Downtown

Now I'll be the first to admit that I'm more of a country boy than a city slicker. I'm happy that so many people love living in the city since it keeps the countryside uncrowded (although I realize some are there only because that's where the jobs are, mostly). However, I don't mind taking the occasional trip in to see the sights.

A few days ago we packed up Sasha and the wagon (I'll have to let you see that soon) and headed for a stroll through a small piece of historic Fort Myers (winter home of Thomas Edison). If you're up for a little nostalgia, listen along to Petula (link below the last photo) while you walk with us ...

The Tin Goose and I

I've had a love affair with airplanes since I was a young lad emigrating to Canada at the age of 6 aboard a KLM Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation - that's another whole story. This week I had the rare opportunity to experience the thrill of flying in an even older vintage aircraft - a 1929 Ford Tri-Motor, affectionately known as the Tin Goose. I am indebted to my wife (who spotted an ad for flights aboard the Tin Goose) and 2 of my daughters (who presented me with the flight as a birthday gift).

Should you be so inclined, there's lots of information on this remarkable aircraft online. However, you can follow my experience below:

passengers (9) on each flight attend a brief safety overview (FAA requirement)

 

before the flight there's an opportunity to make some photos

the 'luxurious' interior - unlikely able to accommodate today's 'carry on' luggage

one of the 3 engines that hurtle you to your destination at 90mph (145kmph)

all aboard and ready for takeoff

captain and co-pilot are eager to go (Note: no locked cockpit door)

doesn't look quite as sleek as today's airliners

ok - check out the view

pulling back into the 'terminal' (ps - no security checks beforehand either)

If you ever get the chance to fly in this piece of history, don't let it go by. Check out this site for more information.

Going ... going ...

Sundown

The summer sun is sinking low;
Only the tree-tops redden and glow:
Only the weathercock on the spire
Of the neighboring church is a flame of fire;
All is in shadow below.

O beautiful, awful summer day,
What hast thou given, what taken away?
Life and death, and love and hate,
Homes made happy or desolate,
Hearts made sad or gay!

On the road of life one milestone more!
In the book of life one leaf turned o'er!
Like a red seal is the setting sun
On the good and the evil men have done,--
Naught can today restore!

[Henry Wadsworth Longfellow]

Live and let live (?)

I spotted this out of the corner of my eye this afternoon - had it not been sitting on the walkway I'd likely have missed it since it was barely an inch (2 1/2 cm) long. Of course I had to capture it (only digitally of course). After I shot it (digitally of course) I had to decide whether to let it carry on with its day or not.

You might wonder why I'd consider not letting it go, but I wondered whether it might be a polka-dot wasp moth - they produce caterpillars which are voracious eaters of oleander bushes and ours comes under regular attack. But I wasn't sure. I might have to check the oleander tomorrow to see if that's where it headed - if so, it's unlikely another reprieve will be in the cards.

I haven't yet bought a macro lens for my full frame Canon, but the cheap little 50mm f1.8 ('nifty fifty') got me a reasonable set of shots which I cropped so you could see this specimen. Another beautiful piece of Creation (as long as it leaves our oleander alone).

Update: after some sleuthing around the internet this morning I discovered what this moth was called - Spotted Oleander Caterpillar Moth (Empyreuma affinis). So, my suspicions were correct and I'll have to check out the oleander ... hopefully before it has !

Come Sail Away

"I look to the sea,
Reflections in the waves spark my memory,
Some happy, some sad,
I think of childhood friends and the dreams we had,
We lived happily forever, so the story goes,
But somehow we missed out on the pot of gold
But we'll try best that we can to carry on ..."
Come Sail Away [Styx]

 I hope you're carrying on into 2014. If you need a momentary break from winter, then close your eyes and come sail away with me (click on the link below the photos) ...