A Pilot's Blogbook

Upside-Down

2012-01-25T21:19:00.000-08:00

Life is a bit upside-down these days. Sure felt for the guy who flipped the rental Skyhawk at the airport the other day. Photo-story. Glad he walked away from that one.

Thankfully I don't have any aerial photos taken upside-down. But I have been in those situations when, without warning, conditions change rapidly. For example, attempting to land when a strong low pressure front is moving through is no fun. Isn't it odd that the "low pressure" systems create the "high pressure" environment in the cockpit?

"Without warning your life can turn upside down,
and who knows how or when it might happen?"
Proverbs 24:21 (The Message)

Mountains & Hills

2011-12-16T12:16:00.000-08:00

This print garners some of the most attention at my art exhibits. The row of mountains, from front to back, are Little Badger, Badger, Candy, Red, & Rattlesnake. Many people in the Tri-Cities have been awestruck by this perspective, not realizing all of these years that they aligned like this.

This photo was taken in the Fall 2010. To see the Spring 2011 version, which also happens to be the cover photo for my 2012 calendar, click over to my other blog, Loftics.blogspot.com.

"All your salvation wonders are on display in your trophy room. Earth-Tamer, Ocean-Pourer, Mountain-Maker, Hill-Dresser,...Far and wide they'll come to a stop, they'll stare in awe, in wonder... "Come and worship."
Psalm 65 (The Message)

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T07:10:00.000-08:00

Down the river and through the woods, to Grandmother's house we go...
I love driving AND flying the Columbia River Gorge. As we enjoy the holiday with family, I trust that you will too. Happy Thanksgiving!

"But as for me, afflicted and in pain—
may your salvation, God, protect me.
I will praise God’s name in song
and glorify him with thanksgiving."
Psalm 69:29-30 (NIV)

Peace...Not Trouble or Fear

2011-11-22T23:06:00.000-08:00

As I flew home from Vancouver recently, the weather closed in behind me just after departure from Camas. These are views looking back to the west from the Bonneville area.

The sense of impending darkness and obsured visibility made me think of how fearful the end of life must be for those who don't know Jesus. As Mom's cancer advances and the end of life approaches, this ending has light, not darkness. "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NIV)

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."
John 14:27 (NASB)

Announcing Peace

2011-11-05T22:29:00.000-07:00

"How lovely on the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who announces peace
And brings good news of happiness,
Who announces salvation,
And says to Zion, “Your God reigns!"
Isaiah 52:7 (NASB)

Mountains Bring Peace

2011-10-30T21:37:00.000-07:00

There is a certain "calm before the storm" happening right now. The cold temperatures are prompting brilliant fall colors. Yet as the season changes, the high winds will quickly strip these colors leaving us with winters' drab until new buds in the Spring.

Time for another series on God's peace. An aerial photo of the vineyards at Red Mountain taken this morning.

"Let the mountains bring peace to the people, And the hills, in righteousness."
Psalm 72:3 (NASB)

Fall Colors

2011-10-19T22:42:00.000-07:00

God's promises came true to me yesteday in the form of fall colors. That's what I love about this time of the year. Before winter's rest arrives the trees rage in brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange.

"Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him."
Psalm 62:5

Munra Point, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

2011-10-06T22:09:00.000-07:00

As I flew eastbound through the Columbia River Gorge last weekend, something quite unusual caught my attention. At approximately my altitude there was a couple hiking a ridge. As their camera flashed, I realized they were taking a photo of my plane flying by. So I circled back around and took their photo on Munra Point. To give you a sense for the narrow trail and steep sides, watch this ground video of Munra Point hike.

One of the first things that came to my mind when I spotted these hikers was the Sound of Music classic anthem "Climb Every Mountain." Growing up, we took this somewhat seriously...both the mountain climbing and the singing! Sometimes all at the same time.

Thanks Mom for teaching me to have a song in my heart from my early childhood.

"You're my cave to hide in, my cliff to climb.
Be my safe leader, be my true mountain guide.
Free me from hidden traps; I want to hide in you.
I've put my life in your hands.
You won't drop me, you'll never let me down."
Psalm 31:3 (Message)

Beacon Rock Hike

2011-10-03T20:55:00.000-07:00

Mom: Thanks for the sound advice, good teaching, and moral discipline you have demonstrated to me. They have paved a life path for me.

