Short but Good…

My weekend was not very long (had to fly out Sunday after so I could be at work for an 8:30 am meeting) but I did get to play with all of my toys and one of my friends too. It started out with a lovely Hot Air Balloon with Kirti from McKinney, TX to New Hope, TX. We had a perfect stand up landing in a field. After the flying I got a call from Larry who was going to take his Cesena Skyhawk for a spin around the area. So I jumped on the Harley and raced up to the McKinney airport and jump in the right seat of this beautiful brand new plan.

WOW…

I have 1.5 million miles of commercial airline miles under my belt but before Saturday I had NEVER been in a “small” plane before. WOW. It was everything I expected and even more of what I didn’t expect!!

The flight it self was not very smooth because of the temperature, around 100 plus on the ground caused lots of thermals at altitude but that did not take away from the greatness of the flight.

The most interesting part was Larry’s approach to the flight compared to my approach to a flight in the balloon. For the most part he can fight the condition where I have to work with the conditions.

Only took 8 trips...

It took 8 trips to the Tampa area before I got the chance to see the Beach.

The Pilot has turned on the seat belt sign...

And that pilot would be me! This weekend (actually Friday July 4th) I passed my check ride and oral exam for my Private Pilot Certificate. The line starts to the right for all those wanting a Hot Air Balloon ride (but of course you will need to work for it, without crew I go no where).

The balloon is named "Roger That"... it is a goofy name but very fitting.

geek or dweeb

blogging from my iPhone, geek or dweeb?

It is Monday morning and I am at the airport what a surprise. At 5:00am nobody is awake but Mcdonalds is sure busy. I guess a big mac is the only way to make it through a two and half hour flight. Sitting in the back of the plane means I land before everyone else. I would rather be up front. Time to board.

I didn't do...

A face a mother could only love.

With a look on it that says "I didn't do... it was the cats fault" as it came running into my home office shortly followed by two cats and another dog.

Welcome to my Wild Kingdom life.

Finally

The weather finally cooperated and I was able to get a long awaited Hot Air Balloon flight in. Overall the flight went very well. And the other good news is that Chuck will be in town from July 1 to the 7th which means I may be able to get a shot at scheduling my check ride. If I pass that then I will be able to carry passengers and receive my Pilot certificate.

Soft Landings...

Wind or Rain

Can I please get something in the middle, PLEASE!!

It is not much fun when ALL of your toys are just sitting in the garage because mother nature won't allow you to play with them. BUT the weekend is looking promising for some flying and biking. Keep your fingers crossed.

Fathers Day

This year Father's Day for me was 31 hours long. It included call from my world traveling daughter (who gave me the extra 7 hours), quite paper reading time, Harley coffee mug, a impromptu shopping spree at Home Depot, a Wii and a good meal.

I don't deserve it all.

Rain Rain go away

My prays and thoughts go to the people in the Midwest dealing with the flooding, the pictures you see on TV just don't have the same impact on you, as when you see it live and standing inches from the water.



The picture is of a amphitheater in Downtown Des Monies Iowa. The water is now to the top of the bridge. Which i believe to be 25 feet height