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Steel grey fog gripped the trees and tall brush in the predawn drive to the airport.  We needed the cool morning air to assist with our climb over the mountains to the northwest.  The air was so still that when the Cub left the ground our sense of travel amounted more to floating than flying.  With air this smooth, flying a plane becomes a spectator sport, for little to no control surface input is needed.

Then, as if by command, the golden hues of the early morning sun briefly wash the brown, dried grassy hills turning them into deep, rich golden-brown sentinels guarding the vast central valley's endless fields of harvest-ready crops.  For the next few hours we watched rural towns awake and start their day as we passed overhead.

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Day 2 – August 19, 2011 - Tracy, CA points south.

The steel grey fog that gripped the trees on our predawn drive to the airport on Day 1 moved north and gripped the Golden Gate Bridge for the past two days.  We took the opportunity to fly around the central valley and enjoy a great day of low and slow. 

Sometimes we are confounded by what we see below.  Yesterday it was the cornfield with damaged crops, today it was the large lot filled with red containers. 

Tomorrow we'll head north towards Oregon.

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Day 3 - August 20, 2011 - Flying north up the Sierra Nevada foothills.

We spent the day cruising north along the small agricultural communities that border the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains.  We weren't in the air 15 minutes when we discarded the notion of following our course line.  Instead we decided to just follow a meandering river filled with Saturday afternoon "tubers."  With the door and window open on the Cub's right side, we had a grand view of families floating with their floaties tied together.  Further down the river, a group of college students were making ready to launch some floaties from a grassy beach.  One of the floaties looked suspiciously like a floating beer cooler...hmmm.  Is it too late to register for the fall semester?

The river turned west so we pointed north and resumed our planned route of flight.  In the distance we noticed brilliant green fields with contours carved into them.  Could these be rice fields?  You bet your sushi it was!

Our day ended as we touched down in Redding, California.  Tomorrow we will trade following a river through farm lands to following an interstate through mountain passes.

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Day 4 - August 21, 2011 - Redding, CA to McMinnville, OR

The prospects of leaving the flat central valley of California for a day flying mountain passes wasn't lost on us.  We wouldn't need the GPS.  With Interstate 5 the route of choice through the rugged mountain range that shares the Oregon/California border, we at least had a place to land. 

The cloudless morning sky greeted us with smooth air that was cool to the touch and had a hint of pine forests.  Climbing the Cub to 4,500 feet would guarantee us there would be clearance above the terrain. 

Lake Shasta was rimmed with a brilliant orange shoreline that separated the deep blue lake water from the many shades of green produced by the tall stands of pines, incense cedar, and fir.

Mount Shasta can be seen from miles away, but don't waste your time in that endeavor.  Drive right up to it and stand with your mouth gapping wide open, you'll have lots of company.

The surrounding terrain forms a sort of geological entertainment when view from above.  Small volcanic domes are continuously being separated by the mountain winter runoff.  By late summer, that runoff settles into marsh-like meadows.

Towards the end of the morning we abandon Interstate 5 for the Willamette River Valley and it's patchwork of crop fields. 

The last stop of the day was McMinnville, OR where we toured the Evergreen Museum.  Imagine the largest Cabello's hunting and fishing store.  Now put four of them next to each other and fill them with airplanes.  Oh, I almost forgot, put a 747 passenger jet on the roof of one them and have folks in swimming suits slide out of the plane and into a pool of water.

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Day 5 - August 22, 2011 - McMinnville, OR to Sand Point, ID

Dropping into the Columbia River Gorge under an overcast sky seemed somewhat eerie.  The vertical walls of the gorge  were tree covered and in the shade so photography would be difficult.  Not far east of Hood River, the walls melted into gentle rock slopes with an occasional tree or bush.

Waterfalls appeared as if you could drill a hole anywhere on the walls and water would spring forth.

After miles of dodging wind turbines the Palouse falls came into view.  They seemed out of place in this barren treeless landscape.  As unique as the falls were, nothing could have prepared us for the hills sculptured into amazingly seductive shapes with intricate textures and colors.  The next overwhelming fact was how immense this unique form of agriculture was.

