Milestones in Flight

Milestones in Flight, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

So much history in just one photo. From left to right are:

Charles Lindberg's "The Spirit of St. Louis" which was the first aircraft to fly solo from New York to Paris.

Scaled Composites "Space Ship One" which is a rocket powered aircraft that made the first privately funded space flight.

Bell Aircraft's X-1 rocket plane in which US Air Force pilot Charles "Chuck" Yeager first exceeded the speed of sound on October 14, 1947.

Divine Illumination

Divine Illumination, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

We arrived at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. fairly early and the sun was still at a fairly low angle. Sunlight was casting beautiful colored light beams across the Cathedral's marble floors which are already quite striking. I was told by one of the priests that had we shown up a couple of hours later, the light changes quite a bit and is in no way this dramatic. I really want to return here the next time I visit.

The Space Shuttle Enterprise 2

The Space Shuttle Enterprise 2, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

As I was walking around the space hanger, I noticed a flight of stairs with a platform at the top that was 15-20 feet above the floor. There wasn't a sign that said "Museum Staff Only" so I decided to go up there and take another HDR series from there. The Udvar Hazy Center does not allow tripods but I was able to use my gorillapod without anyone objecting.

The Space Shuttle Enterprise

The Space Shuttle Enterprise, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

I was amazed when Kathy and I first entered the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport. Directly before us was the incredible SR-71 Blackbird and in the distance beyond was the Space Shuttle Enterprise. Being a big fan of space flight, I just couldn't believe I was actually standing in front of this incredible (and huge) piece of American history.

This was the first Space Shuttle orbiter vehicle. It was built for flight test in the atmosphere and never flew in space. It was carried to a launch altitude on the back of a specially modified 747 where it was released and then it glided down to land at Edwards Air Force Base.

The Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery

The Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., was dedicated on May 15, 1920. While many ceremonies are conducted throughout the country, many consider the services at Arlington's Memorial Amphitheater to be the nation's official ceremonies to honor all American service members who serve to keep the United States free.

Natural History Museum - Washington DC

Natural History Museum - Washington DC, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The central rotunda of the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington DC.

B-29 Enola Gay

B-29 Enola Gay, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This aircraft dropped the first of two atomic bombs that were used against the Empire of Japan and is credited with helping to end World War II. The bomb from this aircraft was dropped on the City of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. The Japanese government unconditionally surrendered 8 days later. Between 90,000 to 140,000 people are estimated to have been killed in the aftermath of the Hiroshima attack.

Ex Nihilo

Ex Nihilo, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

American master sculptor Frederick Hart's "Ex Nihilo" (Out of Nothing) tympana from the National Cathedral in Washington DC.

Hallway

Hallway, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Brightly lit hallway leading to the gift shop in the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington DC.

Ethereal Light

Ethereal Light, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Amazing morning light in the National Cathedral in Washington DC. Kathy led me on a 2 mile, uphill death march from our hotel but wow was it worth it. There were very few people there, the light was amazing and best of all they allow tripods to be used inside!