Due to construction the 2023 #343run was moved from I94 near Afton Minnesota to across the river on highway 35 south of Hudson and north of River Falls Wisconsin. Attendees assembled on Monday evening 9/11/23 on the Tower and Coulee Road overpasses as the parade went south from Hudson towards River Falls before returning to the north. In addition to the various EMS, Fire, Rescue, Police, Sheriff, Highway Patrol and other first responders, an Air Force/National Guard C130 Cargo plane made two low “tactical” passes along the #343run route.
Pictures Over Stillwater Coverage of 2019 #343 9/11 Tribute
The following still and video images are from the 2019 #343 9/11 tribute event which has been held for several years. The event takes place on an overpass above Interstate 94 (I94) in eastern Minnesota (West Lakeland and Afton) near the Wisconsin (Hudson) border for 24 hours on 9/11.
This volunteer event has participants waving american flags as people head west during the morning rush hour towards twin cities Minneapolis St. Paul area along with others throughout the day. There is also a parade of first responders that starts to the east in Hudson Wisconsin crossing the St. Croix River passing under the overpass west bound then circling back over the bridge (Stagecoach road).
Mid-Afternoon view of Stagecoach Overpass looking to the north
A Black Hawk Helicopter does a fly by before the evening parade
First Responders Circle Back over I94 on Stagecoach Road
Westbound I94 Traffic entering Minnesota being Greeted
Looking East Towards Wisconsin Welcoming West Bound I94 Traffic
View of Stonebridge Overpass looking north shortly before parade
In addition to our SmugMug online store, we also have a FineArtAmerica site where you can shop, buy prints, puzzles, wall art and other items.
When in downtown Stillwater, visit our partner Smith + Trade Mercantile where you can buy Pictures Over Stillwater aerial photography postcards among other items.
Proud Member Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
Pictures Over Stillwater is involved with Community Education presenting UAV UAS Drone classes at various venues around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area as well as online. Classes for 2024 have been added for Minneapolis and Stillwater. Click on the following to learn more as well as links for registrations, times and locations.
Got a Drone for Christmas or know somebody who did? Did you or somebody you known get a drone for Christmas or as another gift? Here’s a link to a great information video from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about knowing what to do before you fly your new drone. Step one is registering it, then knowing the rules of the road and airspace among other tips.
FAA Holiday Drone Messaging, Know Before You Fly
Pictures Over Stillwater Back To School Fall 2019 Drones For Non Dummies Community Education
Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) “drones” are growing in popularity and capabilities. Drones are used by recreational hobbyist, commercial, non-profit, government, and public safety agencies. If you or somebody you know have a drone, want one or need to learn more about them, these course are for you (or them).
Fall 2019 – 2020 School Year Courses
For the fall 2019 – 2020 school year, the following Community Education courses are being offered via Stillwater Area Public Schools.
Monday September 16, 2019 5:30-7:30 PM – Drones for Non-Dummies
Drones for Non-Dummies is a introductory beginner course offered at Stillwater Area Public High School Pony Activity Center (PAC) G113. Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) “drones” are growing in popularity and capabilities.
Drones are used by recreational hobbyist, commercial, non-profit, government, and public safety agencies. If you or somebody you know have a drone, want one or need to learn more about them, this course is for you.
You will learn about basic drone safety, rules of the road and air, registration, certification, license, drone types, when, how and where to fly (or avoid). Bring your drone as a guest to participate in the discussions. Students ages 12-17 are welcome to attend with an adult.
Don’t be a dummy, learn to fly drones safely. Learn more and register for the beginner introductory Drones for Non-Dummies course here.
Pony Stadium Drones for Non-Dummies Demo Flight
Monday September 30, 2019 5:30-7:30 PM – Drones for Non-Dummies – Beyond the Basics
Drones for Non-Dummies Beyond the basics course is offered at Stillwater Area Public High School Pony Activity Center (PAC) G115. Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) “drones” are growing in popularity and capabilities.
This course moves beyond the basics looking at drone decision making, flight planning, how to prepare for your FAA Part 107 among other certifications.
Also covered are basic tools, simulators, apps, cameras, commercial considerations, new and emerging regulations, insurance, practical tips, techniques, trends to be aware of. Weather permitting drone demonstration flights may be held. Students ages 12-17 are welcome to attend with an adult. Don’t be a dummy, learn to fly drones safely.
Don’t be a dummy, learn to fly drones safely. Learn more and register for the beyond the basics Drones for Non-Dummies course here.
Wednesday October 9, 2019 6:00-8:00 PM – Drone Aerial Photography and Video
Drones for Non-Dummies Drone Aerial Photography and Video course is offered at Stillwater Area Public High School Pony Activity Center (PAC) G113. Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) “drones” are growing in popularity and capabilities.
This course is for those who want to learn more about drone based aerial photography and video (recreational and commercial). Topics covered include rules of the road for aerial photography and video, license and registration, where to fly (and not fly), flight planning and weather, autonomous and manual modes, equipment, hardware, software and other tools.
Additional topics include what type of drone and camera equipment are best as well as accessories, along with post processing tools. Students aged 12-17 may attend with an adult. Weather permitting a demonstration flight will be flown.
The following are various aerial photos from the Crusin on St. Croix Car Show downtown Stillwater during summer months. Learn more about Crusin on St. Croix Car show on their website here.
Click On Above Image To View More From Previous Withrow Events
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) traveling scale model of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial visited the St. Croix River valley spending a few days in Stillwater.
