While I'm enjoying my time and friends here in Atlanta, my feet are itching and Path is tugging at his tie downs, anxious to be flying. We were ready to go yesterday, but predicted rain came with ceilings too low for flying. I could have considered a late start but circumstances came into play. There are IFR conditions this morning, but I am confident that, like yesterday, the clouds will rise and I'll be on my way East.
I did get my "states landed in" map updated, but it sized funny. Blogs do not always do what we want them to do!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
At Home in Atlanta
I was welcomed into my friends home like family. He and his wife and adorable daughter have shown me Atlanta and introduced me to never-to-be-forgotten restaurants. Watch out! Much more of this and I'll be over gross in Path!
A tour of the Coca Cola museum where I learned the beverage was invented here, and the corporate offices remain. A great tour and if you should get the chance, well worth the $16.00 - $14.00 for seniors - love those discounts! One of the best parts was the tasting room - the chance to wander about, cup in hand, dispensing tastes of Coke products from around the world. Italy - awful bitter taste - yuck! England - lovely citrus. Brazil - peachy goodness. Other countries varied from deadly sweet, to not bad.
These bottles were done to commemorate the Olympic Games held in Atlanta.
After the tour we went to a delicatessen for lunch/dinner and, are you ready for this, they had a machine that dispensed 106 flavors of coke products! I had Coke Zero orange, raspberry and lime! Too bad more places aren't the home of Coca Cola.
Atlanta is also the home of CNN.
Tomorrow its off for stop in South Carolina then on to First Field in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina - the home of powered flight. I can hardly wait to stand on the very spot where that flight originated.
I'll end the days flying in Virgina to meet my twin niece and nephew.
Almost forgot! The article came out in the online Picayune Item. If you want to read about it.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Ramped, Clouded and Welcomed
Thursday AM.
Ready to depart from Picayune, MS. With a major reminder of Washington the fog has moved in and I wait. Andy (The airport manager) and Dianna the office manager ask the usual question "Where are you from?" With the help of a handy US wall map I point out my starting point in WA and my route through the south, up the coast, and across to MN. They made the mistake of talking aviation, so I told them many of my stories and about my flying adventures from the past. Next thing I knew Andy had called the local newspaper and a reporter arrived to interview me and take pictures. 15 minutes of fame.
10:30. Finally! Holes! I'm pre-flighting and a man approaches, thinking he is just been sent out to meet me, I greet him and am surprised when he reaches out his hand and flips open a wallet...displaying a shiny gold shield! That wallet flip was just like in the movies, he must have practiced to get it so good. I was being ramp checked! The look on his face was priceless when I responded with "Oh boy! I'm being Ramped!" For those who are not pilots, let me clue you in - being ramped is a thing to be feared. The FAA can ground a plane or pilot for many reasons. This man required that I show him my pilots license, proof of current medical, and a variety of paperwork for the plane - registration, certification, etc. He then walked around the plane for an inspection. Should he have found anything amiss at any point - the trip would be been over or seriously delayed. I cheerfully provided all that was required and exalted in having, finally, after 8 years of holding it, having the opportunity to show my license.
Leaving MS I planned to go to Florida, but flying over the top out did not find predicted clear skies to the east, so I abandoned FL and turned northward into Alabama. Found some good holes and under I went - finding myself lower than would be prudent in places with hills, so I landed at the first airport I reached in Elba, AL - Foley field 14J. Met by the nicest bunch of southern gentlemen who could not believe my desire to stay in their pilot lounge for the night. I think the need to provide hospitality was making them crazy. I however, being a veteran of pilot lounges enjoyed the free accommodations and an opportunity to relax and read..no internet available though my Android tried and tried.
Friday AM.
I succumbed to an invitation to go to breakfast at a local cafe where I enjoyed good conversation, grits and biscuits. Yes,grits are very good.
My breakfast companion, TJ and his adorable dog, Slim.
Slim is ready to go!
Lifted off at 9:30, after taking time for a long walk. Saw tons of green and growing and did not recognize a single plant and the only familiar tree a pine. The dirt at Folsom is red, just under a layer of white beach sand. Lots of these ant hills with red ants the same color as the dirt and very tiny. Looked a lot like home, at first but the differences are there in plenty.
