Flight To Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 2011

Monday, Aug. 1

The drama of Wayne's missing carbuerator diffuser/atomiser continued today. My former neighbor, Bob Dougherty, (in whose home we spent the night,) and Wayne were on the phone and internet, trying to track down the part. Jon LaVasseur, good friend and fellow pilot (in Minnesota) was also making calls on Wayne's behalf. Wayne finally tracked down a BMW dealer in Lake Crystal, MN (a 90 minute drive from Bob D's.) Bob D. immediately cleared his work schedule and offered to take us there. On the way, we drove through a torrential downpour that lasted for miles. The lightning and driving rain made us worry about our planes, but there was nothing that could be done as we were already halfway to Lake Crystal.

Yeah! The part was the right one, we headed for the airport, and wiped down our sodden planes, none of which was as water tight as we had thought. At 6:00 p.m. we were wheels off in a stiff wind - a marvelous tailwind! I saw 113 mph over the ground at first, which then subsided to 110 mph and then down to 101 mph. It was pretty bumpy at 2400' MSL - but worst was the haze. There was 3-4 miles of good visibility, but further out the heat haze was thick, making everything indistinct. Heading into the sun as we were, my Anywhere Map was unreadable except for the line showing the way to our next destination...Montevideo, MN. Wayne and I made the 126 mile flight in less than 90 minutes, and Bob made it in 75!

The humidity and heat are overwhelming, and we are delighted that the FBO here in Montevideo is unlocked and air conditioned. Being in tents tonight would be intolerable. Unfortunately, there is a speaker in the FBO which broadcasts - loudly - whenever any plane calls in on the frequency. Wayne is trying to disconnect the wires for the night.

The barometer reading is really low - presaging another storm tomorrow. Maybe not. We'll wait until tomorrow to worry about it.

Here are some pictures from yesterday's flight. My GoPro fisheye camera is working again.

(click on any photo to view the full sized image)