Who knew that the 848 ft. tall Beacon Rock looks so flat when viewed vertically?

"Good friend, follow your father's good advice; don't wander off from your mother's teachings. Wrap yourself in them from head to foot; wear them like a scarf around your neck. Wherever you walk, they'll guide you; whenever you rest, they'll guard you; when you wake up, they'll tell you what's next. For sound advice is a beacon, good teaching is a light, moral discipline is a life path."
Proverbs 6:20 (The Message)

Peace of Christ

2011-09-26T22:41:00.000-07:00

Last night several close friends gathered at my parents house to bless the Lord and bless my Mother with hymns. Click over to my sister Patty's blog to read more about it.

"Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Colossians 3:14-16 (NASB

Peace & Joy

2011-09-24T05:26:00.000-07:00

Friday evening we enjoyed an ice cream buffet held special just for Mom. Flavors of all kinds! I was reminded of these ice cream cones I've seen from the air.

"Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."
Romans 14:16-18 (NASB)

Peace & Safety

2011-09-23T05:14:00.000-07:00

Some of the most rewarding years in my professional career came during my tenure as the Safety & Health manager at Energy Northwest. One of our greatest challenges was to improve fall protection at several locations, including the Nine Canyon Wind Turbine facility. During those years, this was a favorite Psalm.

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety."
Psalm 4:8 (NASB)

Peace & Strength

2011-09-22T00:07:00.000-07:00

This next series is dedicated to my Mom, Betty Wyatt, for whom we are praying peace and strength each day. As you may know, Mom has cancer. Combined with advanced Parkinson's, these days are painful and awkward for her. Thank you for your prayers and cards; she appreciates both so much. I love you Mom!

Freight train pulls it's load through the Wallula Gap at day break.

"The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace."
Psalm 29:11 (NASB)

9/11 Memorial Dedication, Kennewick, WA

2011-09-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

Kennewick, Washington is a great place to live.

Today City leaders, business leaders, law enforcement officers, and firefighters joined the Mid-Columbia community in dedicating a special memorial in honor of those whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001. The centerpiece of the memorial is a section of steel from the fallen World Trade Center in New York City.

View the entire gallery of aerial photos of the Kennewick 9-11 Memorial Dedication at www.loftics.com.

Psalm 27

A psalm of David.

The Lord is my light and my salvation—
so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?
When evil people come to devour me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
I will remain confident.

The one thing I ask of the Lord—
the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections
and meditating in his Temple.
For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
he will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
Then I will hold my head high
above my enemies who surround me.
At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,
singing and praising the Lord with music.

Hear me as I pray, O Lord.
Be merciful and answer me!
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”
Do not turn your back on me.
Do not reject your servant in anger.
You have always been my helper.
Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me,
O God of my salvation!
Even if my father and mother abandon me,
the Lord will hold me close.

Teach me how to live, O Lord.
Lead me along the right path,
for my enemies are waiting for me.
Do not let me fall into their hands.
For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;
with every breath they threaten me with violence.
Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness
while I am here in the land of the living.

Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Lone Pine

2011-09-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

I love this picture. A lone pine in a North Idaho farmer's field. Wonder if there is an eagle's nest in it.

"God's kingdom is like a pine nut that a farmer plants. It is quite small as seeds go, but in the course of years it grows into a huge pine tree, and eagles build nests in it."
Matthew 13:31 (The Message)

Yellow Jacket on Prop

2011-09-05T19:46:00.000-07:00

Just as I opened the window to yell "CLEAR PROP" I noticed an unauthorized passenger. Seems this yellow jacket wanted to go for a ride...and so he did. He soon found out that the propeller is the least forgiving area of the airplane to hitch a ride. I'm just glad he was on the outside.

"I sent the hornets ahead of you."
Joshua 24:12a (NLV)

Mercy...Great!

2011-08-12T22:42:00.000-07:00

Aerial photo of hot air balloon near Walla Walla

"Answer me, LORD, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me."
Psalm 69:16 (NIV)

Mercy and Healing

2011-08-11T04:29:00.000-07:00

Join me today in lifting up prayers for healing.