The Cub's wheel touched down on the Sandpoint, Idaho runway in the late afternoon.  The courtesy car and some fine dining closed out a day we'll think about for the months to come.

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Day 6 - August 23, 2011 - Sandpoint, ID to St. Ignatius, MT

Rolling down the runway in Sand Point, ID, we had the feeling we were leaving something behind and we were.  A pristine town on a lake in the mountains of Idaho deserves more than a day to explore.  We turned into the brilliant morning sun and looked back at this idyllic hamlet tucked into majestic mountains. Small islands with stands of mature pine trees dotted the shoreline.  Fishermen were casting their lines in the numerous coves, while some folks were just getting their first cup of coffee.  Sandpoint, we'll be back.

Following the Clark Fork river valley to Missoula meant another trip like the Columbia River Gorge.  Mountains towered above us on both sides.  At times they showed their might by stirring up some challenging turbulence for the Cub and I to deal with.

We passed through Missoula's airspace only to see a raging forest fire ahead and on our course line.  Time to regroup, so we notified the control tower we were going to land and consider options. 

Plan "B" didn't work so well, so we went to plan "C" and landed at St. Ignatius, MT.  Dinner at a diner and a room in a mom and pop motel.  We'll give it a go in the morning.

Now's a good time to remind you that sometimes when we can't get a Wi-Fi or internet connection we won't be able to post anything on this site.  Don't worry, I'll get caught up if that happens.

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Day 7 - August 24, 2011 - St. Ignatius, MT to Laurel, MT

Crisp, fresh morning air filled with the unmistakable smell of just mown hay filled the courtesy car as we headed to the airport.  The sun was still behind the mountain peaks to the east, but announced its pending arrival with brilliant shafts of golden light defined by those granite spires.  The bags were loaded and the Cub's pre-flight was completed with great care.  We needed every ounce of this chilly morning air to climb 4,000 feet so we could detour around the Temporary Flight Restriction for forest firefighting tankers.  It worked!

As the Clark Fork river meandered through the mountains both the Cub and Interstate 90 obediently followed.  The steep mountains wore a coat of pine trees so thick and deep green that they looked like a Norman Rockwell rendition of the American West.  The valley bottom was flat and accommodated the river, the interstate, and railroad tracks.  Folks driving had little opportunity to see the river and the beauty it presented.  The best vantage point was putting along low and slow in the Cub.  We felt very fortunate.

Our plan was to turn southeast at Laurel, Montana.  The closer we got, the less we liked what we saw.  Enormous cumulonimbus clouds that most certainly touched the moon were on our intended route.  Gosh perhaps the quaint little town of Laurel needs an overnight visitor.  The Cub got an oil change so it would be ready for the flight south in the morning.

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Day 8 - August 25, 2011 - Laurel, MT to Spearfish, SD

At 4:15 am the alarm clock app in the iPhone dutifully began to chime and another day would begin.  The Cub was still asleep when the airport courtesy car's headlights grazed its fuselage.  Packing in the dark is second to managing a pre-flight in the dark.  But Ahh the rewards of seeing the awakening of a new day in Montana made the morning preparations all worthwhile.  The ever-illuminating sky in the east was hidden by the massive aircraft hangar near the Cub.  Firmly secured in the Cub's interior, a gentle push on the throttle and we began to roll past the hangar.  We paused for a moment, unable to concentrate on our aviation responsibilities while the full high definition morning sky demanded our respect.  We squeezed off a few quick images, trusting Mr. Nikon could handle the task; composed ourselves and made our way to the runway. 

Our course was southeast, so the morning sunrise spectacle was living in brilliant, glorious hues of crimson through our left window.  Lazy smoke from the numerous wildfires in the state embellished the sun's glow, but obscured the clarity of the earth's details.  Burdened with the responsibility of piloting, we dared only a couple of seconds to capture this magnificent memory. 

Rugged terrain, totally unsuitable for an off-field landing stretched below us for miles and miles.  Our faith in the Continental engine's 75 horses grew with each passing moment.  By late morning, that rugged terrain turned into gentle rolling hills covered in pasture grass.  We breathed easier.

