LIVING THE DREAM

Got home Thursday!

2009-05-29T12:52:00.003-05:00

I think I let everyone know that I made it home, but just in case....

Made it home after 16 great days. Landed Nauga Field about 3:30 pm on Thursday. We would have been home sooner but John H and I waited for more favorable weather. We tucked in behind a front and followed it all the way. John H caught up to it in Missouri and should be getting home this afternoon. I had tailwinds all the way!

Can't put into words how much fun I had and the great folks I had the pleasure of spending time with. Too many to thank right now and I don't want to insult anyone by leaving them out.

Trip Stats:

Total Trip Miles = 4569 sm
Moving average speed = 79.5 mph
Total average speed = 76.8 mph
Fuel used = 258.5 gallons
Avg Fuel burn = 4.24 GPH
Total Tach time = 61.0 hours
Lowest price for 100LL was at SWI (at) $2.75
Highest price for 100LL was at GUP (at) $4.45
Landings logged in 12 new states (goal is all lower 48)

Just a few things I learned:
1) You can read, talk, and type about flying at altitude, but until you've nursed a plane off a high, hot runway, you haven't got a clue!
2) The extra 20 hp of the 912S is a great advantage flying at the high altitudes and it shows up quickly in these conditions. I have the 912UL (80hp).
3) I thought I had prepared myself for high wind conditions prior to the flight. What I did was good but not enough. Need to add tailwind landings to the prep list. Waiting on light winds would leave you stranded for months out west.
4) Winds in some places out west change speed and/or direction in an instant. You have to be on your toes when close to the ground.
5) There are almost unlimited places of natural beauty and wonderful people spread out across this great nation. Take ten lifetimes to see and meet them all.
6) Larry C needs a new "calibrated" wind meter!
7) I had more fun than I deserve!

I've got chores to catch up on having been gone so long. I have a few good pics (nothing of the quality of Mike M's). When I get time, I'll figure out a way to share those for those that are interested. I'm thinking I want to look at putting them on Google Maps along our route. That would put them in sequence and at the proper location. I'll let you know. Stay tuned!

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2009-05-28T16:10:00.000-05:00

Hit the ground at Nauga Field. Lived the Dream!

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2009-05-28T15:21:00.000-05:00

Crossing Miss River above Angola. 15 min out.

2009-05-28T10:57:00.001-05:00

Fueled at De Queen, AR [DEQ]. Headed for Minden, LA [F24].

2009-05-28T08:09:00.001-05:00

Today's plan.
Departing - CUH
Fuel stops: DEQ, F24
Destination - NAUGA FIELD

Finished Wednesday at Cushing, OK [CUH]

2009-05-27T21:13:00.001-05:00

Done for the day in Cushing, OK. 478 sm to home. Had a good day.

Left Laramie, WY this morning.

Stopped at:

Fort Morgan, CO [FMM]
Goodland, KS [GLD] (had a great lunch - recommend it!)
Great Bend, KS [GBD] - John H headed east and I turned more south.

Ended the day here at Cushing, OK [CUH]. Good to be in a bit warmer weather. I'm just behind the front and the winds have been favorable. Thought I was going to pitch the tent tonight. Airport Manager came by and offered use of the couch in the FBO. I gladly accepted. Have a bathroom, TV, and the use of a computer. Will be able to get an earlier start and not worry about packing a wet tent. Appreciate it, Mr Clements.

Today's stats:

Tach time - 10.3 hrs (includes some long warm-ups - very cold)
Miles - 632.6 sm

If the weather permits tomorrow, only two fuel stops and then I'll be home.

Been great!!! Still Living the Dream!

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2009-05-27T19:28:00.000-05:00

Crossing KS/OK state line.

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2009-05-27T18:12:00.000-05:00

Been getting lots of rain in KS.

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2009-05-27T17:41:00.000-05:00

At Great Bend, KS. John H just departed, headed east. I'm headed toward Cushing, OK [CUH].