Aerial photo of the Hanford Reach at Sunset

"When Jesus was leaving there, two blind men followed him. They cried out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" After Jesus went inside, the blind men went with him. He asked the men, "Do you believe that I can make you see again?" They answered, "Yes, Lord." Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, "Because you believe I can make you see again, it will happen." Then the men were able to see."
Matthew 9:27-30 (NCV)

Mercy...Quick!

2011-08-09T03:16:00.000-07:00

Often an airplane will beat a boat. But flying next to these guys I didn't stand a chance! Taken during the Columbia Cup 2011 final heat. See more like this in my Loftics online gallery.

"...may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need."
Psalm 79: 8 (NIV)

Mercy...Ask For It!

2011-08-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

I was setting up a bank angle for photos near Palouse Falls when I looked down and saw these cows. Heading for breakfast I suppose. I had this one framed and titled it "Mooooovin' Along."

Just as Jesus taught us to pray "give us this day our daily bread," the Psalmist teaches that we should ask God for mercy.

"I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy."
Psalm 116: 1 (NIV)

Mercy in the Morning

2011-08-05T22:37:00.000-07:00

For the encouragement of my family, friends, and anyone else who needs it...a new series to remind us of God's unfailing mercy.

In the middle of the summer it seems life is so busy, and the sun comes up so early, that I don't often get to fly at sunrise. Morning is my favorite time to fly as the air is cool. The earth and the sky are peaceful. I also find God's peace in the morning and am reminded that each new day brings new mercies.

I hope God is blessing you in a very special way today. And that you are resting in His new mercies.

"The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning."
Lamentations 3: 22-23 (NLT)

Summer Journeys: Loop 2

2011-07-17T23:36:00.000-07:00

The second summer adventure route took me northwest over Snoqualmie Pass and up to Arlington, Washington. The Arlington Fly-In is the biggest aviation gathering of the summer in the Great Northwest. I would guess that there were about 500 general aviation planes on site that Saturday. After the airshow, I set the course south to Camas to see family. On Monday I returned up the Columbia River Gorge, always a spectacular trip.

I made new friends on both loops, enjoyed some magnificent scenery, and took a few photos that I'll share in the weeks to come.

"At the LORD’s command Moses recorded the stages in their journey."
Numbers 33:2 (NIV)

Summer Journeys: Loop 1

2011-07-13T21:30:00.000-07:00

I just enjoyed a couple of weekend trips with the airplane. The first route started with an overnight at St. Maries, Idaho. Venturing out the next morning over Lake Coeur d'Alene, north over Hayden Lake, Silverwood, and Lake Pend Oreille to Sandpoint. I rented a bike and rode around town for the day, moving over to Cavanaugh Bay on Priest Lake in the evening. Home via Deer Park the following day.

"Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ's sacred blood, you know."
1 Peter 1:18-19 (The Message)

Evening Shadows on Cavanaugh Bay Runway

2011-07-06T07:33:00.000-07:00

The runway at Cavanaugh Bay is a challenge in many respects. One is the fact that the runway disappears into the shadows in the evening sun. The very first time I flew over the field in preparation for a landing, I was literally directly over the field before I found it.

"But it is already getting late; the evening shadows are growing long."
Jeremiah 6:4 (NCV)

Happy Independence Day 2011

2011-07-04T01:15:00.000-07:00

I love my country. I really do. As we celebrate our nation's independence and our freedom, I am especially thankful for the freedom to fly. On this occasion in 2008, I posted the story of an international pilot who chose the United States of America to retire so that he could enjoy the freedom of flight. This weekend I enjoyed, along with some 20 other pilots, the pleasures of airplane camping. To my new friends from the campsite, to those who have followed this blog for years, and especially those who are serving to protect our freedom, Happy Independence Day!

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance." Psalm 33:12 (NASB)

Father's Day 2011

2011-06-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

Today is a most special Father's Day, because it is also my firstborn's birthday. My father takes great joy in spending time with his grandchildren. Lately he's been working with some of them on their golf game. So here's to a great Dad and a super Grandpa. Happy Father's Day John Wyatt!

