Saturday, March 20, 2010

LOUISE GETS TO FLY

Getting ready for takeoff!
The famous pose once again.


Louise looks happy about her first PPC flight




I think Denny is always happy!



George and Bill in deep discussion


Bill and Paul solve the worlds problems




Almost time for takeoff


What a pretty copilot!



DEVIN IN THE AIR

Picture perfect chute opening up



Going down the runway


Devin gives us a wave


Up up and away!


DEVIN GETS READY FOR HIS FLIGHT

Donny and Louise wait: just a little nervous
Devin and Denny strike the "Top Gun" pose

Paul and Bill stand in front of George's Joyner and wait for Devin's takeoff


Denny readies the chute



Dev is ready


No problem using the push to talk radio!


Making sure the belts are secure





Pretty exciting




Devin is all smiles as Denny shows him the helmet he'll wear


Bill takes notes from the sideline


AWESOME PPC FLIGHT FOR DEVIN, DONNY, LOUISE, AND GEORGE

Our pilot Denny arrives in his Tracker, pulling the PPC trailer
Denny looks happy!




Denny shows Bill how a PPC works


Paul helps get the chute lines ready while Devin watches.


Friday, March 19, 2010

WICKENBURG AND THE VULTURE MINE

We finish our day in Wickenburg with a nice "lupper" at a western restaurant
Bill checks out a big mining pot




Devin and Paul explore a ramshackle bunkhouse


a wonderful old oak ice box made for many


Bill explores the pantry






old iron oven was large capacity

kitchen, mess hall


Mary gets ready to cook supper on the porcelain cook stove



Louise checking out the electrical system



I have no idea what this is


Bill and Paul trying to figure out the electrical system

Donny videoing with his new HD movie camera

acid vats

Louise and Donny


Bill and Paul share opinions on what this piece of machinery really is

OK, so what the heck is it, really?






Bill studies it carefully



Looks complicated





Donny is diplomatic with his opinion



the gang checks out the opening to the Vulture Mine

The old building has about 600,000.000 worth of gold still in the stone walls



They didn't fool around, did they.


These two shady characters might be highgraders




Wonder how much gold is in the fallen pile of rocks?



Assay officers


pantry storage for mine workers



old kitchen sink


fireplace and sitting table, still with hat and beer bottle


Watch your step, Louise!




Hole from the main floor into the cellar?




The two photographers get thier photo taken (thank you Devin)



Time for a beer


Donny enters the old stone building at his own risk



I feel sorry for the poor burros