Tuesday - Started across the mountains

2009-05-27T07:35:00.003-05:00

Tuesday morning we got up early and Boyd Y took us to the airport. We departed and started our climb to head through pass and start east across the Rockies. Weather was still not the best but OK. We had to deviate a little north.

Sorry there are no pictures. IT WAS COLD! Coldest temp we saw was 28F. Mostly in the low 30's. I was busy just trying to stay warm. Didn't have a free hand to use the camera.

We did OK. Landed for fuel in Rock Springs, WY [RKS] and then headed to Laramie, WY [LAR]
Got to Laramie and had caught up to the bad weather again. Decided to stay in Laramie for the night.

This morning in Laramie it is 33F. Weather ahead looks good. Letting it warm up a bit then headed SE. Plan is to go as far as we can. Should be home Thursday if weather allows.

Still "Living the Dream"!!!

Monday - Got to Bringham City, UT

2009-05-25T13:53:00.001-05:00

At Bringham City, UT. Clouds touching tops. Holding for a little while.

Left the Rock House early this am. I flew east. Wanted to fly through Idaho. John H took a more direct route. I landed Burley, ID. No fuel but a great gentleman by the name of Mr Leonard gave me a few gallons of gas and took me to get a few more. Had enough but just want more cushion.

Got to Bringham City, UT around noon and the clouds were touching the tops of the Wastache mountains. John H arrived Bringham City around 1:00 pm. Boyd Young and his wife Becky took us in for the evening. Fed us well and gave us a comfortable place to sleep.

2009-05-25T08:25:00.001-05:00

On the way home. Crossing OR/ID state line.

Ready to head home - waiting on better weather

2009-05-23T20:14:00.002-05:00

Well, we have done all the flying we planned to do up here in Oregon. Could do this forever! We just barely hit the highpoints.

Ready to head home, just need the weather to be a little better for my comfort. The weather in the Rockies and at home is just not the best. Not much on leaving good conditions for bad.

Plan is to check the weather every morning till we get what we need. No fun crossing the Rockies when the weather is bad. Plan is to cross the Rockies along I-80 just south of Bringham City, UT. Then follow I-80 to Laramie, Wy before turning SE for home.

Plane is packed and ready to head home. Me too!

I'm concerned that I will have trouble getting motivated to fly once back home. I've seen some beautiful country since leaving home. Cane fields and pine trees might be a little boring after all this. Nawww, it will be alright.

Met some fine folks here. Larry and Karen have been great too us. Thanks too much!

Stay tuned for trip home.

John B

Friday's Trip to the Alvord Desert

2009-05-23T18:59:00.006-05:00

Friday morning, after a good breakfast, we headed for the Alvord Desert. One Kolb Mark IIIC could not make the trip due to brake problems which were later fixed. The Alvord and the Steens Mountains are really something to see.

Video of Roger H flying and landing Larry's Firestar. I think he hit the touchdown point he was aiming at. Land in any direction in any place, just about. Good place for engine out practice.

Four Kolbs land Owyhee Reservoir State Airport

2009-05-22T18:11:00.004-05:00

Four Kolb's landing U28.

Roger H
John H
Larry C
Keith A

I had already landed. Too bad, of course it was a perfect landing. heehee

Neat little place to camp and fish. There was a large group coming in for Memorial Day weekeend. Just too pretty! There is so much beautiful country to see. Can't see it all. Need to to retire!

Flight up the Owyhee Canyon

2009-05-22T17:31:00.005-05:00

After leaving Skinner Ranch, we headed north. Flew over the lava fields to Owyhee River Canyon. Too beutiful to describe and pictures don't represent it to the full extent. Sorry the pictures are in reverse order. Also learned the need to wear darker clothes to avoid a the reflection in the lexan.

Too much fun! Landed on a neat little strip - Owyhee Reservoir State Airport [28U].

This is a backcountry strip that I'd love to spend a week at.

Thursday's Flight to Skinner Ranch

2009-05-22T17:14:00.003-05:00

Thursday morning we got up early. No breakfast and just a little coffee! We headed toward Skinner Ranch to remember our friend John W. We miss him a lot!

