By Ted Grussing
… this photo was taken at the beginning of runway 21 at the N end of the Sedona airport on a snowy day in January; the signage is just beyond the hold line before you enter the runway to begin your take off roll on 21 heading to the SW. Runway numbers are the magnetic compass headings rounded to the nearest ten, so 21 is really a magnetic heading of 210 … 180 is S and 270 is W. So after you do your mag check and other preflight items, you release the brakes, taxi out to the runway, turn right and power up … Mariah (my motorglider) was usually off the ground and climbing in about 300 to 400 feet … this beautiful view is the sight I had before take off. Not sure how many takeoffs I have had from there and with this view, but well over 1000 flights from here. Loved everyone of them.
The Merganser hen in the bottom photo doesn’t need to do a mag check or preflight check list, nor does she need a runway … just the watery surface of a lake, her feet and wings and she is on the way. I love the gaze on her face as she barrels down the surface of the lake and anticipates the moment when she can rotate and begin her climb out to wherever it is she will be going to. The same view and stare and absolute focus that all pilots have as they begin accelerating down the runway.
It would be neat to be a winged creature like this, but then we would have to live like them … no more air conditioned or heated home, no more Basha’s or Safeway … check out those sharp teeth that line her beak … a real killing machine! Think I’ll stick it out here with my morning home roasted coffee from www.burmancoffee,com check their website out and if you have any questions, give Jon or Gary a call. I have been buying all my coffee beans from them and roasting for about 14 years now … they are a small family business, have exceptionally high quality beans, excellent service and they love to talk coffee.
Into the fourth of July weekend … what a great holiday! Brave and noble people declared independence from an oppressive government and established the framework for the greatest nation to ever grace this planet … we celebrate the founding and the founders and then through all of our history those who have done so much for so many people and that includes you and me. We are blessed and a blessing to the world.
Hotdogs and hamburgers … baked beans and salad … the only proper fare for the weekend!
Have a beautiful day and weekend … be safe and remember what others have done so that we can be here and celebrate today … still free!
With joy and gratitude,
Ted
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The easiest way to reach Mr. Grussing is by email: ted@tedgrussing.com
In addition to sales of photographs already taken Ted does special shoots for patrons on request and also does air-to-air photography for those who want photographs of their airplanes in flight. All special photographic sessions are billed on an hourly basis.
Ted also does one-on-one workshops for those interested in learning the techniques he uses. By special arrangement Ted will do one-on-one aerial photography workshops which will include actual photo sessions in the air.
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