Summary and Images
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by Maurice Sheldon
Really nice day. Minimal wind on the ground (3 mph at most) and no clouds. Very smooth air up to 300' to 400' where the inversion layer kicked in.
Bill and I arrived at 5:30am and we were both in the air before 6. We did some XC to his house and back. Very nice.
Formation with a Bug by Bill Wright
You know, I always dreamed of flying along with a flock of geese, ducks, whatever, just like you see in those National Geographic pictures or hear about on the Big List. Yesterday I got the next best thing...as you can guess from the "subject" heading...I was doing a flat pass over some shrubs, looked over to my left to see where Mo was, noticed a parallel flying object, just cruising along at the same speed, about 10 feet off my left shoulder. I think it was a big bee or one of those flying beetles. Pretty wild though, just flying right along side for what must have been 1/4 mile or so. I must have looked like an idiot, hanging there at 20 mph laughing to myself. Glad Mo didn't see me, he would probably wonder why I fly around laughing...
Anyway, it was indeed one of those days to remember. Super calm, nice sunrise, nice little x-country to the house and back. Mo and I now know about how many miles we can cover on a tank of gas...important info before we strike out on a one-way coordinated tour. We have been talking about flying to Susan's house (18 mile run) and back some day. She is near the QueenCreek site. We can coordinate a fuel-up with her, or a ride back to station #1 if the winds don't permit the return trip. Probably something I'll want to do in another month or so, first I want to try out the hilly region between the McCartney site and Susan's place. The winds travel over those hills pretty agressively at times, I noticed that one time as I approached them from the downwind side (something you have to do for the proposed track). So, we'll have to pick our day carefully.
David Cook responds...
Hello Bill, Great story! I think a quarter of a mile is about 45 seconds. That is a long time! Did you have to try to follow the little fellow to fly with him that long, or did he fly along with you?
Bill Wright responds...
The bug actually seemed to be maintaining left wingman with me. I was just cruising straight ahead! It was kinda funny, I didn't think bees could fly that fast, but then, ppg =(not) fast...
Images
Spectacular...
If you look closely, you can see the darn bug.
Formation flying.
If you look closely, there's an eagle in flight.
Boy's and their toys. Bill playing with some tractors.
