So, it's been a month since last I flew. That's right, our trip to Lynchburg, VA for Thanks Giving. Weather, work and more weather just kept interfering with my flying opportunities. Well, today that all changed. Church at 9:00 am offered us an early start, but the light snow on the ground was a total surprise. By the time church was over, the snow was gone for the most part, so home for a nice breakfast with the wife and daughter and then over to the airport. I had to reintroduce myself to N926GZ since she felt like I had abandoned her. Wasn't long before we had everything checked out and ready to go. Couldn't find anyone to go with me today, so it was a solo kind of day. The plan was to do a couple in the pattern, just to brush off the rust, and then take a quick trip down to Woodbine, KOBI, to check out the campground and trailer and another landing and takeoff. Then back to South Jersey, KVAY, for a home sweet home landing.
Unlike auto drivers, there is something to be said for keeping current when it comes to Pilots. Touch and Perception as well as a good knowledge of our planes is always important. So, after the start and run up we were ready for a couple take offs and landings. The wind was blowing just a little but right down the runway and 926GZ jumped off the runway with wonderful energy on a nice winter day. As I set up for final, we crossed the numbers and gently floated to the runway. A second take off was just like the first and I turned towards the south east for Woodbine. 2,500' was a little bumpy and the layer of haze was present which was a little disappointing. It didn't take long to locate Woodbine and the sky was empty as I dropped down to 1,200'. Just a little south east of the airport is Pine Haven Camping Resort, the summer retreat for the Stow family. At 1000' I had a great view of all below and could clearly see our trailer covered up for the winter months. Everything looked so peaceful but lonely as I circled above our trailer. After one slow pass, I set up for a direct final to Runway 31 at Woodbine. A group of guys hanging at the airport all watched as a floated long down the runway and spared the breaks by using the full distance offered. A couple quick buttons pushed on the Garmin 530 and I was all set for the track back home.
There was a little bit of a head wind on the way home, but up at 3000' the air was smooth. I drifted back down 10 miles from South Jersey and crossed over the airport at 2,000' and set up for the 45 for Runway 26. Downwind to base and then to final and before you knew it, I was floating down onto the runway. Another day of flying and more memories in the book. Every chance I have to lift up to the clouds I thank God for the chance to live a dream that only a few in this world know. Well, until the next time, "Smooth Travels and Be Safe" my friends.