The density altitude at Buffalo, WY airport was over 7,000 feet.  Good thing they sport a 6,200 foot runway!  As the Cub was fueled, we could feel the heat of the day bearing down.  Yet, once again, those 75 horses gave us the energy we needed to make a decent climb on takeoff.

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Day 9 - August 26, 2011 - Spearfish, SD to Minden, Nebraska

This would be the last morning of pre-dawn departures for a while, but our complaining always stops once the Cub's wheels leave the ground and the morning begins on a new day.  The leg towards Rapid City, SD gave us the Black Hills under our right wing and miles of relatively flat country under our left wing. 

From a few miles away, we could see the sun reflecting off of Mt. Rushmore.  What a thrill to witness this national treasure in perspective of the grand mountains surrounding it.  Thus we validate the title of this adventure in the very place the movie of the same name was shot.  Well at least Mike and Rita appreciate the irony.

Heading eastbound, the terrain flattens, but not completely.  Glimpses of dramatic erosion can be seen on both sides of the route of flight.  Soon, we are surrounded by the moonscape of the Badlands National Park.  Infrequent automobiles and RV's scurried along desolate highways at this very early morning hour.  We reveled at the opportunities this target-rich photographic paradise presented while Mr. Nikon worked his magic.

This perfect day ended with the Cub's tires softly rolling on the lush turf runway at Minden, NE. 

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Day 10 - August 27, 2011 - Minden, Nebraska

The Nebraska Chapter's 30th Annual Fly-In was in full swing after the morning overcast and fog cleared up.  Several beautifully restored vintage airplanes arrived before lunch with their proud owners.

The local EAA chapter had a small tractor pulling small mock airplanes made from plastic drums.  It was a hit with the kids as they were towed around the fly-in grounds whirling their propellers.

Tomorrow we head for Iowa, with our next fly-in. 

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Day 11 - August 28, 2011 - Minden, Nebraska to Dyersville, Iowa

Stubborn morning fog had the fly-in pilots gathered by the fuel island discussing ways around it.  By late morning we saw the opportunity to head east then turned northeast for Dyersville.  The weather radar on departure didn't show much of any activity but an hour later the skies to the north did.  A very fast moving glob of thunderstorms would cross our route of flight within minutes.  We headed for the next closest airport in York, Nebraska and were lucky enough to find an open hangar to hide out and keep us dry and safe.

Within a few hours the storm passed leaving only a 15 mph headwind to cope with.  Crossing the flood ravaged Missouri River was accompanied by shock and disbelief.  A river we've crossed many times in the past in less than a minute took all of ten minutes to reach the other shore.

All looked well until we were 45 minutes from Dyersville when the skies darkened once again and the radar indicated some rain, but no red cells.  It was a race to land before sunset as the grass strip sports only runway lights. 

Literally 8 minutes before landing, the instrument panel on the Cub turned bright orange from the sun breaking through the clouds behind us.  Then as if to welcome us to town, a rainbow appeared for us to fly through as we prepared to enter the traffic pattern.

Familiar friends greeted us as we rolled to the hangar and switched the mags off.  We'll be with those friends for the next few days.

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Day 13 - August 30, 2011 - Fox River Airport, Wisconsin

It doesn't take much persuasion to get Dave and Joan to go for a ride in their Ercoupe.  So with full fuel and the American Champion Aircraft manufacturing plant as our morning objective, we headed east from Dyersville International Aerodrome.

After a really informative tour of the plant, we headed west for home under the same overcast skies.  Winds and turbulence were non-existent as we crossed the Mississippi River coming and going. 

One would be hard pressed to award either Iowa or Wisconsin as the most beautiful Midwest state to fly over low and slow, so we'll call it a tie.

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Day 15 - September 1, 2011 - Dyersville, IA to Ottumwa, IA

Circling Dyersville turf runway after departure we rocked our wings goodbye at Dave. Then we headed south to meet Frank in Monticello, Iowa.  He had left earlier and this was his fuel stop on the last leg to Ottumwa, Iowa.

