Small regional airport entrance sign surrounded by green grass and trees.
Rural airport facility with hangars and runway visible under bright blue skies.
Agricultural landscape with tall grain silos and evergreen trees against cloudy sky.
Residential houses set on rolling green hills with mature trees and landscaping.

As I step into what promises to be a jam-packed week, I’ve decided to document this trip day-by-day—both as a way to share the journey and to remind myself that even in work, there’s space for wonder.


Today kicked off with an early flight out of Orlando, bound for Chicago O’Hare. After touching down, I made the scenic drive north to Greenwood, Illinois, where the mission begins: a simulator installation at JB Aviation. It’s always a rewarding challenge—equal parts precision, patience, and purpose.

Rural landscape with red barns and farm buildings under dramatic cloudy skies.
Traditional red barn buildings and silos nestled among trees in a pastoral countryside setting.
Tall concrete silo stands next to a classic red barn against a stormy blue sky.
Wire fence stretches across green farmland with trees in the background.

 

But as always, I keep one eye open for the little gems in between.

 

Aerial view of a waterfront town with boats, docks and buildings along the shoreline.
Boats and docks line a marina waterway surrounded by lush green trees.
Aerial panorama of an urban area showing streets, buildings and green spaces.
Bird's eye view of downtown buildings and parking lots near a waterfront.
Historic red brick building with striped awnings stands on a corner under blue sky in downtown McHenry.
Vibrant outdoor mural depicting a green pastoral landscape with rainbow adorns the side of a brick building.
Two-story commercial building with vintage-style billboard on white wall during sunset.
Classic small-town main street corner with colonial architecture and decorative lamp post.
Two historic brick commercial buildings with large windows and parked car on street at dusk.
Corner brick building with decorative street lamps and power lines against dramatic evening sky.
Historic brick storefront buildings with parked cars along urban street at sunset.
Gothic revival church with white stone walls and blue spires photographed at dusk.
Neon signs illuminate the exterior of a dark brick building at night.

After a long day of hands-on work, I wrapped up the evening in the charming town of McHenry, Illinois. A stop at a local spot for deep-dish pizza quickly turned into a moment of quiet reflection as I walked along McHenry’s riverwalk. The Fox River winds peacefully through the town, casting golden hour reflections that any photographer would be drawn to.

Stone entrance sign for McHenry Riverwalk with water feature and landscaping.
Overhead map display showing layout of McHenry Riverwalk area and attractions.
Riverside restaurant with outdoor upper deck seating area surrounded by green trees.
Curved brick walkway along a tranquil waterfront with decorative metal spheres and white posts at sunset.
Panoramic view of a lakeside walkway with metal sculptures and docks during golden hour.
Peaceful waterfront scene with ducks swimming near a landscaped shoreline and residential buildings.
Waterfront path with decorative metal orbs and rock barriers along a calm lake.
Curved brick promenade with ornamental lighting and rock barriers along a scenic waterfront.

McHenry, originally settled in the 1830s, was named after Major William McHenry, a veteran of the Black Hawk War. It quickly became a hub for agriculture and commerce in northern Illinois. Over time, the town grew into a lively community that still carries echoes of its frontier past in its architecture and layout—making it a picturesque stop even today.

With camera in hand and fresh pizza in my belly, I’m closing out day one feeling inspired. Check back tomorrow as this week of aviation, tech, and storytelling continues—one town, one frame, one flight at a time.

Flight simulator training facility with multiple screens and control stations in a modern classroom setting.
Aviation training room with flight simulator stations and multiple display monitors.

A special thank you to Justin at JB Aviation for the warm welcome and helpfulness throughout this install. Your support made a long day smoother, and I’m already looking forward to the next one.


See you again soon!