Autumn's Colors from 5,000 Ft.

To me, the beauty of the Hudson Valley and Autumn’s colors is nothing short of breathtaking, until I seen its beauty from 5,000′! 

My honey and I had another spectacular weekend!   The air was crisp as we headed north on Route 9 early Saturday morning as we ventured out on another one of our famous “day-trips.”  Today’s destination was the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in Rhinebeck NY.   

You may not know but my honey is an avid model plane builder/flyer .  He has been building and flying model planes since he was a child growing up in New Jersey.  While I truly enjoy watching him fly his planes, I wasn’t sure I would be “wowed” by our visit to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome but I knew he would be thrilled so off we went.

Upon arriving at the Aerodrome we were excited to learn they were celebrating their 9th Annual Glenn Curtiss Day (we somehow always seem to stumble upon an event or celebration taking place!) 

I am not an expert on airplanes, designs, manufacturers or aviation at any level but I was intrigued to learn that Glenn Curtiss flew from Albany to Manhattan in some documents report 5 hours and others 3 according to the MC at the Aerodrome.  Glenn Curtiss was born in Hammondsport NY and is considered “The Father of Naval Aviation” and “Founder of the American Aircraft Industry”, Now according to the MC at the event, some documents indicate this flight took 5 hours and some say 3, none the less it was a historical flight over the Hudson River.  The plane Glenn Curtiss flew during his flight from Albany to Manhattan was the Albany Flyer.  This flight was captured by artist John Gould as he paints the Albany Flyer flying past Bannerman’s Island and Storm King Mountain. 

Original Painting of the Albany Flyer by John Gould

It was interesting to see so many of these old planes many of which the ORA still fly today.  Some may only lift off the ground maybe 4′ but none the less, for a plane that was built in the early 1900’s and is still able to lift off the ground is a remarkable feat!  If only our cars of today were built to last as long LOL!

The ORA puts on spectacular air shows with many of these planes.  In addition to the air shows they have period music and automobiles as part of the show.  Members of the audience are encouraged to participate by volunteering to wear period clothing and ride in these beautiful old cars!  

One of the most exciting things to do / see while at the ORA is to take a ride in the open-cockpit 1929 New Standard biplane!  I felt like Amelia Earhart (my mother asked me if I had my scarf, darn I knew I forgot something!). We dubbed ourselves Amelia and Orville “wannabes.”

The New Standard D25 Bi Plane

More Autumn’s Colors from 5,000 Ft. photos

After a “wonderful” day at the ORA we decided to find something new for dinner.  With the Best of the Hudson Valley 2010 list recently announced we decided we were going to try to visit a few of the places voted BOHV 2010 while out n ’bout during our travels.  Being in Dutchess County we choose to have dinner at Terrapin Restaurant voted Best Restaurant in Dutchess County.  You can read more about our dinner at Terrapin in my “BOHV 2010 – Best Restaurant in Dutchess County” post.

As always, I wish you days filled with happiness and “wonder” – take the time to “wonder” what it is that made you smile today! 

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2 thoughts on “Autumn's Colors from 5,000 Ft.

  1. I love the thought of flight under my own power..(wings..think:bird) The actualality of it terrifies me although I do it several times a year. Many people have told me I need to get my pilots license and GET OVER IT! The blog is wonderful !

  2. Loved the article and I agree with you!!! Lived in Rhinebeck for five years and visited Terrapin many times. Alway great food!!! The Aerodrom in also something to see!! Looking for your next blog!!

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