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2009-05-22T11:45:00.000-05:00

Parked on the Alvord Desert. Truly Living da Dream!

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2009-05-21T19:31:00.000-05:00

At Skinner Ranch to remember our friend John W. He's always on our wing.

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2009-05-20T19:34:00.000-05:00

Owyhee River

John H arrives at the Rock House

2009-05-19T15:00:00.004-05:00

John H arrives Tuesday, after visiting with SF buddy in Elko, NV.

Tuesday AM at the Rock House

2009-05-19T09:07:00.003-05:00

Tuesday morning at the Rock House and resting a bit.

Trip stats so far:

Trip Odometer: 2316.6 sm

Moving Average: 78 mph

Total Average: 75.7 mph

Max Speed: 126.7 mph

15 fuel stops

16 landings (not counting a lot of bounces)

Made it to the Rock House!

2009-05-18T23:20:00.004-05:00

Well, we made it! We're at the Rock House. Got here this afternoon. Quite an interesting arrival. They mearsure wind different here in Oregon. 6-10, right down the runway tanslates to 20 - 30 almost direct crosswind. It was exciting. The flight from Wendover to the Rock House was fine until we got to Winnemuca. Winds and thermals really started picking up. Cell phone service is almost non-existent. Will download some pics so check back. Going nite nite. This is an incredible place.

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2009-05-18T13:00:00.000-05:00

Open pit gold mine west Elko.

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2009-05-18T10:18:00.000-05:00

On the way to Elko, NV.

2009-05-18T08:28:00.001-05:00

Headed for the Rock House today. Weather has been perfect. Helped a lot flying the pass yesterday. Not sure about cell service out in the back country. May be a while posting. Pinching myself while Living da Dream!

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2009-05-17T22:30:00.000-05:00

Bonneville Salt Flats

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2009-05-17T22:29:00.000-05:00

Canyonlands National Park

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2009-05-17T22:25:00.000-05:00

At the pass.

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2009-05-17T22:24:00.000-05:00

Flying the pass from Price to Spanish Fork.

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2009-05-17T20:13:00.000-05:00

At Wendover, UT. Done for today.

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2009-05-17T18:16:00.000-05:00

Great Salt Lake. Headed for Wendover, UT

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2009-05-17T11:33:00.000-05:00

At Blanding, UT for fuel.

2009-05-16T23:29:00.001-05:00

Saturday night at Monument Valley.
Trip odometer = 1505 sm
Average speed = 80.0 mph
Max speed = 126.7 mph
Tomorrow we start north toward Oregon. Been a great adventure so far! More than I deserve.

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2009-05-16T22:53:00.000-05:00

Sitting around the fire. Good people, good times.

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2009-05-16T18:00:00.000-05:00

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2009-05-16T17:58:00.000-05:00

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2009-05-16T17:40:00.000-05:00

San Jaun River

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2009-05-16T17:38:00.000-05:00

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2009-05-16T17:37:00.001-05:00

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2009-05-16T17:37:00.000-05:00

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2009-05-16T17:36:00.001-05:00

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2009-05-16T17:36:00.000-05:00

Lake Powell

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2009-05-16T17:35:00.000-05:00

Wing talking in the desert.

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2009-05-16T17:29:00.001-05:00

Probably from one of those great landings!

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2009-05-16T17:29:00.000-05:00

Saturday am flight. Monument Valley

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2009-05-15T18:06:00.000-05:00

13 Kolbs
1 Cub
2 Rans
2 General A's

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2009-05-14T20:45:00.000-05:00

We're there!! Truly living da dream!

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2009-05-14T19:25:00.000-05:00

Naugie happy!

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2009-05-14T19:24:00.000-05:00

Best pew in any church.

2009-05-14T16:58:00.001-05:00

In Gallup, NM eating a hamburger. Learning about density altitude the hard way.

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2009-05-14T13:08:00.000-05:00

Rio Grande South of ABQ

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2009-05-14T12:49:00.000-05:00

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2009-05-14T11:39:00.000-05:00

New Mexico

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2009-05-14T09:52:00.000-05:00

Fueling in Clovis, NM. 57F in May!

