Chilly, Bumpy & Beautiful !!!

On this Sunday, February 11, 2007, the air was cold, crisp and relatively clear, with a 5-10 mph breeze from the west-northwest. There were no AIRMETS predicted for turbulence, yet all day long we experienced light to moderate chop. After a quick stop for a morning cup of java, we continued on to the airport. Dad and I were flying today as my wife had yet another previous engagement. I really miss when she is with us as she adds extra commentary and joy to our flights together. Plus, she takes great videos for me so I can add them to the website.

This morning was our first flight from the new airport, after having relocated the plane here two weekends ago. Because the air was so bitterly cold for the past two weeks, and due to the temps being below freezing the night before, we decided that pre-heating the engine was a good idea. Once my pre-flight was complete and we were loaded on board, I pumped the throttle 6 times and commenced cranking. After only ONE turn of the propeller, the engine sprang to life in the cold, morning air. Within 15 minutes of warming her up and checking the controls, we were airborne and heading southeast.

Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ was our first destination. I wanted to yet again check on the NEW attraction construction at the park as it readies itself for opening day come early April. Not much had changed, though I shot many pics nonetheless for further review. After flying a few circles around the park, we headed east, then south, as we flew along the eastern circumference of Lakehurst Naval Base's airspace. Toms River / Robert J. Miller Airpark was our next stop for a stretch, a restroom break and because we realized our front window indeed needed washing.

Entering the traffic pattern was bumpy, and no other planes were present. My altitude was high when I turned final to runway 24, but after applying full flaps, throttling back and dumping the nose, we were positioned at a steep angle downward, dropping at over 1,000 feet per minute. Within seconds, I touched her down ever so gently and taxied to the general aviation ramp. After shutting down and securing the old girl, I reached into the cargo door for the window cleaner and noticed the cleaner itself in the aerosol can had frozen into a clump, and was banging around the inside of the can. I tucked it in my jacket and while using the restroom, I placed it under the hot water in the sink. It took much shaking and more hot water over the can before the cleaner was in a usable form. Soon, we were out there in the breeze that produced below 10F windchills, cleaning the windows of the plane. I tell you, we couldn't finish quick enough. OUCH - that wind actually hurt. Anyway, after starting the engine, followed by a LONG taxi, we were airborne and heading southwest for a flight over the vast Jersey Pine Barrens.

I needed to locate the defunct rail line that began at Whiting and continued through the Hammonton area because I wanted to view Caranza's Memorial from the air, as well as snap some pics of this monument. During and after photographing this area, we noticed a large fire was burning just to the south and east of our flight path. Flying closer, it appeared that this fire was a controlled burning as it looked as if only the underbrush was burning, and the fires were in long, straight, lines. Still, though, a neat sight to see. Turning more west, we located Cross Keys airport, entered the traffic pattern, landed and parked on the grass. We took out our lunch and ate right there in the warm airplane, not even getting out once. While eating lunch, we noticed that despite the 20 degree temps, folks were parachuting there. Cross Keys airport has a HUGE parachuting business on the field, and in the warmer months, turbo-prop aircraft carry as many as 25-30 jumpers aloft for the time of their lives. But today, we were shocked to see even a few folks jumping. Of course with less jumpers, the aircraft used was the next size up from ours. After an enjoyable sandwich, chips, pickles and a drink, I started the engine, taxied to runway 27 and applied full throttle. Soon, we were climbing and heading west toward Philadelphia.

I chose to head west because I wanted to shoot some more pictures of Clementon Amusement Park in Clementon, NJ. I traversed this area from south to north, west to east, trying to locate the lake that the park resides on. Finally, Dad spotted it to the right of our flight path and I pointed the plane in that direction. I flew a few circles of the park and shot many pics of their two coasters, as well as the park and water park in general.

After this little deviation in our flight, we headed north to the Lumberton area and landed at South Jersey Regional airport for some coffee and dessert. It felt good to drink something HOT, and after a 15 or so minute rest, we were back in the plane, rocketing upward and turning northwest for our flight home. We traversed the Delaware river, just north of Philadelphia, then continued west of Trenton, again joining the Delaware as we flew on the PA side past Lambertville, Stockton, Frenchtown and Milford. I pointed-out the Sand Castle Winery to Dad because my wife and I just visited there yesterday, and it looked quite spectacular from above.

Before long, we were getting tired and felt that was enough flying for the day. We headed back to our home-base airport, taxied to the gas pits, and had her tanks topped-off. With a quick taxi back to our tie-down spot, we secured her in place, readying her for another great day of flying, this time to the north for a change. See you here after the NEXT flight !!! :) - Thanks for Reading....