Frank departed first and we followed keeping his Cub in the center of our windscreen.  Frank navigates without any assistance from electronic devices.  He uses an aeronautical chart with a course line and a stop watch.  Amazingly, Frank held course better than most pilots using sophisticated navigational equipment, but then he was a navigator on a B-26.

Headwinds couldn't dampen the excitement of landing and taking part in one of America's premier vintage aircraft fly-ins.  Just south of Ottumwa, the colors of row after row of meticulously restored American classics could be seen contrasted against the deep green grass parking area. 

Frank dropped down to final approach while we set up for the downwind.  Lined up on final we were just moments from landing. The Cub's wheels spun as they gently touched down on the south turf runway.  We had arrived!

Frank and I parked our Cub's next to each other, like we have every time we have attended.  Even when we arrived at different times.  But the really incredible luck was when we learned that the "Prop Whisperer" Mike Gugeler from Colorado was parked behind us, just like last year.  After paying homage to this icon of all things aviation, we did our best to disappear into the unwashed masses.  (it gets worse)

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Day 16 - September 2, 2011 - Ottumwa, IA

The heat of the day was still hours off when we arrived at the airfield.  Our shoes got more wet with each step in the dew-laden grass.  Pilots and their airplanes were rising to greet a sunny morning.  In the distance, a radial engine coughed to life echoing throughout the airfield.  With that sound, the pulse of the morning quickened and life returned after a quiet sleepy night in rural Ottumwa, Iowa.

As the sun worked its way above the horizon, the vibrant colors of the fabric covered airplanes was everywhere.  Vintage fly-ins speak of individuality both from the original designs and color schemes to how the owners chose to bring these magnificent machines back to life in modern times.  Yet never is good taste or respect for history disregarded when these time travelers are reborn.

If you ever feel the need to experience Americana and our history, take the time to attend a vintage airplane fly-in.  The sights, sounds, smells and most importantly the people will take you back in a way that no museum or documentary could ever accomplish.

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Day 17 - September 3, 2011 - Ottumwa, IA

We weren't at our airplanes more than a few minutes when some old friends we hadn't seen in a year showed up.  While visiting with them, even more old friends showed up.  It's the high point of any aviation gathering.  Visiting with old friends and getting caught up on all things aviation.

Later in the morning we took the Cub up for some video footage of the fly-in.  When we looked at the video we were amazed at the number of planes and pilots attending.  Perhaps we'll stick it out for another day and look to Monday for our trip to Madison, Wisconsin. 

As Frank and I entered the lobby of our hotel we heard two young guys talking about the best hamburgers in town at a topless joint not far away.  Hungry after a long day at the field, Frank and I jumped in the car and drove to the bar for dinner.  We got out of the car, took off our shirts and went inside......... Okay, evidently only the women are topless.  With very strange looks aimed at us from the less-than-sober guys at the bar, we exited immediately.  We settled for a Wendy's drive-thru burger.

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Day 18 - September 4, 2011 - "Midwest Old Threshers Reunion", Mt. Pleasant, Iowa

With winds 22 mph gusting 30 mph Frank and I decided to stay on the ground.  With a sunny but windy day, we took the opportunity to attend Mt. Pleasant's "Midwest Old Thresher Reunion."  The thresher reunion had all the markings of county fair except antique farm equipment was the drawing card.  Acres and acres of tractors, threshers, 'hit and miss' engines were on display with most all of them in working order.

Frank and I sat at a red and white checked table clothed picnic table and consumed hot dogs, soda and ice cream.  The proceeds going to the local Boy Scout troop. 

What better way to spend Labor Day in middle America.

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Day 19 - September 5, 2011 - Ottumwa, IA to Madison, WI

The winds were much better today.  Frank and I departed the airport with the morning dew spinning off of our tires as we climbed away from the turf runway.  We flew over countless hills and miniature tree lined valleys of Southeast Iowa.

Crossing the mighty Mississippi for the third time on this adventure was no less exciting.  Quick moving, dark muddy waters threatened to gobble up any trespasser who dared to enter its chilly depths.  We understood the gravity of crossing this relic of earth-shaping waterways.  There is always a sigh of relief when the opposite shore is within gliding distance.

