[Leica] IMG: From the Airport

[jhnichols at lighttube.net (Jim Nichols)]

I left the house with rainy day gear because of threatening weather, the 
Oly E-1 with ZD 35/3.5 lens.  The ball game was called off, so I stopped 
by the airport, where folks were waiting for jumpers to start appearing 
from the threatening clouds.  We could occasionally see the Twin Otter 
jump plane as it reached jump altitude, so I hiked out to the landing 
zone, while watching dark clouds and rain approaching from the west.

The first to land was a bright orange and white chute.  You may note 
that the skies get progressively darker with each image.

http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/P6046088fm_filtered.tif.html

The first of three tandem jumpers passed overhead.

http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/P6046096fm_filtered.tif.html

The second tandem pair made a nice approach and landing.

http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/P6046100fm.tif.html

The third tandem pair appear to be the same ones I posted a few days 
ago, with the big smile.  The smile is still there.

http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/P6046110fm_filtered.tif.html

These jumpers savored the moment as the chute settled to the ground.

http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/P6046112fm_filtered.tif.html

With the rain getting closer, the folks loaded up for the trip back to 
the hangar.  First, the "Gator", that  picks up any that land some 
distance away.  No need for that today.

http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/P6046113fm.tif.html

Next, the main transport cart and canopy trailer.

http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/P6046117fm.tif.html

As I headed toward my car, I noted an airplane with strange gear 
attached, resembling the surveillance gear often seen on military 
helicopters.  I snapped a couple of images.  Some online searching told 
me that this was an FBI surveillance aircraft, operated by a "front" 
company in Virginia.

http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/P6046119fm.tif.html

As soon as I reached my vehicle, the clouds cut loose.

All with the Oly E-1 and ZD 35/3.5 at ISO 400

Comments and critiques welcomed and appreciated.

-- 
Jim Nichols
Tullahoma, TN USA