewhere in a Velocity. I took a young scout on a Young Eagle flight and his mom just sent me pictures - the scouts are now doing it too.
We walk out to uncover and clean the plane and run into Kurt Winker. He has brought his teenage son, Reeve, on his first trip to Oshkosh.We had a great time with both of them.
Kurt and Reeve
Kurt introduces Reeve to our tradition.This kid fits right in.
After that, a whole gang heads over to Runway 27 to watch and critique the landings. This has become a traditional Sunday activity for the Velocity folks. It is chaotic and entertaining to watch this many pilots try to land in such an intense setting.
Monday at the show was just about perfect. We had cool, dry weather with a light breeze and a few puffy clouds just for decoration. Here are some shots from around the field.
Nancy details the plane.
Even the bottom. Impressive.
Our parking spot.
3 Velocities with a bazillion RV's in the background
The annual picture at the arch with the whole crew.
After the show, we cleaned up back at the dorm and then a big group of Velocity buddies met for dinner at Mahoney's, only a short walk from the dorm. This is one of our favorite places. We had a great meal and a great time catching up.
Brett finds his favorite food group
Reiff and his cheese curds- a must in Wisconsin.
With my buddies, the Ferrells
Jerry and Linda Brainard
Garret presents....Kathryn!
The V sign from Reeve, Kurt and Elizabeth. She looks oddly nervous.
The Velocity dinner gang flash the V sign
Melissa and I are very hungry
Wisconsin = Cheese
When in Wisconsin- Walleye. Delish.
Same for Elizabeth.
Jerry and Linda with plates licked clean.
The gang hits the road for our next stop - Kelly's Bar.
After the show, dinner at Mahoney's and refreshments at Kelly's, we retire to the common room at our dorm. Every night we bring snacks, drinks and music and have a great time swapping stories for a couple of hours before bedtime.
Rene' shares a story while Brett enjoys his favorite story time snack- "cheesy poofs".
Garret relaxing... into ... unconsciousness. It was a long day.
This is a dream come true for me. After broiling last year, I dreamed of cool weather at Oshkosh- "Imagine if it was so cool we had to wear jackets...". After we grabbed breakfast we wandered to the plane to take off the cover and clean off the dew. This is our usual morning routine.
A quick photo op at the arch on the way to the plane.
The jackets soon came off and we had a terrific day wandering the flight line, bumping into friends, taking pictures, showing people the plane - just generally soaking up Oshkosh. I was in my glory and couldn't stop smiling. What a great day.
Rene's Turbine Legend. Incredible machine. I want a ride someday.
Rene's cool nose art.
Kurt checking out the other racers
The Honda Jet. Check out the over the wing engine mounts.
Iconic Oshkosh Tower
Rutan's Proteus high altitude research craft. Very Rutan.
After the show, we went back to the dorm to clean up and then headed over to Fox River Brewery. It is right on the east bank of the river and not only great food but spectacular sunset views every night. We managed to snag a great table outside again and had a great time with a big bunch of Velocity folks. Here are just a few of the pictures.
Out front with the Ferrells, Garret and Kathryn
Brett teasing me for taking too many pictures. (Note the great lighting- what can I do?)
After a wonderful dinner, great sunset and good conversation, we head back to our dorms. We regroup in our common room for drinks, snacks and more conversation. Life is good.
It's funny to watch the daily process in which Elizabeth coats Brett with a very generous coating of sunscreen. He obviously hates it, which makes it all the funnier.
Elizabeth's bag of torture
The back....
Nice face by Brett as the sunscreen is troweled onto his face.
Hiroo Umeno and his family were flying in from Washington state in his Velocity. They had a nose gear failure in Montana, but persevered. They flew in commercial and camped with their two girls. The girls are way into flying and their Dad's Velocity. They were beyond cool as they gave the V sign and did a flight of two down Velocity Row.
Hiroo's family. He looks really happy at his first Oshkosh visit
Hiroo's girls flash the V sign at Andy's winglet
The girls do a Velocity flight of two. Note the winglets. Awesome.
After that, we head out to check out the Fly Mart and do a little exploring. It used to be a fun treasure hunt when we were building the planes, trying to find obscure hardware and tools at great prices. Now the game is to see what cool free "Oshkosh swag" we can pick up, that is, free promotional gear from exhibitors.