Folsom Field
My next stop is Molton 06A, in Tuskegee, AL. Arrived at 10:20. Molton field is where the airmen learned to fly. Piloting my own Path onto that ground was a feeling I cannot find words to describe. Again, I was greeted like a missing relative and told to "make myself at home." I know I've mentioned this a lot, but the level of welcome here in the south is worth expounding upon. The museum doesn't have much in the way of things, but the telling of the story is done imaginatively and with recordings of the actual pilots, instructors and mechanics. The museum is housed in the old original hangar and again, I felt moved to walk where those long ago young men and women did.
On to Atlanta, Georgia, Fulton County Field FTY. To be honest, I was a bit apprehensive to fly into this highly congested area, not being at all familiar. Atlanta approach was accommodating, and Fulton appeared out of the clutter of buildings, roads, river and a huge amusement park as if highlighted. I noted that for the first time in days, there are small mountains, well hills, but easily visible above surrounding terrain. Touchdown 1:00 pm. Weather is cool, I'll be wearing jeans tomorrow. Hate to admit it but I'm ...missing rain! Will be here in Atlanta for the weekend at least, exploring this city that from what I've seen so far, is going to be an eyeful.
Ready to depart from Picayune, MS. With a major reminder of Washington the fog has moved in and I wait. Andy (The airport manager) and Dianna the office manager ask the usual question "Where are you from?" With the help of a handy US wall map I point out my starting point in WA and my route through the south, up the coast, and across to MN. They made the mistake of talking aviation, so I told them many of my stories and about my flying adventures from the past. Next thing I knew Andy had called the local newspaper and a reporter arrived to interview me and take pictures. 15 minutes of fame.
10:30. Finally! Holes! I'm pre-flighting and a man approaches, thinking he is just been sent out to meet me, I greet him and am surprised when he reaches out his hand and flips open a wallet...displaying a shiny gold shield! That wallet flip was just like in the movies, he must have practiced to get it so good. I was being ramp checked! The look on his face was priceless when I responded with "Oh boy! I'm being Ramped!" For those who are not pilots, let me clue you in - being ramped is a thing to be feared. The FAA can ground a plane or pilot for many reasons. This man required that I show him my pilots license, proof of current medical, and a variety of paperwork for the plane - registration, certification, etc. He then walked around the plane for an inspection. Should he have found anything amiss at any point - the trip would be been over or seriously delayed. I cheerfully provided all that was required and exalted in having, finally, after 8 years of holding it, having the opportunity to show my license.
Leaving MS I planned to go to Florida, but flying over the top out did not find predicted clear skies to the east, so I abandoned FL and turned northward into Alabama. Found some good holes and under I went - finding myself lower than would be prudent in places with hills, so I landed at the first airport I reached in Elba, AL - Foley field 14J. Met by the nicest bunch of southern gentlemen who could not believe my desire to stay in their pilot lounge for the night. I think the need to provide hospitality was making them crazy. I however, being a veteran of pilot lounges enjoyed the free accommodations and an opportunity to relax and read..no internet available though my Android tried and tried.
Friday AM.
I succumbed to an invitation to go to breakfast at a local cafe where I enjoyed good conversation, grits and biscuits. Yes,grits are very good.
My breakfast companion, TJ and his adorable dog, Slim.
Slim is ready to go!
Lifted off at 9:30, after taking time for a long walk. Saw tons of green and growing and did not recognize a single plant and the only familiar tree a pine. The dirt at Folsom is red, just under a layer of white beach sand. Lots of these ant hills with red ants the same color as the dirt and very tiny. Looked a lot like home, at first but the differences are there in plenty.
Folsom Field
My next stop is Molton 06A, in Tuskegee, AL. Arrived at 10:20. Molton field is where the airmen learned to fly. Piloting my own Path onto that ground was a feeling I cannot find words to describe. Again, I was greeted like a missing relative and told to "make myself at home." I know I've mentioned this a lot, but the level of welcome here in the south is worth expounding upon. The museum doesn't have much in the way of things, but the telling of the story is done imaginatively and with recordings of the actual pilots, instructors and mechanics. The museum is housed in the old original hangar and again, I felt moved to walk where those long ago young men and women did.
