Retired Reflections

Flying to Arlington

We usually don't go to these big flying events as weather and crowds can sometimes make them unpleasant. The NW EAA Fly-in runs over several days at Arlington. THis year the first few days had bad weather but since the forecast looked good for Friday, we decided to go. The night before we looked over all the procedures that we got on the internet. The idea was that since we were arriving on one of the two busiest days, there was a procedure that would minimize confusion. We were to fly to Green Valley where controllers would see us and identify us by our plane and color. They would have us rock our wings - no talking - and then follow their instructions. It was a beautiful day. We went over Stampede Pass and then headed up the valley. Over the grass field where the controllers were, we got their message - yellow and white Cessna, rock your wings. Perfect. We followed the plane ahead to Arlington and then into the field.

Once on the ground we were directed to a very spacious grass field where planes of every sort were parked - and many were set up for overnight camping. Lots of activity including an airshow. We visited the many exhibits, talked to Dan from the Big Bend Mechanics school where George had gone, saw Karin's nice C-140, ate well, and walked all over looking at planes. We left after the air show. The departure was interesting as two planes at a time lined up on either side of the runway for takeoff. We headed over Stevens Pass after taking off, then by Mt. Stuart. We went by Cathedral Rock where Jim and Crhistopher and I had camped back in the 80's - right by Mt Daniel. Too much fun! Were home by 7.

posted by Mary @ 8:59 AM