"Grandchildren are the crown of old men, And the glory of sons is their fathers."
Proverbs 17:6 (NASB)

Flag Day 2011

2011-06-14T06:06:00.000-07:00

Flag Day is one of my favorite holidays, for what it represents. You may have read my story of having met an international pilot who chose to retire here in the United States to enjoy the freedom of flight. Blogbook post: July 4, 2008. Today I am proud to live in a community that flies the Stars and Stripes high above the Columbia River atop the Blue Bridge.

"I'm thanking you, God, out in the streets, singing your praises in town and country. The deeper your love, the higher it goes; every cloud's a flag to your faithfulness. Soar high in the skies, O God! Cover the whole earth with your glory! And for the sake of the one you love so much, reach down and help me—answer me!"
Psalm 108:3 (The Message)

School Buses Parked

2011-06-10T10:36:00.000-07:00

Park those school buses...it's SUMMER! Congratulations to all those hard working students, especially my two very smart and talented girls. Have a great vacation!

"Every day he's out giving and lending,
his children making him proud."
Psalm 37:26 (The Message)

Apple Harvest Awaits

2011-06-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

Apple harvest in Washington State isn't until August. Here is an aerial photo of apple packing boxes staged in the orchards and ready to be filled.

"Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing."
2 Timothy 2:20 (The Message)

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T06:06:00.000-07:00

In honor of those who have died in service to our country, we remember you.

Aerial photograph of headstones in the Mountainview Cemetery in Walla Walla, Washington. Some stones at Mountainview date back to 1918, marking the graves of soldiers lost in WWI.

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
John 15:13 (NIV)

Race Day - Coeur d'Alene

2011-05-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

Today Paige is running in the Coeur d'Alene 1/2 Marathon. Go babe!

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."
1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIV)

Five Years

2011-05-28T06:45:00.000-07:00

Celebrating five years since my first post on A Pilot's Blogbook.

"A psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."
Psalm 19:1 (NIV)

Lady Eagles are Champions!

2011-05-25T07:25:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Bethlehem Lutheran Lady Eagles Softball team for a championship season! Here are some aerial photos of your final game versus Ki-Be.

"...who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."

Psalm 103:5 (NIV)

Tonight, your final challenge...players v. parents!

"The LORD gave David victory wherever he went."

2 Samuel 8:14 (NIV)

West Richland Flooding

2011-05-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

More aerial photos of the Yakima River flooding last Wednesday. View the entire gallery at www.loftics.com.

"I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth."
Genesis 9:11 (NIV)

Flood Waters and a Raven

2011-05-19T21:12:00.000-07:00

Last evening I set out to capture some aerial photos of the Yakima River flooding near West Richland. The only other air traffic was a black Robinson R-44 Raven.

"He sent out a raven; it flew back and forth waiting for the floodwaters to dry up."

Genesis 8:7 (The Message)

Balloon Rally 2011

2011-05-13T22:06:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite flights of the year is to the Walla Walla Balloon Rally. Capturing the hot air balloon soaring gracefully against the backdrop of the historic dowtown or fragile Spring wheat.

I posted this photo on Facebook yesterday and it was an immediately hit. It drew more comments than any other topic I've shared on Facebook.

"How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings."
Psalm 36:7 (NIV)

Colors and Shapes

2011-05-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

These colorful and resourceful shapes caught my eye and I flew past.

"As the sun brings everything to light, brings out all the colors and shapes,..."
Job 38:12 (NIV)

River in the Desert (Part 3)

2011-05-06T22:31:00.000-07:00

Palouse Falls, early last Sunday.

"He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed like a river in the desert."
Psalm 105:41 (NIV)

Quail (Part 2)

2011-05-06T06:27:00.000-07:00

I pulled my camera out to photograph a helicopter and a Cessna 182RG flying by. Then I noticed this little guy standing on the post.

"They asked, and he brought them quail; he fed them well with the bread of heaven."
Psalm 105:40 (NIV)

Cloud Covering (Part 1)

2011-05-04T23:10:00.000-07:00

"He spread out a cloud as a covering, and a fire to give light at night."
Psalm 105:39 (NIV)

Shadows on Wallula Basalt

2011-04-30T23:16:00.000-07:00

Shadows this evening on basalt formations near the Wallula Gap.