We set a new record this year with numerous hats, a cooler, a solar phone charger, and more. I also pick up some new Velocity and Oshkosh logo shirts each year. These have built up over the years, and I now have Oshkosh specific clothing for the whole show.
Winglets up Kathryn!
Heading into the show with Brett
I think I came home with about 6 new shirts
Brett adds more stuff to Elizabeth's pack. She carries supplies for a week.
True.
Tower, Velocity flight of two on short final for Fly Mart
Elizabeth's new IAC gear after a ride in the Oracle showplane
A chromed out rototiller. How can I say no?
Headed back with another free hat and a backpack of goodies.
Curds and cured meat. What could go wrong on a field full of Porta pots?
Hanging out by my plane with friends. Love this.
Shorts, shorts, blanket?
Free swag - Cooler bag and solar charger/power bank
Kathryn and Nancy grab some ice cream to cool off after shopping
One of the features this year was bombers. They put on an incredible show each afternoon, which was great to watch from the plane. It is nice to hang out near your own plane parked on the field. It acts as a locker for your stuff, provides shade and it's fun to show it to interested pilots who stop by all day in a steady stream.
After the show, we put the cover on the plane and take the bus back to the dorm. It was another perfect day, but it seems like it is all going too fast. I look forward to this all year and here it is already Tuesday night. We plan on leaving Thursday morning, so tomorrow will be our last full day at the show. I resolve to have another good evening tonight and to make the most of Wednesday.
Bus selfie on the way home. Lots of happy pilots, and my new, free Bose hat.
Nancy back at our dorm, North Scott hall. In 27 years of coming to the show, we have tried camping, renting rooms in a local house, hotels and the dorms. Camping had the advantage of letting us have the maximum time at the show, but I felt hot, tired and dirty all week. Hotels just didn't have the Oshkosh energy and vibe we love. The dorms have decent beds, privacy, real bathrooms and showers for only $75. They have a cafeteria for breakfast and a bus that takes us to the show for $1.50 round trip.
More importantly, we always have a group of friends that book rooms together, so there is a fun after party every day. They are filled with other happy pilots and we meet new people every year. The only down side is that on hot years, the un-air conditioned rooms are very hot. We solve that by buying cheap box fans for each of us.
We got showered, cleaned up and headed into town to try out a new wine bar called Gardina's that Nancy discovered.
We take the rental car downtown and find that it is very quiet, but the restaurants are packed. You can stand in the middle of the street and not see a car moving. Here are a few shots from dinner.
Over the years, many of our favorite regular restaurants have disappeared, like The Granary, Robbins, and Laura's Tortilla Flats. We were hoping this one would be good.
Gardina's did not disappoint. We had terrific tapas and very good wine in a nice atmosphere, with fast, friendly service. We will make this a regular stop.
Of course, the day didn't end with dinner. After we got back to the dorms, it was time for our nightly dorm party in the common room, joined by Brett and Elizabeth, who had gone to the Cozy Girls dinner, and by Doc Rene', who always has the best stories. We stayed up late and had a really fun time.
Wednesday was our last day at the show. We had the Velocity dinner at the Beer Moon tent set for the evening. I wanted to check some new avionics for the plane, walk the flight line, hang at the plane...I wished we had another day or two. Next year. For now, I try to pack in as much Oshkosh as I can.
Things look dark and stormy as we head to the show. I can't complain as the weather has been absolutely perfect and it's supposed to clear up again after the storm.
Heading into the show.
Things look ominous over the Velocity booth
Here's why- a big storm coming in.
Nancy and Elizabeth feign terror as the storm gets closer
The B One "Bone" looks ominous on the square
I need a picture of that
Kurt, Patrick, Rene and Steve greet us at the plane
My Velocity driver friends
Nancy and Elizabeth try a VR ride along with the Aeroshell aerobatic team.
Only at Oshkosh - a Jeep full of Hot Dogs with Velocities and Porta Pots
Nancy and I reflected in newly restored B29 "Doc"
Nancy next to a B25 prop
Hanging at the plane
We had a great day, but before I knew it, it was time to button up the plane and walk over to the Beer Moon for the Velocity dinner. I am a little bummed that the show is essentially over for me, but I'm looking forward to the dinner and catching up with so many old friends.
