 | 
 | Tuesday, September 25, 2001
The Avro approaching Nephi, Utah near where Amelia had to land. Her plane was then put on a railroad car and taken to Salt Lake City for repairs.
This morning we did not get as early a start as we had hoped and we were further delayed by the recent flight restrictions that required us to avoid Las Vegas Class B airspace. This added extra miles to the flight but at least we had a good tail wind to help move us along.
Once we took to the air at Jean Field just south of town, we flew around the Class B airspace, which means we had to stay nearly 30 miles from the main Las Vegas airport. Heading out from Jean we were treated to the spectacular beauty of the Colorado River as it winds its way to Lake Mead. What an amazingly rugged river bed with brilliant hues of pink.
We actually flew up and along the lake for a while, just east of the Muddy Mountains, then basically followed the same route as Interstate 15 heading north. As we continued into Utah, the terrain became increasingly rugged which is a little anxiety provoking for me in an antique bi-plane as it would be a very inhospitable place to have to make an emergency landing. Our first and only fuel stop of today?s flight was Cedar City, Utah. There we fueled, added oil, drank a cool beverage and once again took to the air.
The gusty winds and heat made for a bumpy ride to Nephi, Utah, where I landed and took-off again for Provo, Utah. It was probably the bumpiest ride yet on the trip. Twice I felt the shoulder harnesses holding me in as the airplane hit downdrafts. When they tell you to wear your seatbelt in an airplane, be sure to do it!
When we arrived at Provo the Avro was given a thorough ?going over? by our mechanic Brent Taylor. Brent worked late today changing the oil and giving the Avro a detailed inspection. Fuel was added and the sweet Avro Avian was put into a cozy hangar for the night.
This evening we had a wonderful sushi dinner at Osaka?s Japanese restaurant and began the mundane task of doing laundry. I had an extra special treat today, a manicure and pedicure! And now, it is past 11:00 p.m. and we plan to meet for breakfast at 6:30 a.m., so I am off to bed.
I don't think Amelia had this much luggage. Most of it belongs to the guys in the chase plane!
[Return back to log archive list] | |
|
