 | 
 | Friday, September 21, 2001
Checking the oil before departure is always important
We are able to continue our flight, recreating Amelia Earhart's record flight across America, with minor restrictions today. First of all, I want to say that this re-enactment now has a second message that we hope everyone will hear and that is; we are all freedom loving Americans who will not be stopped from enjoying taking to the skies for business, pleasure or any other venture that strikes us.
We had a most wonderful time in Pecos. What a welcome!
We took to the air this morning from Hobbs, New Mexico at 9:30 a.m. and were treated to beautiful clear, blue skies that are the trademark of the Southwest. Our first stop was Pecos, Texas where we were greeted by a cheering, flag waving crowd that included Austin Elementary?s second grade class who presented me with red, white and blue carnations along with warm hugs. What an incredible feeling to know that these same people turned out for our previously planned arrival on 9/11 and enthusiastically did the same more than a week later.
I was chauffered in a vintage 1931 Model A Ford by Bill Hubbs to the Pecos museum where I was honored with a proclamation from the mayor and a tasty lunch in the courtyard. This museum deserves extra special mention for its comprehensive presentation of a wealth of antiques. The site is the former Orient Hotel and Bar built in the early 1900?s. The bar even boasts two brass plaques on the floor depicting the death of two men during a ?gunfight? in 1908. On our return to the airport, we passed by the home where Amelia Earhart was hosted during her stay in Pecos.
Amelia listened to this 1920's version of a "juke box" when she was in Pecos. It's actually a small player piano!
There was another special surprise in having three people visit us who were present 73 years ago when Amelia Earhart landed in Pecos. Dick Stack, Mary Prewit and Cole Armstrong all signed the bottom wing of the Avro Avian for us.
After a few quick good-byes, we were off to El Paso, Texas. The afternoon heat and moisture stirred up a few cumulous clouds over the mountains that presented us with a few sprinkles and a pretty rough ride, but in a matter of a little over 2 hours we were safe and sound and on the ground.
I can?t tell you how good it feels to be back in the air again and how much it means to have the same heart warming welcomes each time we stop. I am off to dinner and then to bed for an early morning start tomorrow.
[Return back to log archive list] | |
|
