Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Ultralight Planes Prepare for Takeoff


Two ultralight planes leave the flight row at the annual Marion Airport fly-in on July 3, 2005. Every year on the weekend before the Fourth of July, the Marion, Iowa airport (just NE outside of Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Hwy 151) stages a fly-in pancake breakfast for the general public. You never know what you will see but the ultralights are generally there. True ultralights (FAR 103) typically start at around $6,000 (USD) and go up from there, although you can find good used ones starting at around $2,500. Light sport aircraft on the other hand cost significantly more. This video posted on YouTube has had over 15,700 views to date and has been watched the most in California, Florida, Texas and Canada, although it has been seen in many other countries.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Red Lion - Don't Cry for Cedar Rapids

The 2008 Cedar Rapids post flood era continues to be expressed in many ways throughout the community. Situated on the 16th Avenue bridge over the Cedar River is the progression of symbolic czech lions which now includes one teary-eyed red stained cat. Know that.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Farewell S.S. Badger


The S.S. Badger leaves her Ludington, Michigan port for Manitowoc, Wisconsin. As the only coal-fired steamship in operation in North America, the 410 foot S.S. Badger ferries passengers and autos across Lake Michigan daily during the open water season. On this August day in 2007, the S.S. Badger passes the breakwater at Ludington where people gather to fish and gaze at the lighthouse and harbor. During the summer the Badger departs Ludington at 7:55 pm ET.

Ishpeming Whitefish at Bucks


Some of the best whitefish available in the Upper Peninsula can be found at Bucks Restaurant in Ishpeming, Michigan. Located at 218 Main Street, this diner serves the tasty, sweet whitefish in all-you-can-eat portions. After you finish viewing the iron ore mine museum and discover where several scenes of the 1959 movie, Anatomy of a Murder was filmed, head over to Bucks for authentic hometown cooking served by entertaining wait staff. There is always an up north story to be heard while you gaze at trophy mounts on the walls. Know that.