’tis the Season!
’tis the Season! It’s time to decorate the house and the tree. Parker wanted to help; his role, of course, happens to be “inspector.” Sometimes, you must inspect things very close to the floor.
Foggy Old Barn
Foggy Old Barn This old barn stands out against the fog. Northern Illinois is just starting to get some snowfall. And, I could not pass up the simple click. To be precise, this image is actually an old corn crib.
Cedar Waxwing
The Cedar Waxwing is a common species in northern Illinois. They love fruit so they are easy to find. Sometimes, we just don’t pay enough attention to the species we se almost everyday.
What the heck?
What the heck? So, what is it? Don’t have a clue. It’s on a tree like bush growing next to a small lake. I’ve searched a bit and will eventually find it, but if anyone knows what it is, feel free to give me a hint.
Cooper’s Hawk
Cooper’s Hawk Sometimes you go to the image, sometimes the image comes to you, and sometimes the image just happens. Such was the case with this Cooper’s Hawk image. My walkabout had been uneventful, which is often the case during the late fall months before winter really comes to northern Illinois. The trail winds around a small stream with many small hills up the banks. As I came up a hill, just within sight over the top of the hill, sat the Cooper’s Hawk. I quickly knelt down on one knee, out of the hawk’s sight. The trail parallels the stream and the tree where the hawk was perched. The hawk had to be accustomed to people walking the trail. So, I made ready the camera and proceeded slowly along the trail. When the hawk noticed me, I stopped and backed away; shooting all the while. Luckily, the light was nice. And, as walkabouts go, this one was quite nice.
Another Light Catcher
Another Light Catcher These light catchers just draw my attention. This image is much nicer than the last. Perhaps, I’ll get the hang of capturing these weeds. And, who says the Nikon 1 V1 can not capture the detail. It’s all in your perspective. All you need is a milk weed; simple click.
White-tailed Deer
White-tailed Deer roam along my daily walkabouts, but it’s not always easy to get a decent image. They tend to be very alert when danger lurks; like a guy with a camera.
Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman
Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman Now, you don’t see that plane taxiing around the airport every day. So, what is it? That was my question to the owner after it stopped in front of its hangar. Well, it’s a 1950’s vintage, experimental, high wing monoplane, Volmer VJ-22 Amphibian flying boat nicknamed “Sportsman” with a 235hp Franklin engine, hydraulic brakes, and a two place, size by side, closed cabin. Apparently, only about 100 have been built. This particular airplane was built in 1994 hence the upgraded engine. For more images of this beautiful plane, visit Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | a 7 Image Story.
Just the Facts
- Length: 24 ft
- Height: 8 ft
- Wingspan: 36.5 ft
- Empty weight: 1,000 lbs
- Useful load: 500 lbs
- Gross weight: 1,500 lbs
- Fuel consumption 5.0 gals per hour with a Continental C-85 engine
- Cruise: 85 mph
- Stall: 45 mph
- Climb: 600 ft/min
- Ceiling: 13,000 ft
- Wood hull aircraft mahogany plywood and spruce, fiber-glass covered
- Wings-Aeronca Chief or Champion, wood spar, ribs, fabric covered
- Landing gear-Main gear, swiveling tail wheel and water rudder manually retractable
Yeah, the glass display is an iPad which adorns a modern cockpit for a classy vintage plane. And, look at the wood floor; beautiful workmanship. Hopefully, I’ll get another opportunity to capture more images of this gorgeous airplane. Once again, the easy to carry, Nikon 1 V1 comes through, since it was in my vehicle as I was leaving the airport today.
Hank Conrad © 2023