On the other side of the river, Wisconsin's own version of rolling farmland greeted us with vivid red barns and undulating contoured crop fields.  The journey across hundreds of miles of deserts and mountains all seems worth it when we fly above this unique part of America.

We'll be staying with Frank and Jo Ann in Madison for a few days.  Check back on Friday for new photos and logbook entries.  See you then.

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Day 23 - September 9, 2011 - Brodhead, Wisconsin

As we approached Brodhead, the gusting tailwind became a direct crosswind, but we were landing on a turf runway.  Just above the tree top level, as we descended to short final, it was as if two giants were grabbing the wingtips and trying to break them off of the fuselage.  Once in ground effect the Cub became more manageable but still a handful as we attempted to roll the tires on the turf runway.

Once tied down for a few days, the Cub has some time to relax and compare notes with the other vintage planes.  The parking areas were beginning to fill.

The next two days would find us catching up with old friends and enjoying the perfect summer days.  It all goes by much too quickly.

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Day 24 - September 10, 2011 - Brodhead, Wisconsin

Did you ever get that unmistakable feeling it was going to be a beautiful day?  Sure you have.  I'll bet there aren't more than a handful of days like today in every year.  Warm morning sunlight gave a richness to the front lawns and gardens on every street we traveled on the way to the airport.

A slight cool breeze ruffled the big maple tree so the leaves fluttered in unison.  In the distance, the sound of a small airplane could be heard flying above.  Brodhead was just waking up on this Saturday morning.  Soccer fields with kids in brightly colored uniforms would soon be tearing up the turf.  Yard sales would be bustling with shoppers finding their treasures.

Yet at the south of town, the small Brodhead airport would be awaiting the arrival of dozens of vintage airplanes attending the annual Grassroots Fly-In.  As we approached we could see a half dozen aircraft patiently entering the traffic pattern in no particular hurry to get out of this rare magnificent morning aloft.  Each plane touched down and made its way to the parking area without anyone guiding them.  Choreographed by years of pilot experience and respect for sharing this rare passion. 

This is Brodhead.  Certainly one of the best in grassroots aviation.

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Day 25 - September 11, 2011 - Brodhead, Wisconsin to Maryville, Missouri

Arriving at the Brodhead airport on the last day of the fly-in is a little like the day after Christmas.  Your remember how exciting Christmas morning was, now only the tree and opened gifts remain.  Frank, John and I watched as the remaining aircraft started their engines one by one and did the obligatory fly-over on the downwind, rocking their wings to those left on the ground.

We said our good bye's and packed our gear into our planes and propped them until they came to life.  Was it just me or did the Cub seem reluctant as it taxied through the grass for takeoff?  Lined up for the runway, throttle full forward, wheels bouncing along the well-used turf, the Cub once again lifted into the air.  On the downwind, we were climbing over the field.  Frank looked up as we rocked our wings.

Some of the rural towns had 9-11 ceremonies in their town squares complete with banners, marching bands and bright red fire engines.  It was a beautiful day for those memorials. 

As the hours went by, the agriculture fields below us changed from mostly corn in Wisconsin and Iowa to wheat fields in Missouri.  The terrain varied from flat fields to rolling hills with tree lined valleys and stream beds.  Above, the sky was brilliant blue with small white puffy clouds.  Below was every shade of green in the Crayola box with an occasional splash of yellow.

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Day 26 - September 12, 2011 - Maryville, Missouri to Larned, Kansas

Kevin, the owner of Northwest Aviation was waiting to help push the Cub from the hangar.  He was kind enough to let the tired Cub sleep inside his hangar for the night.  Folks are very considerate in these parts.  Thanks Kevin.

Missouri is on our list of the most beautiful places to fly over.  It has been since we took our first adventure.  We will continue to put it on our flight plans in the future.  Give some thought to putting it on yours and let us know what you think.