On to Atlanta, Georgia, Fulton County Field FTY. To be honest, I was a bit apprehensive to fly into this highly congested area, not being at all familiar. Atlanta approach was accommodating, and Fulton appeared out of the clutter of buildings, roads, river and a huge amusement park as if highlighted. I noted that for the first time in days, there are small mountains, well hills, but easily visible above surrounding terrain. Touchdown 1:00 pm. Weather is cool, I'll be wearing jeans tomorrow. Hate to admit it but I'm ...missing rain! Will be here in Atlanta for the weekend at least, exploring this city that from what I've seen so far, is going to be an eyeful.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Saying Goodbye to Texas
This morning had to wait for overcast to clear! I guess morning clouds can find me anywhere. Lifted off at 7:45 with a ground temp of 90. At 6,000 temp a comfortable 65 and the holes are getting bigger.
Houston. 10:45
What a thrill to be flying over this city I’ve heard about in story and song. Talked to Houston approach and requested a transition right over the George Bush International airport IAH.
Approaching Houston the terrain started to change. Rivers with water, several large lakes. Heavy haze so I determine to fly lower hoping for better visibility. It worked, with haze clearing as I descended over the next 60 nm onto Hawthorne 45R in Silsbe TX. Hawthorne offered a challenging direct cross wind of 11 gusting to 14. On the ground, waiting to greet me was Alton. A wonderful southern gentleman with a quick sense of humor. Escorting me to the office he told me some of his story and eagerly encouraged me to stay and visit awhile. I took longer than I’d planned, because I could not resist getting to know Alton, just a bit. He worked for years as an emergency dispatcher, but his muscular myopathy rendered his hands unable to type. He could no longer perform the service he took pride in. But while challenged, he is not the least bit despondent . Instead he makes the best of things and is learning about planes working at the airport. Flying away I found myself wishing I had decided to change my goal for the day and simply spend the afternoon in Hawthorne. I’m going to have to learn to relax and not be so focused on daily distance goals, but rather embrace opportunities that arise.
Thank you Alton, for brightening my afternoon!
12:35 Louisiana.
Flying at 4,000, a comfy 70 degrees and just a bit of bounce. The terrain is all green trees, rivers and lakes. I’m aware that I feel more comfortable over this terrain, and realize it’s more like home in Washington. Just before making a stop at St Landry Parish OPL in Opelousas farms begin to pop up.
It's thrilling to spot Lake Pontchartrain, and fly past Baton Rouge. New territory!
2:40 Mississippi.
Picayune MJD is located just outside town of same name. A beautiful airport with another southern gentlemen that zips out on the golf cart to fuel my plane $5.20 a gallon. Not as good as Hondo’s $4.75, but still good for these times. Humid and upper 70’s. I’m handed the keys to a grand old Lincoln Towncar with a good air conditioner. With directions and a town map I find a motel with a pool and am happily settled in after a beautiful day of flying.
Houston. 10:45
What a thrill to be flying over this city I’ve heard about in story and song. Talked to Houston approach and requested a transition right over the George Bush International airport IAH.
Approaching Houston the terrain started to change. Rivers with water, several large lakes. Heavy haze so I determine to fly lower hoping for better visibility. It worked, with haze clearing as I descended over the next 60 nm onto Hawthorne 45R in Silsbe TX. Hawthorne offered a challenging direct cross wind of 11 gusting to 14. On the ground, waiting to greet me was Alton. A wonderful southern gentleman with a quick sense of humor. Escorting me to the office he told me some of his story and eagerly encouraged me to stay and visit awhile. I took longer than I’d planned, because I could not resist getting to know Alton, just a bit. He worked for years as an emergency dispatcher, but his muscular myopathy rendered his hands unable to type. He could no longer perform the service he took pride in. But while challenged, he is not the least bit despondent . Instead he makes the best of things and is learning about planes working at the airport. Flying away I found myself wishing I had decided to change my goal for the day and simply spend the afternoon in Hawthorne. I’m going to have to learn to relax and not be so focused on daily distance goals, but rather embrace opportunities that arise.
Thank you Alton, for brightening my afternoon!12:35 Louisiana.
Flying at 4,000, a comfy 70 degrees and just a bit of bounce. The terrain is all green trees, rivers and lakes. I’m aware that I feel more comfortable over this terrain, and realize it’s more like home in Washington. Just before making a stop at St Landry Parish OPL in Opelousas farms begin to pop up.
It's thrilling to spot Lake Pontchartrain, and fly past Baton Rouge. New territory!
2:40 Mississippi.
