Upde Designs

Today, July 21st is the 43rd anniversary of when men first walked on the surface of the moon.  Quite a remarkable feat indeed when you stop and think about the sheer enormity of such an undertaking, then think they did it with the technology (more the lack of it) back in 1963 – 69.

This time of year there are a lot of WWII vintage “War Birds” that congregate at the Dubuque Airport to practice formation flying before going on to Oshkosh for the big airshow they have.

Last night on the way home I notice a four ship formation of them flying around the airport so I stopped by the observation area to capture a few images.  The sun was at an angle that made trying to shoot them in the air almost impossible.

By the time I got parked, got my camera out of the bag, dialed in what I thought would be the right settings for the shooting conditions, they were in the top formation ready to land.  So I had to settle for some shots at they came back to the hangers, on the taxi way.

The last couple of years when they’ve been practicing and especially if you happen to be there when they take off they will form up and do a nice fly by for photographers.   There were a few photographers there last night when I arrived but they were getting ready to leave and I quickly understood that the show was over.

None the less I was happy to capture these images.  I’ll take any opportunity presented to shoot these vintage airplanes.  Doesn’t really matter to me if they are in the air or on the ground.  I just love the looks and sounds of these mighty birds.

Thanks for stopping by.  Enjoy your day.  I on the other hand have the wonderful good fortune to be able to attend a wedding today and then a reception where 523 people are going to be.  Yippee!!  That many people in a relatively small room will, I’m sure produce an interesting evening.  😦

Be careful.