We endured some pretty strong headwinds and turbulence which only increased as we approached the flood swollen Missouri River.  By Salina, Kansas the Cub had done its job.  We altered course and landed on runway 17 with winds 210 degrees 28 mph gusting to 35 mph.  The actual moment of touch down was difficult to determine since we stopped flying before the wheels met the concrete.  Let's just say we didn't use much runway.  Perhaps we didn't use any runway since the Cub technically stalls at 38 mph.  We need to call my buddy Ray a copter pilot from Jersey to see if that qualifies as a chopper landing.

We waited out the winds in Salina.  By 4:00 pm we departed for a pleasant flight to Larned, Kansas.  This time the winds were diminishing with each passing mile.

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Day 27 - September 13, 2011 - Larned, Kansas to Santa Rosa, New Mexico

What the heck is that annoying noise?  At 4:30 in the morning there isn't any reasonable sound to awaken to, so we use one that gives thought to flinging one's cell phone across the room.  Hmmm, last night is seemed like a good idea to get up and be off the ground just before sunrise.  At this very moment it lacks the same reasoning.

Pushing the hangar door back in the dark and listening to it complain with creeks and groans that would wake a hibernating bear said it all.  But when the hangar lights came on, the Cub looked ready for the day with its nose pointed skyward.  Check the oil and fuel supply, preflight the controls, load the gear, chock the wheels and give the 75 Continental horses eight blades before mags hot. A shot of prime, two blades, mags hot....one blade; Houston we have ignition!

The sun was squeezing itself above the very flat Kansas horizon amid a celebration of colors ranging from hues of light gold to deep scarlet.  Grasshoppers jumped in every direction as the Cub made its way down the taxiway.  Kind of like 'groupies' at a rock concert.  Lined up with the runway center line, one last check of the instrument panel, throttle full forward, some rudder to correct for engine torque, slight elevator back pressure, now wait, wait, wait until the tail begins to fly.  Then, as if by magic the wheels lift from the concrete so lightly there is no perceptible sense of flying until the ground below moves away.  That moment in time will never get taken for granted, not ever.

We leveled off and did a quick check of all things navigation.  Wow, so where did that awesome tailwind giving us a 105 mph across the ground come from?  We didn't wait for the answer but quickly went about recalculating how much further our first fuel stop would be.  What a nice change from yesterday's grueling, bumpy ride. 

For over three hours and forty-five minutes we rode in silk smooth air with a tailwind!  We call this winning the aviation lottery.

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Day 28 - September 14, 2011 - Santa Rosa, New Mexico to Farmington, New Mexico

With the vivid green fields of crops now a day behind us, we looked forward to the magnificent Southwest and its pastel colors and erosion carved canyons.  By mid-morning we crossed the Rio Grande River well south of Albuquerque.  It was then that the terrain began its dramatic changes and Mr. Nikon's rapid fire turbo charged shutter earned its keep.  The excitement of the moment was driven by a deep desire to share this rarely seen perspective with you. 

The entire leg from the Rio Grande to Gallup, New Mexico was an aviation photographers target rich environment on this crisp morning along Route 66.   Maintaining course was second to flying along the bluffs where unseasonably green valleys forced red sandstone cliffs made even deeper red from the passing showers to look their best.  White puffy clouds in a deep blue sky completed the balance of composition between earth and the heavens.

At Gallup we tried a completely new style of navigation for us.  We pulled out a New Mexico road map, and followed State highways and county roads to Farmington.  Though we would have liked to have used a rest area on that two and a half hour leg.

A call to Flight Service confirmed our thoughts about waiting until morning to continue on to Monument Valley and points west.   

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Day 29 - September 15, 2011 - Farmington, New Mexico to Page, Arizona

We continued our navigation via a road map today.  Actually we didn't need the map since we were following the only road within hundreds of miles, or so it seemed.  We were pleased with our IFR (I follow roads) skills.

The terrain was more interesting than we had anticipated.  One minute we were staring down into deep canyons, the next we were staring up at huge buttes towering above us.  All of this without changing our altitude. 