'So don't put up with anyone pressuring you in details of diet, worship services, or holy days. All those things are mere shadows cast before what was to come; the substance is Christ."
Colossians 2:16 (The Message)

Answer: To visit his friends...

2011-04-26T20:04:00.000-07:00

As I watched the pheasant dash across the taxiway I could not wait to see what the urgency was. He likely was chased off the runway when I landed. So it was no surprise that he wanted to keep going. But for what? To see his friends, a pair of ducks...

"Don't dawdle! Invade and conquer! When you get there, you'll find they're sitting ducks, totally unsuspecting."
Excerpt from Judges 18:9 (The Message)

Why did the pheasant cross the taxiway?

2011-04-26T04:57:00.000-07:00

After landing at Martin Field in College Place recently, I exited the runway and paused. I could tell he wanted to cross, so I stopped...and waited. And waited more for this pheasant to make up his mind. He finally did. Any guess as to what he saw on the other side that was so important?!

"All the animals and all the creatures that move along the ground and all the birds—everything that moves on land—came out of the ark, one kind after another."
Genesis 8:19 (NIV)

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

"HE HAS RISEN!"

"Morning on Mountain Row" 4/23/2011

Happy Easter morning! Blessings to you and yours.

"Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant."
Mark 16:5-7 (NIV)

Green Goal

2011-04-15T23:45:00.000-07:00

More from Mid-Columbia golf courses, this green is Hole 2 at the Wildhorse Casino & Resort near Pendleton, Oregon. Had a nice flight down there last Saturday. Cloud cover in the Tri-Cities blocked the sun, so I chose a route to Pendleton, and back up via College Place, Washington.

"The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."
1 Timothy 1:5 (NIV)

Yakima River Flooding 2011

2011-04-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago a warm spell resulted in flooding of the Yakima River at West Richland. The back nine at the West Richland Golf Course are also the lower nine...thus also the wet nine! And the brand new clubhouse is suddenly waterfront property!

See more aerial photos of the Yakima River Flood 04-03-2011 at Loftics.com.

"Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life."
Genesis 9:15 (NIV)

The Masters 2011

2011-04-10T06:29:00.000-07:00

I enjoy watching the Masters golf tournament, especially now in High Definition. The Augusta National course is highly saturated in green and other spring colors.

This morning I flew a long easy loop to Pendleton and Walla Walla. After a brief stop at Martin Field in College Place, Washington, I departed back to the Tri-Cities over the Wine Valley Golf Club.

"Don't forget for a minute that you, too, serve a Master—God in heaven."
Colossians 4:1 (The Message)

Spring Morning on Red Mountain

2011-04-08T06:30:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday morning over Red Mountain...Glorious!

The Lord does great things; those who enjoy them seek them. What he does is glorious and splendid, and his goodness continues forever.
Psalm 111:3 (NCV)

Tired?!

2011-04-06T23:24:00.000-07:00

I hope you're not tired of this blog...
Still going strong at 350 posts!

Aerial photo of Northwest Tire Recycling center near the Richland Landfill.

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom."
Isaiah 40:28 (NIV)

Rattlesnake Mt. & FFTF Morning

2011-04-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

Rattlesnake Mountain with FFTF in the foreground and LIGO behind. It was sunrise on a Sunday morning.

"If you wake your friend in the early morning by shouting "Rise and shine!" It will sound to him more like a curse than a blessing."
Proverbs 27:14 (The Message)

Jump!

2011-04-02T05:12:00.000-07:00

Aerial photograph of the P.R.O. Northwest National MX Series #4 motocross racing at Horn Rapids Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Park, Richland, WA

"Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner."
1 Peter 4:12 (The Message)

Tornado...No Foolin'

2011-04-01T19:12:00.000-07:00

A tornado ripped through the Sun 'n Fun event in Florida this week. This amphibious Aviat Husky, one of my favorite bush planes, was destroyed along with some 50 other airplanes. There were no major injuries.

(Photo: AOPA)

See before.

"Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock."

