Wed. June 28
In 2009 I flew my Maxair Drifter to Sun 'n Fun. Randy Simpson in his Carerra was my flying partner back then. Today I re-lived a part of that flight: Dennis and I landed at Ronnie Smith's airstrip Sky Landings (22MS) in Lucedale, MS. Just like 14 years ago, Ronnie and his son Morris welcomed us heartily. Morris and Ronnie run South Mississippi Light Aircraft, an engine repair and Rotax training facility. Morris was intrigued by what was going on with my engine and almost immediately had the top cowling off my plane. After a while, Ronnie, Dennis and I went out for barbeque brisket and fried pickles. Morris couldn't join us since he was waiting on a delivery...and figuring out my engine.
By the time we got back from lunch, I had this to put in my engine maintenance log: "Performed visual inspection of engine. Found 2/4 carb choke to be in wrong position, found idle jets were installed loose, cleaned carb bowls and synced carbs." This is why my engine was running so rich at altitude and "knocking".
From Ronnie Smith's we followed my flight path of 14 years ago to Mike and Kathy Baswell's Baswell Airport (57AL). Mike's grass airstrip is mown just like a golf course. It's absolutely beautiful. Just like back then, Mike welcomed us and put us up for the night. But first he took us out for...barbeque brisket!
Mike is still flying the Storch he had when I visited him back then. He made a miniature version for his grandchildren to "fly".
The flying today to Ronnie's was a short leg (1.5 hrs.) over very similar beaches as yesterday - just different islands.
Then on to Mike's - an even shorter leg (45 minutes) over beautiful green farmland with lots and lots of water. It was very hazy again, so these photos have been edited to get rid of the haze.
Tomorrow we'll be flying the western Florida coast to Apalachicola.
The world is small.I crewchange yesterday from my offshorevessel in Panama City, driving to New-Orleans.
ReplyDeleteSo we were not far from each other😁.
Enjoy your trip.
So good to hear, Arty! Glad those needle jets got taken care of!
ReplyDeleteArty, great speaking with you, what an adventure. Blue skies and tailwinds 🥂
ReplyDeleteArty, thanks for the most excellent recap of your flight. I wish it would have worked out for me to join you flying this route, but your pictures and write-up is second best.
ReplyDeleteLove your detailed description of a life time adventure. Looking forward for further chapters. Keep safe
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