“Thunder on the Lakeshore!”
The driving rain today–after a beautiful sunny day here on the lake Monday–gave me a break to share our weekend in my hometown, Two Rivers, and familiar Manitowoc five miles south for the annual “Thunder on the Lakeshore “air show! Along with Kelly Lake, the Michigan lakeshore of Two Rivers and Manitowoc are on another Great Lake, Lake Michigan! We stayed at an old-time friend’s (since grade school), Bill and Sherri Glandt.
Saturday started our visit with a trip to the Manitowoc airport, hosting the Air Show. I am a former Manitowoc Firefighter-Medic and ran across Manty’s Firefighters on scene for fire/rescue support (had to include them in this expose’!). We arrived early (a good idea, we found out) to walk the tarmacs with vintage and prototype planes staged all about. RC aficionados were on hand, models staged; many impressive to show and fly, often doing stunt maneuvers. Emilia Erhart’s plane was there–of course not, it was lost with her, but the one used in the movie was there in its stead! A “look-alike contest” of Emilia was featured, and the winner received a ride in the plane.
Another stand-out was Gene Soucy and his multi-colored graphic stunt bi-plane. Gene was both Canadian and U.S. champion, and it showed. It was one loop, barrel row, hammerhead, upside-down maneuver after another! Photos below will give some breath and description of the weekend.
Shirley and I took a plane ride supposed to encompass the Manitowoc area. Well, with a laugh at my expense, the Cessna does not accommodate a stature as mine; 6′ 5″ and size 15 tennis shoes; the compartment was too small for me and my feet to easily enter! Two assistants helped me into the plane. Getting my size 15 boats into the airplane proved hilarious and difficult. But, I would not be denied the ride and, with some anguish, got aboard, strapped in and ready for flight. I took my shoes off to get out; the pilot propped them up and told Shirley to get a pic!
We met our cordial pilot, finding out he knew my late dad. Instantly befriended, the pilot, Leon, asked if we wanted to fly five miles north to Two Rivers; not the planned circuit around the Manitowoc area. You bet! I’d enjoy a flight over the five miles of Lake Michigan shores, past the Lighthouse Inn where we often stay, over the lighthouse where I passed on my sailing into the Lake 9and depended on upon my return to my hometown! We flew over my 98-year-old mother’s home where I grew up; she still lives there! The surprise itinerary offered by Leon was a memorable flight!
All-in-all, it was a great day and weekend in my hometown, Two Rivers, visiting friends, family, air show and fellow Manitowoc’s firefighter’s, Carl Kuehn’s, retirement party on Sunday. An escape from Kelly lake for a bit, but a blast on the shores of Lake Michigan for a thrill! Always glad to be back on Kelly Lake. Now some catchin’ up to do, including postings! Here’s some pics from Shirley. (click to enlarge).
Gate to “Thunder on the Lakeshore”, Manitowoc Airport.
Reunion with Manitowoc Firefighters and snapshot taken with Firefighter Mark (Rooster) Rusboldt–a frequent visitor to Kelly Lake in the past.
“I always wanted to fly in an air balloon!” Shirley’s wish will come to be someday; $225 not pocket money today!
“Kay’s WindDancer II” balloon being inflated by Kay’s husband, Ken Walter.
Old long-time buddy, Don Stangel serving sausages at show.
Gene Soucy’s stunt plane.
Always the clown!
Wingwalk, caveman style!
Shirley shot these fast-action photos by aiming, snapping, guessing without looking through view finder!
In honor of the late founder of the Air Show.
Helicopter rides.
“I want one! Pleeease?!” As I said, ‘no pocket change’!
Our ride; a bit small for me.
Pilot, Leon Sigmund.
“What’s up?”
Lakeshore Drive between TR and Manty.
Manitowoc’s safe harbor.
Manitowoc harbor and safe anchorage.
22nd Street Bridge; right near my growin’ up and stumpin’ grounds.
Port-o-call, Two Rivers.
Landing; my knees were in the way of the co-pilot’s wheel! Ghish, we made it!
Hang glider enters aerobatic exhibition.
A photo taken not too long ago at Bill and Sherri Glandt’s; our B & B when we stay in Two Rivers (AKA “Trivers”). This is the only decent picture I could find of Bill where he was behaving decently! From left, old high school friends/classmates, Sue and Tim Ulrich, Shirley, me, Bill and Sherri got a group mug shot (3 of us from TR Washington High; Class of ’67! Sherri from Roncalli High; and Shirley graduated from Suring High; Class of ‘##. Bill’s still taking night classes! kidding! TR ’67!).
Tim and Sue were visiting from Utah; Tim just retired as Hoover Dam’s Manager, along with Glenn and Davis Dam! We later all drove up to Kelly Lake for a stay.
A grand getaway, visit my hometown, thrills of the air show and stay with Bill and Sherri! But, great to be back at Kelly Lake! Rog and Shirley
General Posts | Roger Birr June 8, 2010 | 
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