Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines
|
The Kremer prizes are a series of monetary awards given to pioneers of human powered flight. Dr. Paul MacCready won the first Kremer prize when his Gossamer Condor was the first human-powered aircraft to fly a figure eight around two markers one half mile apart, starting and ending the course at least 10 feet above the ground. These rules were set out by the Royal Aeronautical Society and took place at the Minter Field in Shafter, California. California Historic Landmark #923 is located at the field to commemorate this event. The aircraft traveled a distance of 2,162 meters (7093 feet) cruising at a speed of 11mph and was capable of taking off under human power. Bryan Allen, a hang-glider pilot and amateur cyclist, was the pilot. Dr. MacCready's aircraft is on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. To celebrate this anniversary one can fly a kite, windsurf, hang glide, sail boats, watch birds soar through the sky or watch the wind in the trees. Children can make paper airplanes and watch them zoom through the air or have a contest to see who's plane can fly the farthest. The holiday is also a play on the phrase "run like the wind", which means to run very quickly. It is also used to indicate running away from something or someone. There is a song called "Ride Like the Wind" released in 1980 by Christopher Cross an American singer and songwriter. It tells the story of an outlaw who flees Mexico in order to avoid punishment. We have also used the phrase for incidents done without a purpose. The wind is able to change its direction at any time without warning, and someone who is riding like the wind has the power to change their life's course without any reason, rhyme, or warning. We would like to share with you three images that represent our "Ride The Wind Day". All of these images were taken on the same day from the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in San Diego, California. The area consists of 2,000 acres of coastal state park located within San Diego city limits and remains one of the wildest stretches of land on the Southern California coast. The reserve consists of a plateau with cliffs that overlook a beach and lagoon that is vital to migrating seabirds. There are eight miles of trails for hikers. The area was once the home to the Kumayaay people. In 1899 the San Diego City Council passed an ordinance preserving 364 acres of the pueblo land as a park. Then between 1908 and 1911 Ellen Browning Scripps. a newspaperwoman and philanthropist, bought additional land and donated it to the city. In 1956, it was decided that the park should be handed over to the State of California. As a state reserve it was afforded higher protection. In 1975 the Torrey Pines Docent Society was started and helped in the promotion of the preservation of the park. In 2007, the park's name was changed to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. In the Reserve grows the Torrey pine, the rarest pine in North America. The Reserve is the only location worldwide where this endangered subspecies grows (including a small coastal strip immediately north of the Reserve in Del Mar). Despite the intricate root system that helps attach the plant to the overbearing cliffs, it has lessened over time due to the drying period over the last 10 years. The Reserve has a rather unusual climate due to the Santa Ana winds. |
|
We call this "Hanging in There." This hang glider never got close enough for us to converse with him. |
On August 23rd we will observe National Ride the Wind Day. It celebrates the anniversary of the first human powered flight to win the Kremer prize in 1977. 
This is called "Follow The Leader."
These gliders took off from the Torrey Pines Glider Port and were requested to fly below the cliffs and in tandem so that we could photograph them. It was our lucky day!
|
Visit this website, www.throughthelensoflee-margaret.com for available sizes and prices. Stop by and see us on Monday through Friday from 10 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 5 pm. The gallery is open for arranged Saturday appointments. Call us at 904-387-8710 to schedule your special visit. Come see us and order now.
remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it". -- Henry Ford |