As we approached Monument Valley, dark clouds gathered.  We soldiered on.  Passing over Kayenta Airport, we noticed two airplanes tied down on the ramp.  There were no facilities or fuel.  We would use this airport if the weather forced us to land.  We hadn't gone very far when a spike of lightning in the distance and moving our way peaked our interest.  We scrambled back to the airport and waited out two heavy rains and one entertaining lightning and thunder performance.  Luckily, the winds didn't participate.

When the sun came out, we needed to get on our way towards Page for fuel.  The steep canyon that leads from Kayenta towards Page was much too narrow for comfort, but the Cub handled it very well. 

Lake Powell and the city of Page, Arizona came into view.  The enormous smoke stacks from the power plant to the south of town created their own weather above them.  As we glanced to the south (our next leg) we saw huge thunderheads and decided Page was a nice place to spend the night.

Depending on the weather, we may make it home tomorrow.  But we will have to see.

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Day 30 - September 16, 2011 - Page, Arizona to Home

With our minds firmly planted on the route of flight home, we had not given thought to what the scenery might be.  Fifteen minutes before sunrise our morning preparations led us to waking up those very dependable 75 Continental horses.  For the 30th day and after some 47 legs, those trusty horses once again came to life on the first blade after the prime.  We would need them to perform today over some challenging terrain and the morning climb from 4,500 feet to over 8,500 to clear the mountains at Flagstaff, AZ.

Lifting off just before sunrise, the opening act for the morning sun began in the eastern skies.  Today however it was mirrored in the reflection of Lake Powell.  We dared enjoy the view only briefly as we searched for US Highway 89, our main route south.  Then it happened, out of the corner of our right eye, a glimpse of red.  It was the first shafts of sunlight to greet the eastern facing walls of the Grand Canyon just south of Page, AZ.  We searched frantically for Mr. Nikon who was fast asleep in his back-pack bedroll.  A few quick shots were all we needed to determine there wasn't enough light to capture this moment to share with you. 

We quickly confirmed that US 89 didn't encroach on the restricted Grand Canyon flight rules area.  Whew!  But we needed to stay over the road, for the boundary was close. 

We struggled with navigation, watching for air traffic, and gawking at this amazing spectacle occurring before us.  Then defining moment number two for the morning was about to unfold, again we weren't prepared.  The plateau we were flying over dropped precipitously over 1,800 feet!  Yikes, it was like jumping off a cliff when we flew over that rocky precipice.  We went from about 1,000 feet AGL (above ground level) to eventually over 2,000 feet AGL, all the while the canyon unveiled its grand dimensions in living color.

Evidently we are slow learners.  Allow me to justify this belief.  After leaving Flagstaff's airspace, at an altitude of 8,500 feet MSL (mean sea level), the dense forest just 1,000 feet below us proved our slow learning deficit in short order.  Focused on following US 89 through the trees brought the "Yikes" moment number two.  The plateau dropped into an enormous valley filled with red sandstone spires.  Welcome to Sedona!  This time there was enough light to capture the experience. 

After two legs of four hours and fifteen minutes each, we were on downwind for runway 25 at Corona, California for fuel (it's quite a bit cheaper than at our home airport which is only a 7 minute flight away).  The reality of ending this adventure will not sink in until the bags are unpacked.

We are thankful you decided to come along so this experience could be shared.  In our minds, we have this image of you with coffee cup in hand, visiting the website.  Give some thought to coming along again on the next adventure.  Why yes, we have already begun to plan the next one.  How about mid-July of 2012?  Perhaps some new and different places?  Count on it!

Bern Heimos

Trip Statistics:

Number of days on the adventure: 30

Number of statute miles flown: 6,821.6 miles*

Number of legs: 50 legs*

Longest leg: 4 hours, 15 minutes*

Shortest leg:  I'm still pretty sure it's my left leg

Total Flight time: 100 hours, 4 minutes*

Gallons of Fuel:  441.7 gallons

Estimated gallons per hour:  4.4 Gallons Per Hour

Engine mechanical problems: NONE (other than a pesky oil leak)

Airframe mechanical problems: NONE

Total number of photos taken: 6,463 photos

* The GPS kept track.

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