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DC-3
 Posted 7/30/2010 5:55:00 AM
As we go into AIRFEST 2010 this weekend at the Chicago-Rockford International Airport, I wanted to post a picture of one of my favorite aircraft.
This is a Douglas DC-3 that is in the aviation section of the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. The picture originally didn't turn out because of a bad setting on my camera, but with the help of some software, I was able to lighten it a bit.
The plane only holds up to 31 passengers, but revolutionized long distance flight as it only took three fueling stops to go from coast-to-coast in around 16 hours. Some folks make fun its looks, however, I like the Art Deco design and it has the most streamlined appearance of any commercial aircraft in its day. It was also the most rugged and reliable, and there are many still flying today.
There was a military version of the ...
Abandoned
Posted 7/29/2010 6:44:00 AM
This is a piece of Route 66 in central Illinois. It is parallel to Interstate 55, except the Interstate bypasses all of the towns and cities, while Route 66 goes through the heart of each city. This stretch was abandoned as I-55 was built over 40 years ago. Over the next 40 years Mother Nature will crumble it further with only memories left of what John Steinbeck called, "The Mother Road."
Blue Whale Tail
Posted 7/28/2010 3:33:00 AM
I'm in the Blue Whale and looking toward the tail, where kids can climb up a ladder and dive into the small lake/large pond.
The fiberglass and metal combination wouldn't pass muster in today's plastic and padded world, but I'll bet it was a lot of fun.
Blue Whale Picnic Area Part 2
Posted 7/27/2010 2:22:00 AM
Another view of the picnic area at the Blue Whale swimming park in Catoosa, Oklahoma. You don't see seating like that any more.
Blue Whale Picnic Area
Posted 7/26/2010 7:58:00 AM
Nearly all of the sights along Route 66 are things that are unique, from family owned truck stops, restaurants and other roadside attractions. Before the Interstate Highway System and franchise this-franchise that, it was the local business owner that made a niche of his or her own to attract customers.
One of the more interesting attractions along the way is The Blue Whale, which is located in Catoosa, Oklahoma. I've posted a picture or two of the fiberglass Blue Whale, which became a swimming park until it closed in 1988.
You can still visit the park, but no swimming is allowed.
This is part of the picnic area. One can just imagine young children and their families running around and having a great time, sitting on the colorful seats of barrels and fish and eating a hot dog or fried chicken (don't go back into the water ...
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