Picayune MJD is located just outside town of same name. A beautiful airport with another southern gentlemen that zips out on the golf cart to fuel my plane $5.20 a gallon. Not as good as Hondo’s $4.75, but still good for these times. Humid and upper 70’s. I’m handed the keys to a grand old Lincoln Towncar with a good air conditioner. With directions and a town map I find a motel with a pool and am happily settled in after a beautiful day of flying.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Observations on Texas
What I know of this state I gleaned from movies and novels. I’d never been here before. At the end of day 2.5 I’ve learned some new things and had a few old beliefs reinforced.
Old
They really do say “Ya-All”.
Very proud of their State.
A state with many fewer rules and regulations than say, Washington.
There are no cowboys. I always pictured them walking around everywhere..sigh.
New
Hill country does have hills and it is beautiful.
This is NOT cattle country. I saw huge herds of…goats. Yes, goats! Saw maybe 15 cattle in two days.
Rivers and creeks very seldom have any water in them.
The Killing Fields
Many ranches here are “hunting camps.” Huge tracts of land with 12 -15 foot fences behind which are herds of grazing animals referred to as “exotics”. I’m pretty sure I saw Springbok, and definitely Thompson Gazelles behind those fences. Visited the web site of one of these places and learned they offer many of the herd animals seen in Africa including zebra and wildebeest. They have pictures of the proud hunters posing with their victims. Each picture includes the fee to “hunt” that animal. Thompsons $4,500 and up. Springbok only $3,500 and up. The hunting is done from jeeps driven down smoothly paved roads, or from blinds as the animals eat from their feeding stations nearby. Yes, I have strong opinions about this sport as I do not consider it sport at any level. Nor would I call it hunting.
On the cheerful side is a unique sculpture and art gallery that sits on acres of winding roads through the hills near Johnson City . All they ask is that you stop at the office which houses indoor sculpture and paintings, to sign the guest book. They refused any donation and three of the artists were there to answer questions and humbly accept our enthusiastic comments on their work.
Turbulence
Caliche.
This is a native stone that is extremely popular for facing buildings, building fences and gate posts. Here is an example.
Old
They really do say “Ya-All”.
Very proud of their State.
A state with many fewer rules and regulations than say, Washington.
There are no cowboys. I always pictured them walking around everywhere..sigh.
New
Hill country does have hills and it is beautiful.
This is NOT cattle country. I saw huge herds of…goats. Yes, goats! Saw maybe 15 cattle in two days.
Rivers and creeks very seldom have any water in them.
The Killing Fields
Many ranches here are “hunting camps.” Huge tracts of land with 12 -15 foot fences behind which are herds of grazing animals referred to as “exotics”. I’m pretty sure I saw Springbok, and definitely Thompson Gazelles behind those fences. Visited the web site of one of these places and learned they offer many of the herd animals seen in Africa including zebra and wildebeest. They have pictures of the proud hunters posing with their victims. Each picture includes the fee to “hunt” that animal. Thompsons $4,500 and up. Springbok only $3,500 and up. The hunting is done from jeeps driven down smoothly paved roads, or from blinds as the animals eat from their feeding stations nearby. Yes, I have strong opinions about this sport as I do not consider it sport at any level. Nor would I call it hunting.
On the cheerful side is a unique sculpture and art gallery that sits on acres of winding roads through the hills near Johnson City . All they ask is that you stop at the office which houses indoor sculpture and paintings, to sign the guest book. They refused any donation and three of the artists were there to answer questions and humbly accept our enthusiastic comments on their work.
Turbulence
Higher Education
Aspiration
Fredricksburg was/is a German community.During the 1800’s the farmers lived so far out that when they came into town on Sunday’s they made an entire day of it. Those with means, built small houses called “Sunday Houses.” They would stay in them overnight Saturday or Sunday, have a place for babies and children to take naps and to visit with other farmers. Many of these homes are still to be seen. This one is from 1851.
Aspiration
Caliche.
This is a native stone that is extremely popular for facing buildings, building fences and gate posts. Here is an example.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Yee Haw!
Spent Saturday discovering Bandera Texas, Cowboy Capital of the World.
Could hardly wait to see them cowboys. Visions of denim and leather and boots and hats. Oh My!
Saw this one, and the cowgirl with him. Everyone else was like me, a tourist.
Even without eye candy, this was a fun town with rows of shops to wander through. Lots of southwest and cowboy themed items. This shop had piles of pottery, ironwork, serapes, etc.