2009-05-14T06:59:00.001-05:00

Departing F05 0715
Headed for Clovis, NM

Plan for Thursday

2009-05-14T02:49:00.002-05:00

The Presidential TFR around Albuquerque has got us adjusting our plans. Can't visit Mike and Jan at Los Lunas, NM. Fuel stop there would be great! May request it when we get there but not counting on it.

Plan
Depart Vernon, TX [F05]

Fuel stops:

Clovis, NM [CVN] 219 sm
Grants, NM [GNT] 293 sm
Gallup, NM [GUP] 56 sm

Destination: Monument Valley, UT [UT25] 132 sm

Total = 700 sm

Forecast is for tailwinds most of the way. We'll see.
gonna be a big day. Having a blast, living the dream!

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2009-05-13T14:45:00.000-05:00

We're in Vernon, TX and done for the day. Wind 24017G24 shifting to more out of west. Too much work for such little gain. Denny here at Wilbarger Co has been great to us. Recommend this stop.

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2009-05-13T13:50:00.000-05:00

At Vernon, TX F05. 2 hour flight, 4 landings (not intent), 30 min taxi. Wind is blowing!

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2009-05-13T09:03:00.001-05:00

Crabbing! Camera is pointed in direction of ground track. Did this for 2.5 hours!

2009-05-13T08:30:00.001-05:00

Wind easing, headed to F05.

2009-05-13T07:06:00.001-05:00

Stuck in Sherman, TX. Wind 18015G21KT

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2009-05-12T19:42:00.000-05:00

John H here now. Gaggle of 5!

2009-05-12T18:51:00.001-05:00

Hit da ground at SWI. Gary H here. John H 40 min out.

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2009-05-12T16:06:00.000-05:00

Field of BAD dreams. End 2004 flight!

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2009-05-12T15:37:00.000-05:00

Crossing LA / TX stateline.

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2009-05-12T14:03:00.000-05:00

Gaggle of two Kolbs at IER for fuel.

2009-05-12T11:56:00.001-05:00

Today's plan.
Departing - Nauga noon
Fuel stops:IER
Destination -SWI
THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

Today's flight - May 02

2009-05-02T21:25:00.003-05:00

Bruce C and I flew today. Flew to EAA Chapter 912 Fly-In at Vidalia, LA (0R4).
Then we flew to Marksville, LA (MKV) and then returned to Nauga Field.

For me:
Distance Flown = 163.5 sm
4 landings in stiff winds
3.2 hours (includes 4 warm-ups)
11.5 gallons of fuel

Had a blast! Living the Dream!

2009-05-02T17:44:00.002-05:00

Hit da ground at Nauga.

Construction of new Mississippi River Bridge

2009-05-02T17:35:00.000-05:00

For those insterested in how the construction on the new bridge is progressing. A lot is going to have to happen fast to be ready for 2010!!!!!!

East Side

West Side

Looking East

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2009-05-02T17:03:00.000-05:00

Atchafalaya River

2009-05-02T16:21:00.001-05:00

Leaving MKV ^1630. Pass by HZR, then NAUGA.

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2009-05-02T15:25:00.000-05:00

wind 16012G17KT (check the windsock)

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2009-05-02T15:00:00.000-05:00

At MKV. LtD!

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2009-05-02T11:37:00.000-05:00

Bruce and I at 0R4. Kolbs draw the crowds.

2009-05-02T09:43:00.001-05:00

Leaving Nauga
meeting Bruce at 58LA
Then 0R4

Mulitmedia test from phone

2009-04-27T21:04:00.000-05:00

Test 2 - The view from Goulding's.

First post

2009-04-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

This is my first post. Hope is to share some pictures and brief comments of my flight to Monument Valley, Utah and beyond. This is a first attempt at a blog, so please be patient. I am not "connected" as much as some. Plans are to submit to this blog via mobile phone. Post will be brief. This will give family and friends a way to keep up with me while on my great Kolb Adventures. Hope you enjoy.

John B