I am Mike McDonald. Been around surveying and surveyors most of my life since about 1975 at Oregon State. I spent my "in training" time in Oregon, but after my Civil PE arrived in 1984 worked for cities in AZ and KS. Retired now.
My current surveying interest is making sense of the various parts of several Plane Table Alidade systems over the years. Link is to one box nearly "as issued".
Seeing a lot of places I know and a few names I recognize here. Seems a lot of useful info with minimal drama!
Welcome to the group. Have a nephew who works in Leavenworth at the federal penitentiary.
USP Leavenworth is basically across the street from my house. So many stories have not been told. Been inside once for lunch with Rotary Club years ago (the Warden was a member), and to the Wardens Offices three or so times to talk about road projects adjacent to the facility. One of my coworkers when in private practice surveyed one of the old cell blocks before and during the renovation to modern facilities. He said he was really-really glad when that job was over!
Welcome! I also started surveying in the mid-1970s (probably 1977). Got licensed in 2 states but am now retired. I've been with this forum for several iterations over probably 15+ years. It is a wealth of knowledge.