In Between the Clouds

 

Its been a while since I've flown. Three years in fact. This time the journey was from Chicago (ORD) to Cedar Rapids (CID) on the last leg of a journey from Nashville (cats.) The pilot reported it would be a race between weather moving in to CID and his ability to land safely.

 

 

Wheels were down on final approach about a quarter mile from the runway when the captain pulled up and went around. A wall of water hit the plane with lightning all around. After a 10 minute arc around the airport the pilot said he would come in from the opposite direction. A few looks outside and it was easy to see what was happening. Developing rain systems were popping up along with the wind and light show. We did make it down just as the one of the waves hit. Our plane taxied near the ramp and shut down. For the next 90 minutes we sat on the tarmac as storm waves came through. Apparently there are actual FAA regulations about ramp crews servicing planes when lightning is around. Think about it - metal planes and jet fuel - not really safe if you are working the ramp and baggage collection in those conditions.

FiFi - It Was a Dark and Stormy Night at KCID Cedar Rapids

Once again Fifi, the WWII B-29 is on Cedar Rapids concrete for a few days. She will be joined by other WWII era combat planes and trainers for static display and rides. This shot came at a time of diminishing light and increasing rain. Besides having to photograph through chain link fencing the potential for me to be a lightning rod was very high. Go visit the plane if you are in the area.

Iowa's 2013 Corn Crop Emerging Despite Wet Conditions

Iowa's 2013 corn planting is a lively topic on the radio this spring. Last season we experienced state-wide drought that persisted through most of the year. Since February moisture has fallen steadily and erased the drought for two-thirds of the state but has shifted concerns to flooding. 

Farmers this spring have had short windows of opportunities to get pasture crops, corn and soybeans in the ground. This particular field is located just west of Mount Vernon, Iowa on the Lincoln Highway (old Hwy 30) and is typical of many acres found in eastern Iowa.

This view looks west of the top photo. The Lincoln Highway is on the left. Everything is green and growing but standing water or rising creeks are a concern. Of course time will tell whether this crop matures on time and is harvested later in the fall. I can't imagine being a farmer and having to deal with weather swings like this year to year.  

Goodbye Summer 2012 - Too Hot and Dry

Summer 2012 produced severe drought for the American Midwest. Here in Iowa, despite rains that finally arrived in August, drought conditions have not yet abated, and have some eight inches of rain needed to recharge subsoil moisture. But the trend during the past 30 days or so was for cooler temps and bouts of occasional rain. Stark brown lawns in July slowly turned green again by late August. As most weather patterns move in cycles it is possible that our portion of the state will get needed moisture during the Fall - which begins today.