Matthew 7:24 (The Message)

Rainbow

2011-03-31T05:11:00.000-07:00

I caught this rainbow last Sunday near Red Mountain. In fact, I was in the exact same spot in the sky as when God gave me the gift of the "Red Mountain" photo in 2009.

"Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”
Genesis 9:16 (NIV)

Straight & Fast: Shelby Super Car

2011-03-28T06:05:00.000-07:00

On this long, stright, and unassuming stretch of country road in rural Benton County, a world record was broken in 2007. Driver Chuck Bigelow, 71, drove the Shelby Super Car (SSC) to a round-trip time of 256.19 mph, giving it the title of "World's Fastest Production Car." Good work to Jerod Shelby and crew!

"Think straight. Awaken to the holiness of life. No more playing fast and loose with resurrection facts. Ignorance of God is a luxury you can't afford in times like these."
1 Corinthians 15:34 (The Message)

Safe Nuclear Power

2011-03-26T06:48:00.000-07:00

We continue to pray for those in Japan who are working to control the nuclear plant event and for those affected by the great tsunami. I am also praying for my many friends at Energy Northwest as they begin the next major refueling and major maintenance outage. The hard work is extensive and the hours are long. I enjoyed eight years at the Columbia Generating Station in fire protection and safety.

"In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety."
Psalm 4:8 (NIV)

New Features

2011-03-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

Notice the new features on the right side menu:

You can register to receive e-mail notices when a new post is uploaded.
New links to my website, other blog & Twitter page.

Springtime!

2011-03-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

I am so ready for Spring! The area is starting to take on some color. Should be some good flying days ahead!

"When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring."
Proverbs 16:15 (NIV)

Green

2011-03-17T05:35:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

"Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything."
Genesis 9:3 (NIV)

Grazing Horses

2011-03-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

How is your eyesight? I said that was a group of ants on the dirt. Okay, so you're eyes are not failing. Really, they're horses! Question is, are they domesticated or wild?! I found this Saturday morning out in north Franklin County. I find this fascinating!

"Wild donkeys stand on the barren heights and pant like jackals; their eyes fail for lack of food.”
Jeremiah 14:6 (NIV)

Ants

2011-03-05T21:52:00.000-08:00

This morning I tried out a new camera lens. Check out this group of ants playing in the dirt.

"Ants are not very strong, but they store up food in the summer."
Proverbs 30:25 (NCV)

Mountain Form

2011-02-28T05:35:00.000-08:00

A glorious morning last May on Rattlesnake Mountain.

"You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength,..."
Psalm 65:5-6 (NIV)

Broken

2011-02-26T05:25:00.000-08:00

A delapitated airplane at Deer Park.

"Many of them will stumble; they will fall and be broken,..."
Isaiah 8:15 (NIV)

Morning Dew

2011-02-24T05:49:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe Spring is almost here...
Dew on the tail, from the airplane camping trip last summer.

"...and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp."
Exodus 16:13 (NIV)

Farm Near Lee, WA

2011-02-22T05:29:00.000-08:00

A farm in a remote area of Walla Walla county. My new Washington Atlas & Gazetteer labels a nearby spot in the road as the former site of a town called Lee, Washington. I cannot find any information about the old town. Latitude: 46.35528 : Longitude: -118.555

"The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops."
2 Timothy 2:6 (NIV)

Mansion Under Construction

2011-02-20T05:18:00.000-08:00

Last summer I spotted this mansion under construction on Trout Lake, near Deer Valley, Washington. Looks like quite a project.

"Many houses will stand deserted; even beautiful mansions will be empty."

Isaiah 5:9 (NIV)

Hay

2011-02-18T05:48:00.000-08:00

Fun filled feild of hay. However, not good for foundations.

Summer hay harvest near West Richland.

"If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light."
1 Corinthians 3:12-13 (NIV)

Foundation

2011-02-16T04:57:00.000-08:00

First foundations laid for Pasco's new Osprey Business Park.

"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 3:11 (NIV)

Heart

2011-02-14T04:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Okay, I realize this may not look anything like a "Valentine's" heart. But I think it looks like a real heart, with chambers, arteries and ventricles, and veins stretched around.

