Our adventures at the end of July have taken us to the skies—EAA AirVenture 2017. We spent 10 days including travel time to Osh Kosh, Wisconsin. We hooked up, once again, to our RV, left home on Thursday at 4:54 a.m. and arrived just a little under 13 hours later at 5:35 at Camp Scholler for a week of planes, helicopters, and all things related to flying. The annual event is always slated for the last of July is one of the largest airshows in the world. This is huge—550,000 people were in attendance during the week. Enthusiasts like ourselves travel from all over the country and internationally to enjoy this week-long event. You meet some great folks here who love looking up into the clouds just like us.
Collin has always been mesmerized by flying and most may not know that he has his private pilot’s license. It was always his dream and he reached his goal a number of years ago when we were younger. He has never gotten over his fascination and wonder of aviation and love for flying. He is a member of a local EAA chapter and we were there with a number of like-minded friends.
Collin made this journey for 15 years. I traveled with him the last 5 years of those 15 and come to love the trip and look forward to it with anticipation just as he did. When we headed home in 2010 we had no idea or even a thought that God would change our life’s plan and that I would become the administrator at Ridgefield Christian the next year. With that professional change of lifestyle, there was no way I could take a week off with school at hand. I was too busy hiring staff at the last minute and trying to finish details to open the school doors in early August. I begged him to go anyway, but he wouldn’t hear of it. He said after I had traveled with him for 5 years, it just wouldn’t be the same. God surprised us and changed the plan again. With my retirement and new-found freedom, we were thrilled to discover we could plan for the trip once again and here we were—6 years later.
Finding a camping spot and setting up, we spent Friday-Sunday watching camper after camper come in and we spent time relaxing and renewing acquaintances. Friday evening, we went out to eat pizza at Christianos with the Dennis and Regina Jaynes and it was delicious. It didn’t hurt that the temperatures were predicted to be 10 to 20 degrees cooler than what we had left at home in Arkansas.
Sunday, we ventured out to a huge warehouse that reminds me of Peterson’s in Jonesboro. They had everything imaginable in this antique, rustic store including huge life-size statutes some of which were hilarious.
We capped off the day with burgers from Culvers. It was fast food, but tasted like the burgers were real beef and made on the spot. It was excellent. I had fries that were good, but Collin had onion rings, and oh my goodness they were incredible.
Monday was the opening day of the air show. We began perusing the fly market. You can find tools, household hold items, yard decoration, bags and wallets of all styles, etc. We also toured the Ford hanger and looked at models of new cars and trucks. Additionally, we began moving down the flight line. Doc, a WWII B-29 bomber was a feature of the week which had already landed. While we were on the outskirts of the runway, Fifi, it’s counterpart landed. It was incredible. These two planes dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki which virtually brought WWII to an end. What a fun way to incorporate a history lesson.
Tuesday dawned beautiful and chilly; about 60 degrees. The projected high was 74. As we drank coffee early morning, we could watch paragliding. We had a fun day. We toured three of four huge hangers which housed exhibitors of plane related items or services along with other unique varieties of merchandise. Additionally, we returned to the Ford hanger, a major sponsor of EAA and AirVenture, where we did several activities and picked up our souvenir caps for the year.
We also took a spin in a Ford Model T
and a turn on the Ford ferris wheel.
Not only was it a great ride, but it provided a spectacular view.
In the FAA building, we saw several exhibits and had our photo made with Orville and Wilber Wright. Collin stayed a little longer to watch the air show from the runway area, but I came back to the RV, grabbed a snack and drink since we really didn’t have lunch and watched B-29 bombers and stunt planes from the comfort of my easy chair and the shade.
Wednesday was a rainy day. I hung in close and enjoyed reading and looking at magazines. Collin went to the flight line during the afternoon several hours. After the dinner hour, we headed back to the flight line for a night-time air show. All the parachute jumpers and stunt planes were equipped with LED lights and the show was sensational. To complete the evening festivities, a fireworks display was scheduled and I’ve never seen one more beautiful and spectacular. The funny part was that a rain storm came in that was unexpected and we were soaked. There was not a dry thread in our clothing. We had a tiny umbrella in our backpack and we hugged up walking to stay under it and keep our head dry if only somewhat. We just laughed as we looked like drowned rats and our shoes were going squish, squish, squish. That was a first and a new adventure for us in our 38 years, and we were having fun. You are either crazy or sold out to brave the torrential downpour we experienced. Back at the RV, we threw all our wet clothes in the dryer. Luckily, I had another pair of tennis shoes, but Collin had to dry his out the next morning with my hair dryer.
Thursday, we took a break from airplanes and Collin spent the day shopping with me. We traveled to Fond Du Lac and shopped at a Christmas store. What fun! I love these specialty shops and found some ornaments.
We traveled back to Osh Kosh and shopped an outlet mall across the interstate from Camp Scholler. I found some great bargains on clothing. That evening, we drove back to Fond Du Lac with our friends and had dinner at Sunset on the Lake Grill. The restaurant rests on the shore of Lake Winnebago and we did see a beautiful sunset.
Friday was our last day and we backtracked to see some sights, make a few purchases, and see one last area of planes, the ultralights. Regardless of the different styles, varieties, and eras of planes, my favorites are always the war birds. They fascinate me.
There are also a large number of vintage aircraft and barnstormers.
This is 5 o’clock Charlie from the TV series, MASH. Those who remember this successful sitcom set during the Korean War including Hawkeye, B. J., Radar, Frank, Hotlips, Colonel Potter, Klinger, and a host of other great characters will also remember this plane. It is a Ryan PT-22 built in 1942. We know the pilot that now owns the plane and who lives in Memphis. Several years ago, he took me for a ride in this little jewel and we actually did a barrel roll. (Check that one off my bucket list.) I’m living to tell about it. It was an incredible experience.
Friday afternoon, we watched the Blue Angels and throughout the week a number of stunt planes and groups flying in formations.
Saturday morning, we were packed up and it was time to head home. We left a little before seven and this was our sendoff.
The balloons were beautiful and we’d never seen them at the show previous to this year. It was a great week, but we were glad to be headed home.
This is a beautiful area if you’ve never traveled through Illinois and Wisconsin. This is corn country with rolling hills and these windmills are so graceful as they gently rotate in the breeze.
They are also much taller and bigger than you realize. Touring the countryside and taking in the sights is what I love. This is why Collin and I love RVing so much and hope when he retires to stay on the road and tour the 48 states.
As we reminisced on our drive, we’d seen a lot, visited with friends, rested, and best of all, relaxed in a pleasant environment. Once again, we were. . .
Living Simply,
Marcia
