Wright Brothers National Memorial 5/28/2011 Part 1

We visited the Wright Brothers National Memorial today. Oregon Inlet Campground is located on Bodie Island.  We drove north about 15 miles to Kill Devil Hill, where the memorial is. The cost for adults was $4 each.

After visiting the Visitor Center where there were many exhibits, we walked out to the markers where the brothers flew their first engine powered airplane.

The 2nd flight was a bit further.

The 3rd further still.

The 4th was much further. We didn't walk to the furthest spot, but it flew 59 seconds to 852 feet. ( You can see the marker in the picture).

In the other direction we look up the hill where the memorial sits on the hill. When the brothers came to fly their plane, this whole area was nothing but sand. They use the sand dune hill to try their first glider airplane.

In this picture, you can see the replica of a hanger and the camp where the brothers stayed while in Kill Devils Hill to work on their air craft. Behind the replica's is the Visitor Center.

After watching a 40 minute movie on the Wright brothers we drove half way up the hill and parked. Then we walked up the hill to the monument.

The temperature was 83 degrees today.

But there was a really great breeze! ( Why the Wright Brothers came from Dayton, Ohio to The Outer Banks to try out their new inventions.

Looking down the hill from the monument where the brothers try their first glide plane. You can see the ocean off in the distance to the north.

You definitely want to climb the hill for the views.

Looking east to the Atlantic, with the town of Kills Devil Hill along the ocean.

Orville Wright

Wilbur Wright

We climbed back down the hill to a picnic area and had our sack lunch.

Enjoying lunch in the shade.

After lunch, we drove around to the back of the hill and parked.

To the back of the monument is a replica of their plane.

Joe wanted to play on the plane.

Joe climbs up with Wilbur.

Or maybe it's Orville. ( The Visitor Center told us you could climb on the plane with the brother if you wanted)

So Joe is like a big kid in a candy store.

We clap as they take flight.

And of course, I have to give the photographer some tips!

This is a picture of how the area would look, with out all the grass, walkways, and people.

See why I had to give him some tips.