The Pleasure of Watching
a voyeur. twisting around the tangle of the plane’s arms and legs to watch. holding my breath with expectation. the wind is a new lover’s touch skimming the wings in tender urgent collision. finger tips of gentle pressure cause indentations to ripple the taut fabric. anticipation reined in with labored patience follows soft, lingering hesitation. tempered desperation. the wheels leave the ground with no announcement. free, the plane strains for the ecstasy of the air. it is the relief of walking onto a quiet veranda from a stuffy room. a bit nauseated from too many people. too much to drink. i can breathe now.
the view from an open cock-pit biplane
Sadly, it's over -- both my ride and the Bartlesville Bi-plane Exposition. After 23 years, the Nat'l Biplane Association voted to discontinue the Expo after the June 2009 event.
About SRT... I’m a traveler, writer and photographer for whom the open road frequently summons. Adventurous solo road trips are a staple for me, and a curiosity. So I created this website to share them and inspire you to step out and give them a try. Welcome! 
What an experience!! Very Out of Africa and English Patient! It’s so sad that such an event is coming to its end
Comment by jen laceda — July 13, 2009 @ 9:25 pm
A wonderful take off and a sad landing. Thanks for sharing the joy of those wonderful flying machines and the feelings of those that fly them.
Comment by Pops — July 13, 2009 @ 7:41 pm
How sad that they discontinued such a great event. =( Thankfully though, a certain someone was there and photographed the final Expo. =)
Comment by MTN BUM — July 13, 2009 @ 7:01 pm