"Now therefore, our God, the great God, mighty and awesome, who keeps his covenant of love,..."
Nehemiah 9:32 (NIV)

Smooth Ride Home on the Columbia

2011-02-12T07:35:00.000-08:00

Evening on the great Columbia River, looking across from the old Hanford townsite. That line in the river is a salmon fisherman heading home.

"For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome,..."
Deuteronomy 10:17 (NIV)

Awesome Fall Colors

2011-02-10T05:41:00.000-08:00

Awesome fall colors on Red Mountain vineyards.

"For the LORD Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth."
Psalm 47:2 (NIV)

River Snake

2011-02-08T20:22:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite pictures; I call it "River Snake." This remote area of the Snake River lies between the Ice Harbor Dam and the Lower Monumental Dam.

"...for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God."
Deuteronomy 7:21 (NIV)

Great & Awesome

2011-02-07T17:49:00.000-08:00

"Great"
"Awesome"

These are some of a pilot's favorite words.
"That looks like a great place to land."

"Weather's great"
"Awesome landing!"
"What an awesome view"

Winter on the Horse Heaven Hills.

"He is the one you praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes."
Deuteronomy 10:21 (NIV)

Super Sunday

2011-02-06T22:49:00.000-08:00

It was a super Sunday. Congratulations Green Bay!

"God won't put up with rebels; he'll cull them from the pack."
Psalm 34:16 (The Message)

Look at Me Looking at You

2011-02-05T23:33:00.000-08:00

What's that guy doing down there?

Hey, he's taking my picture! I guess if I can take his picture, he can take mine. Smile!

"And you passersby, look at me! Have you ever seen anything like this?"
Lamentations 1:12 (The Message)

Rattlesnake Mountain Panoramic

2011-02-01T20:46:00.000-08:00

Here comes an entirely new perspective of Rattlesnake Mountain. This aerial panoramic shot was taken last June on the south side, looking up to the ridge. Working on putting this on canvas. It's going to be awesome!

"You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth,... You formed the mountains by your power and armed yourself with mighty strength."
Psalm 65:5-6 (NLT)

Airport Way

2011-01-31T22:35:00.000-08:00

Heading home after a beautiful evening flight...

"You'll name your main street Salvation Way,...
Your sun will never go down, your moon will never fade."
Isaiah 60:18, 20 (The Message)

Moon and a Breeze

2011-01-26T23:58:00.000-08:00

I wish I could take better photos of the moon from the airplane. The moving platform and the need for a longer expsure make it one of the greater challenges of low light aerial photography. This one was taken at the Richland airport fuel pump after a nice evening flight.

“I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,... In my distress I called to the LORD; I called out to my God...He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind."
2 Samuel 22:4,7,11 (NIV)

Pink Trees

2011-01-24T23:07:00.000-08:00

While the winter grays hang around, here are some fall colors to brighten your day. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, let these pink trees remind you that you are loved by our Creator.

"Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven."
Psalm 85:10-11 (NIV)

Yakima River Sunset

2011-01-21T21:36:00.000-08:00

Descending back to the Richland airport, I caught this angle looking 'up' the Yakima River toward Benton City.

"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations."
Psalm 145:13 (NIV)

Glorious Splendor

2011-01-20T05:10:00.000-08:00

From that same January 2 flight, here is all of Rattlesnake Mountain, with Mount Adams (left) and Mount Rainier (right). Notice the snow level had dropped to the base of the mountain, but not quite low enough to reach our level here in town.

"...so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom."
Psalm 145:12 (NIV)

Speak of Your Might

2011-01-19T05:08:00.000-08:00

Above Rattlesnake Mountain, looking southwest toward Mt. Adams, with clouds covering the Yakima Valley. I took this on January 2; it was so good to be flying!

"All your works praise you, LORD; your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might,..."
Psalm 145:10-11 (NIV)

All the Kingdoms

2011-01-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

The Congdon Castle near Yakima Washington is a private residence.

"Now, LORD our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, LORD, are God."

2 Kings 19:19 (NIV)

Where Have You Been?

