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!
