April 3: We hang around the motel, obssessing over the weathe; ultimately, we decided it's too uncertain, and give up.
April 4 (I'll catch up on this one later, as it was a really fun day, even though we just flew around the airport)
April 5: The strong front crossing Texas and threatened to bring hail to the Quincy, FL, area on Saturday suddenly dissipated overnight. The first 100 miles to the west had layers of scattered clouds, broken clouds, and an overcast, but seemed likely to improve throughout the day. We decided continue our flight, knowing we might be working around the clouds and possibly not getting very far.
We took off in a light rain, hardly more than a sprinkle, but were surprised by some waterentering at the lowest point of the canopy, from between the canopy frame and the cockpit sill. A folded up paper on each side soaked up the water, and we were soon out of the rain.
The first 100 miles was flown between 2000' and 3000' off the ground to remain clear of the clouds; eventually, the scattered and broken layers dissipated, and the over cast rose gradually, then also dissipated, leaving a clear, sunny sky.
Laurel, MS, was our first stop. Russ did the landing, as the crosswind exceeded my experience level. We filled the tanks with 9 gallons of fuel, not bad for 280 miles of travel, then got a ride to the nearby Hardees for lunch. Soon we were on our way towards Laurel, MS. The Mississippi River (below) has wandered for eons, and the ground showed it, with looping patterns in the flat terrain in both directions.
Nest stop - Minden! No, not Minden, NV, but Minden, LA. Most of this leg had a high overcast, so it was gloomy, but we easily cruised at 6500' MSL (height above sea level) and 110 knots (127 mph).
Another 10 gallons to fill the tanks (one in each wing), then we unloaded our gear, tied the Phoenix down, and headed for town in a Ford pickup borrowed from the airport business that sells fueil, does maintenance and related services (called an FBO - fixed base operator - in airport jargon).
Russ sorts through his baggage, hoping to get all the important stuff to the motel.
A pizza, some beer, and another motel. Time to go to bed!
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