2011-01-17T21:29:00.000-08:00

Thanks for being patient while I took a break. We just got back from the Disney World parks. I had to say "Hi" to my friends Pooh Bear, Tigger, and Eyore. Since they call it the "Magic Kingdom" I'll start a new series of aerial photos tomorrow with a kingdom theme.

"“Where have you been?” Saul’s uncle asked him and his servant. “We were looking for the donkeys,” Saul replied,..."
I Samuel 10:14 (NLT)

Gloria in Excelsis Deo!

2010-12-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

"Glory to God in the highest,And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

Luke 2:14 (NASB)

Echoing Their Joyous Strains...

2010-12-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

"God, brilliant Lord, your name echoes around the world."
Psalm 8:9 (The Message)
Next

And the Mountains in Reply...

2010-12-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

"High heavens, sing! God has done it. Deep earth, shout! And you mountains, sing!"
Isaiah 44:23 (The Message)
Next

Sweetly Singing O'er the Plains...

2010-12-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

"The whole world's a choir—and singing! Spring warblers are filling the forest with sweet arpeggios."
Song of Solomon 2:12 (The Message)
Next

Angels We Have Heard on High...

2010-12-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

"When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”"
Luke 2:15 (NIV)
Next

Christmas Series Tomorrow

2010-12-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

Get ready for a Christmas special, featuring aerials from my June trip to north Idaho. Tomorrow will begin a daily post sung to the tune of a familiar and favorite Christmas hymn. Blessings to you and yours this Christmas. Thanks for sharing the ride with me.

"Tomorrow we will celebrate in honor of the LORD."

Exodus 32:5 (Contemporary English Version)

Christmas Tree Found

2010-12-11T16:56:00.000-08:00

Another wet and cold day, so I've been surfing the archives. You may not believe it, but I found our family Christmas tree in this photo. Really!! Of course I am looking at the high resolution original. Seriously. Down below the mountain on the right, at the bottom of the rock slide area is our family's 2010 Christmas tree.

"Lift up your eyes and look around; all your children gather and come to you. As surely as I live,” declares the LORD, you will wear them all as ornaments...""
Isaiah 49:17-18 (NIV)

Shiny Snow

2010-12-09T21:46:00.000-08:00

The snow started falling before Thanksgiving and has stayed until the rain came today. For about a week the snow had become a hard shiny crust on the desert. Much like this photo from last January over Union Gap, looking out toward Mt. Adams.

"God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’
Job 37:5-6 (NIV)

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

"A psalm of David. Lord, I will thank you with all my heart."
Psalm 138:1 (NCV)

Glorify

2010-11-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

"I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving."

Psalm 69:30 (NIV)

Praise

2010-11-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
Psalm 100:4 (NIV)

Come

2010-11-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

"Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song."
Psalm 95:2 (NIV)

Good

2010-11-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

"Thank the Lord because he is good. His love continues forever."
Psalm 118:1 (NCV)

Get Ready....

2010-11-20T21:59:00.000-08:00

"Wake the neighbors. Get the word out."

Sunday begins a daily series through Thanksgiving Day featuring recent aerial photographs taken over the Red Mountain AVA and Yakima Valley AVA. Enjoy!

"I'm ready now to worship, so ready. I thank you, God—you're so good."
Psalm 54:6 (The Message)

Country Road

2010-11-18T19:28:00.000-08:00

A simple straight country road road near Prosser, Washington.

"Walk straight down the road God commands so that you'll have a good life..."
Deuteronomy 5:32 (The Message)

New Wheat Sprouts

2010-11-16T16:57:00.000-08:00

Winter wheat is already starting to grow on the Horse Heaven Hills.

"When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in,..."
Proverbs 27:25 (NIV)

Pouring Clouds

2010-11-14T23:15:00.000-08:00

Microclimates are fascinating to me. This patch of stratus clouds blanketed Chandler Butte at the northeast 'corner' of the Horse Heaven Hills near Kiona, Washington. What was most interesting to watch was the way these clouds poured over the edge of the hill like water out of a bucket. As the clouds spilled over the hillside they vanished on the way down.

"The clouds poured down water, the heavens resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth."
Psalm 77:17 (NIV)

"Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."
Psalm 62:8 (NIV)