Several places offered "cowgirl bling". It must be an in thing - never saw so many rhinestone studded jeans, hats, purses, belts, shirts in my life! The gals wearing it must be strong just to move with that much hardware on board.
Bandera is the county seat, and to me this courthouse said Texas, not to mention the iron work on every light pole.
We parked in the free public lot behind a small public plaza. Here I am posing in front of the mural walled bathrooms. Note that I just had to have a cowboy hat. I worried that it would hardly be appropriate to wear anywhere but Texas, but Carol assured me that if I could travel around the US in my plane, I could wear any hat I pleased.
Could not believe the luck in spotting these two vultures in the classic pose on a dead snag. Then add to that an entire flock feeding right alongside the road on our return trip. I tried to spot what they were eating, but the number of birds obscured all but one hair cover leg - might have been a deer.
Texas Hill Country is unique and beautiful and I'm seeing why people fall in love with this State. Temps stayed in the nineties and cooled in the evening to upper-seventies with a full moon and tons of stars.
Looking forward to what today will bring.
Could hardly wait to see them cowboys. Visions of denim and leather and boots and hats. Oh My!
Saw this one, and the cowgirl with him. Everyone else was like me, a tourist.
Even without eye candy, this was a fun town with rows of shops to wander through. Lots of southwest and cowboy themed items. This shop had piles of pottery, ironwork, serapes, etc.
Several places offered "cowgirl bling". It must be an in thing - never saw so many rhinestone studded jeans, hats, purses, belts, shirts in my life! The gals wearing it must be strong just to move with that much hardware on board.
Bandera is the county seat, and to me this courthouse said Texas, not to mention the iron work on every light pole.
We parked in the free public lot behind a small public plaza. Here I am posing in front of the mural walled bathrooms. Note that I just had to have a cowboy hat. I worried that it would hardly be appropriate to wear anywhere but Texas, but Carol assured me that if I could travel around the US in my plane, I could wear any hat I pleased.
Could not believe the luck in spotting these two vultures in the classic pose on a dead snag. Then add to that an entire flock feeding right alongside the road on our return trip. I tried to spot what they were eating, but the number of birds obscured all but one hair cover leg - might have been a deer.
Texas Hill Country is unique and beautiful and I'm seeing why people fall in love with this State. Temps stayed in the nineties and cooled in the evening to upper-seventies with a full moon and tons of stars.
Looking forward to what today will bring. Saturday, September 10, 2011
Dawn
Early in my flying life I learned that dawn is a pilots best friend. Getting an early start on a long trip makes the difference between comfort and well, NOT. Departed Buckeye Friday the 9th at 5:50 am. With thunder and lightning over the Superstitions to the NE, it was good my planned route was SE.
Air was cool - 60 deg. Flight smooth but a lot of haze and no photo ops due to rising sun. Crossed into New Mexico at 7:30 flying at 11,500. Reached Deming (DMN) at 8:10. Temps on the ground 78. Here is a shot coming in on short final, and the Little Florida Mountains from under Path's wing.
I made a quick 20 minute turn around asking for 12 gallons of fuel on each side, after confirming the price as shown on AirNav. Surprise! The charge was actually 20 cents a gallon higher on the receipt.
Crossed into Texas at 9:20. Crossing just north of El Paso, a flat spread out city under high overcast. Outside temp a comfy 60. Another 35 minutes and the sky was clear, but a lot of haze remained although visibility was well over 10 miles. I kept wishing there was something to take photos of to share here, but finally realized that TX is not exactly photogenic from nearly two miles up. I did see a lot of range land and I call this one "All Roads Lead To".
11:00 am. Fort Stockton, TX. Getting some chop (bouncy). Those big windmills you see all over Eastern WA are here too, but they are blue instead of white.
11:30 Iraan, TX and the first view of oil fields. No, I spelled it correctly, but thought the similarities were interesting. These oil fields are not what I expected (Hollywood input) but covered miles of ground on both sides of flight path.
Final hour into Hondo, TX (HDO) was uncomfortable. Constant heavy chop, and I was damn pleased to land at 1:00. That is when the time change clicked - it was 3:00 in Hondo. No wonder the air was so rough! Must remember to factor in time changes in my plans. My friend Ed was waiting and it was good to see him. He and his wife Carol have a great itinerary lined up to show me the local area. I'll be here for the next 3 days, staying in their guest cottage. Two more states added and in spite of the tiring ending to yesterday's flight am so excited to be discovering new places.
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