The traveling wall arrived in Stillwater on July 23, 2019 at the Old Athletic Fields with an escort of EMS, Fire, Police, Sheriff, State Patrol, veterans and other area organizations. The escort went from Lakeland and Afton up the valley through Bayport, Oak Park Heights (see the video and images below). day Stillwater St Croix Valley Visit. Learn more about the VVMF and The Wall That Heals at their site vvmf.org
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Stillwater St Croix Valley Visit
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Stillwater St Croix Valley Visit
Click on above image to view more photos of the traveling Memorial
Various still and video images from July 27, 2019 Inaugural Run Stillwater St Croix Crossing 5K and Half Marathon. The event started at 7AM in Houlton Wisconsin with runners finishing in downtown Stillwater via new St. Croix River Crossings Bridge.
Inaugural Run Stillwater St Croix Crossing 5K Half Marathon
Click on above image to view more Run Stillwater items
Twin Cities Drone Aerial Sunrise Sunset Night Views
This page post is focused on twin cities drone aerial sunrise sunset night views including still photography along with videos. Most of the aerial sunrise sunset night views are from around the twin cities metro area there are a few from around Minnesota, Western Wisconsin and North Dakota.
New for 2021 northside of Stillwater Lift Bridge Lit Up
Hyperlapse time lapse downtown Stillwater Minnesota
Ice Maze From Construction Until Gone
Winter Week In Stillwater Minnesota Aerial Views Aerial Night View Ice Maze Stillwater Zephyr Theatre
Flying unmanned air systems (UAS), also known as unmanned air vehicles (UAV), aka Drones early morning and evening as well as night, has many challenges and opportunities.
The opportunities include capturing sunrise and sunsets from different vantage points in some cases when the air is calmer, clearer, and with fewer clouds. Likewise, there is less traffic (people, vehicles, and birds, or at least sometimes) than in the daytime, and, if configured properly, you can see your aircraft further. On the other hand, challenges include not seeing everything in the dark, other drones in the area that are not properly lit, or authorized to be in the airspace.
A challenge for hobby/recreational flyers who are not looking to go out and take photos and then sell them is getting night access to controlled airspace. For hobby and recreational drone operators whose intent is to go out and capture photos or videos to post and sell or promote, you should get your FAA part 107 certificate and then your daylight waiver. If you are already part 107, take the next step and get a daylight waiver so you can fly at night.
On the other hand, if you are looking to hire or have somebody do night time drone photos or videos, engage with a professional who is FAA Part 107.29 (daylight waiver), as well as MnDOT Aeronautics licensed, registered, insured and experienced. The key for nighttime, early morning, and evening drone flying is mitigating risk, being prepared, flying smart, and safe.
A couple of other tips and reminders include the night is considered the time from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. Maintain situational awareness of your drone’s altitude, direction, where it is, and where it is going while maintaining a visual line of sight (e.g., not staring at your phone). Another tip is to have high visibility lights that can be seen from several miles away. The lights help you see your drone and for others to see it (if they are watching). When you are going to fly at night, or even early morning or evening, get to know the area ahead of time while it is light out, where are trees, powerlines, and other obstacles.
The reason I mention the above is that having an FAA part 107.29 daylight waiver as well as being MnDOT licensed drone operator is to demystify and provide insight into night drone flying. If you want to know more about night drone operations or how to get your daylight waiver as well as airspace authorizations and related topics, get in touch with us.
Its Sale Time, Black Friday Before and Beyond
It’s here, Our Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Sunday Savings, Cyber Monday, Townie Tuesday, Wednesday Wall of Savings and, Thank You Thursday sale is going on now. We have stock images from around, on the ground and above the Stillwater, St Croix River Valley, Western Wisconsin, Twin Cities and adjacent areas. Browse, Shop, Buy and enjoy savings of 30% (or more) on Prints, Mounts and Wall Art including Metal prints from Tuesday November 24 through Tuesday December 1, 2020 at our online store (here).
Above, early November fall colors downtown Stillwater Minnesota with call waters of the St Croix river reflections of old and new bridges. Below sunrise downtown St. Paul Minnesota.
Late Fall Downtown Stillwater Lights Sunset Night Flight Views
Stillwater Friday Night Lights
Downtown Stillwater Sunset Opera On The River (view more here)
Washington County Fair Ground Sunset Views
Night View Washington County Fair
Stillwater Fireworks View From Wisconsin (view more here)
The following are various still and video images of the Stillwater St Croix River Valley World Tai Chi Day 2019 event held April 27, 2019 on the terrace of Stillwater Public Library. Images and UAS / UAV / Drone operations were conducted with permissions of Stillwater Public Library and event organizers.
Click on above Image to View More from 2019 Stillwater Tai Chi Day
Click here to view samples of some of the post cards available via our online self service store along with other items including prints, wall art and more.
In addition to our SmugMug online store, we also have a FineArtAmerica site where you can shop, buy prints, puzzles, wall art and other items.
When in downtown Stillwater, visit our partner Smith + Trade Mercantile where you can buy Pictures Over Stillwater aerial photography postcards among other items.
Proud Member Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 Visits Lake Elmo Washington County St Croix Valley. The UP Big Boy is one of if not the largest still operating steam locomotives in the world weighing in at over one million pounds.
Union Pacific Big Boy Visits St Croix Valley
The following video and still images show the Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 visiting Lake Elmo Minnesota in Washington County before crossing the St. Croix River at Hudson continuing on to other destinations in Wisconsin.
Click on above image to view more images of UP Big Boy 4014
Learn more about Steam power and UP Big Boy via the following links
