When you live in the wide open spaces of Wyoming, transportation is important.
Our towns here in Yellowstone Country are certainly small enough that you can walk from end to end. Riding horseback is still a way of life, and the bicycles and motorcycles coexist just fine.
But let’s face it: We love our cars and trucks. While we don’t compare to a place like Alaska where it seems every other person flies, there is more than our share of private pilots and small airstrips around here.
Open landscapes add to the great air show.
This weekend I intend to accept a standing offer from a “pilot acquaintance” who has been after me to go flying in his single-engine Piper Dakota. My plan is to meet him Saturday morning at the Cody Yellowstone Regional Airport where he keeps his plane. While I know any direction is okay with him, I want to make the short flight to Powell. This will be a simple flight with no special tricks, unlike what we will see later that morning.
The air show is always spectacular at Wings 'N Wheels.
You see, this Saturday is Powell’s Annual Wings ‘N Wheels Fly-in & Car Show at the Powell Municipal Airport. Plane and car owners will be displaying their vehicles, most of which have been restored or customized. There are great photos on the website of vintage cars and planes positioned next to each other on the runway.
Vintage automobiles are popular at Wings 'N Wheels.
The owners of the cars and planes are proud of their vehicles and always happy to discuss them. These aficionados enjoy each other’s company, share information and generally just love talking about engines, wings and wheel covers.
Breakfast starts at 7 a.m., and I really want to be there early enough so that I am ready for the car show at 9 a.m. followed by the air show at 10 a.m. At 2 p.m. trophies will be presented, and we will reluctantly depart until next year.
Cars of all makes and models are displayed with pride.
If you can make it, please head to Powell on Saturday and look for me. I will be the one negotiating with the Corvette owners to buy one of their cars.
In the meantime, I am lovin’ life – and tipping my wings at everyone on the ground – in Cody, Wyo.