Fighting spirit

This is the Bell P-39 Airacobra, one of the main fighter planes used by the United States during WWII. This one looks pretty fierce. I don't think I'd want to mess around with whoever was operating it! Photo taken in June 2011.

Colorful

I hope you are not getting tired of my aeronautical series. I loved the bright colors on this plane. But once again had the flash problems. It's really hard getting indoor photos. Photo taken in June 2011.

Red nose

I love the red snout on this plane. It's a Hispano HA-1112 Buchon. The colors are rather patriotic, at least for Americans!

Big bird

Here's a B-25J Mitchell for you. I rather like it in black and white, but I think the color version is worth seeing too. 

Apparently the pilots liked to personalize their planes. I think it's a neat idea. Photo taken in June 2011. For more monochrome shots, take a look at the Weekend in Black and White.

Flying pink

This beauty hangs just above the entrance to the Kalamazoo Air Zoo. It's a Curtiss P-40N Warhawk, but what makes this one special is that it was piloted by Suzanne Parish. She served with the WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots) during WWII and donated her Warhawk to the museum during her later years. I'm sure she was some lady! Photo taken in June 2011.

Engine trouble

The trouble is, the built-in flash on my camera can't get over the 200mm lens and sometimes leaves shadows like that. I still like this shot though. It comes to you from the Kalamazoo Air Zoo and was taken in June 2011.

Summer treats

I'm just about out of shots from Saugatuck. I know this is a summery place and I hate to remind you that winter's on the way, but it's just so darn cute! Photo taken in June 2011.

Fashionable ladies

I found these mannequins advertising one of the cute shops in Saugatuck, Michigan. Looks like a fun place to shop! Photo taken in June 2011.

Waterfront benches

You'll find these benches along the Kalamazoo River in Saugatuck, Michigan. Looks like a nice place to sit and contemplate a bit. Photo taken in June 2011.

Picket fences

Nothing says cute and quaint more than a white picket fence. Photo taken in June 2011. To see more monochrome shots from around the world, visit the Weekend in Black and White.

Air zoo

One of the major attractions of Kalamazoo is the Air Zoo. It's filled with historic airplanes (most of them still in working condition, so I'm told) and there are a few old cars too. This is some kind of B25, I believe this type of plane was used during the air lifts into Berlin. You can correct me if I'm wrong. Photo taken in June 2011.

Over the Kalamazoo

This old-fashioned chain ferry will take you across the Kalamazoo River to Oval Beach. It's a popular sunbathing spot (you can go in the altogether, or so I've heard). But I think the biggest treat is just being on the ferry itself. It's a short ride, but such fun!

Sweet sign

A very inviting shop in Saugatuck, Michigan. I could do with a cupcake about now. Photo taken in June 2011. To see more signs from around the world, visit Signs, Signs.

Saugatuck statues

I found this work inside a public garden in Saugatuck, Michigan. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of the garden or the artist. Any reminders would be appreciated. Photo taken in June 2011.

Village hall

No quaint Victorian village would be complete without a picturesque town hall. This one is just too cute and it now houses a visitor's center.

Decay details

One of the houses in Saugatuck that was once beautiful, but now has fallen into disrepair. Photo taken in June 2011.

Gallery reflections

A look inside one of the artist galleries in Saugatuck. You can also see what's going on across the street as reflected in those grand windows. To see more reflective shots from around the world, visit Weekend Reflections.

Blue skies

Blue skies shine bright over the harbor in Saugatuck. Photo taken in June 2011. To see more skies from around the world, visit Skywatch.

Expressionist outhouse

I'm not sure that I've ever seen nicer toilets. These were found in Saugatuck, Michigan. Photo taken in June 2011.

Daisies

A bunch of daisies from the same pond in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Photo taken in May 2011.

A peek

A beautiful swan peeks out at me from behind a bushy area in  a water feature on the campus of the Kalamazoo Valley Community College. I think he might have been protecting his nest. Photo taken in May 2011.

Dunes

The sand dunes of Lake Michigan. I don't remember which park this was, but it was not far from Saugatuck.  You can see more of the great lakes on my other blog, Toronto Daily Photo. Photo taken in June 2011.

Delicious buffet

A look at the culinary delights that were on the menu at a springtime party in Berlin. Doesn't that strawberry torte look delightful? Photo taken in May.

Grating

The water that runs through Brown's Race is right here under your feet. I think geometric patterns like this always look good in black and white.

However, I'm still not sure if it looks better in horizontal or vertical. What do you think? Photo taken in September 2011. To see more monochrome shots from around the world, visit the Weekend in Black and White.

Hydro reflections

A part of Brown's Race is still used today by Rochester Gas & Electric to generate electricity. From here the water drops down into the turbines and voila... you have electricity! Photo taken in September 2011. To see more reflections visit Weekend Reflections.

Brown's race

Here's a look at the old Triphammer Forge. These waterwheels were part of Brown's Race, the old waterway that flows through downtown Rochester and is still used today to generate electricity. It's quite an interesting walk and there's plenty of history. You can find more information on Brown's Race here. Photo taken in September 2011.

Downtown doorway

Another doorway from Rochester. I like the old brick and all of the windows too. Photo taken in September 2011.

Industrial building

I'm not sure what this structure is used for, but it looks good in black and white. I had lots of fun in Rochester and there are still a few more shots to show you! Photo taken in September 2011.

Bridge benches

Here's another view of the Pont de Rennes in Rochester. I've shown you the bridge from another angle, here is what it looks like when you're walking across. You won't find a car on this bridge, so it's a relaxing walk and if you need a little rest there are plenty of strategically placed benches where you can sit a spell and take in the view. Photo taken in September 2011.

Cosmic

A closer look at a bunch of cosmos on the Batavia golf course. It was a fun course to play and all the beautiful plants and flowers made it even more enjoyable. Photo taken in September 2011. To see more flowers from around the world, visit Today's Flowers.

Mysterious times

This is the Times Square building located in downtown Rochester, NY. According to wikipedia, construction began on this structure on October 29, 1929 - the day the stock market crashed. I guess that wasn't a very auspicious beginning to one of Rochester's most well-known landmarks. These days you'd be hard-pressed to find a Rochesterite who wouldn't recognize the aluminum "Wings of Progress", but for those of us visiting from elsewhere, the mystery remains. Photo taken in September 2011.