Here are some pictures of the Velocity dinner at the Beer Moon. It's called the beer moon, at least by many, because the vendor has a huge, illuminated balloon that says beer. At night, it looks like a full moon, but with a BEER logo. We had a great turnout with around 75 Velocity folks attending. The food was good and the company was better. Again, it seemed to go by really quickly. Here are just a few pictures from the dinner.
It's raining as we walk to the dinner. Here are our sad leaving the show faces.
Melissa Lorenz at the check in table
Certified with Patrick Sieders
Garret and the girls
Lisa Avila, Linda Brainard and Tim/Dave Nelson
Jerry, Kent and Steve
The Irions and friends
Trystyn, The Umeno Family and Bobby Ibrahim
Nancy and Nora Kufalk
Bill Mulrooney, Kurt Winker and Ned Bingham
Deilyn and the girls
The Velocity Dinner tent - all 75 of us.
John Youngblood with Tom and Loretta Irion
Patrick and Elizabeth get their Eagle One on.
After the rain stopped, we moved outside and continued the party. The whole time we are out there in the nice twilight, an incredible array of bombers are doing low flyovers, including B25's, the B One, B 17's, B 29's and more. It was wonderful.
Rene' finds the beer moon
Patrick, Chris and Tim Dave
Rene and Bill
That girl second to left is kinda plain
Lurabeth, Elizabeth, Linda, Melissa and Nancy
All too soon, it was time to head home and pack up for our morning departure.
Before packing up, we have one more dorm get together.
Elizabeth digs in to get the air show knots out before the big flight home
Hey, who's the doctor here, anyway?
Our new Australian friend joins us. He was a riot.
The next morning, we get up early, pack up and check out of the dorm. The weather en route and back home is supposed to be marginal, and worsening throughout the day. Of course, it is absolutely perfect here in Oshkosh. We decide to try to be wheels up early, get as far as we can and re-evaluate.
Here are some pictures of our departure.
Bags packed up in front of the dorm
Walking through the show to the plane
Pulling the plane up to taxiway Papa One
Looking back at the show as we wait for clearance
Sad to be leaving.
If you have to wait, it is a cool place to hang out. Fighter planes taxi right past.
Here are some shots of our first leg home. We have decided to fly to Port Clinton, Ohio for lunch at the Tin Goose Diner . We will also fuel up and check weather.
Small island just off shore in Lake Winnebago
Headed over the big lake - 100 miles over Lake Michigan
On the ground in Port Clinton. It's good to get out and stretch our legs. You park right between a great diner and a very good aviation museum. It's a good stop.
We check the forecast - and it's not good. Marginal visibility the rest of the way, with near minimums at home. We decide to give it a try and see how far we can get.
We managed to make great time, cruising along at 180 knots in smooth air over the weather until we get to Pennsylvania. There is a solid deck over the Appalachians at around 3,800 feet. The rest of the flight we will have to be low and in the murk.
The Appalachians and a low, solid deck of clouds
Descending to clear the cloud deck - and the mountains
Visibility gets really low over the Susquehanna
Murky conditions at 2,800 feet
Low and slow over Lancaster - 15 minutes from home
About as murky as I ever care to fly in. We can still see 10 miles in all directions.
10 miles from home
In sight of our airport
We start our approach as the clouds force us down to 2,00 feet.
The others head home and I stay to clean off the plane and tuck it in the hangar.
________________________________________________________________
My 9th Airventure mug goes on my shelf.
This was a great show. My wife teases that I didn't stop smiling and laughing the whole time, which may be true. I have a very busy, stressful life. My annual trip to Oshkosh is a break from that. It is a week to spend doing what I love with lots of good friends. It is quality time with my wife. It is definitely my favorite week of every year.
If you follow this blog, you may notice that while there are more pictures, there are fewer pictures of aircraft. That's because the best part of this annual adventure is the people. A happier, more positive group of people would be hard to find. This is a pilot's paradise and an annual homecoming for many.
I'm already looking forward to next year. In the meantime, I am putting together what I hope will be the best video yet of our annual trip. I hope to put it up soon.
To all my Oshkosh friends- thank you all for another great year. I absolutely loved seeing my old friends and making some great new ones. See you all next year.
2 comments:
Mark, time to get that IFR rating. Plow through those overcast layers.
Nice update. Only 333 days to go!
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