> Hello Netter's,
>
> I FINALLY made it back at about 6:45 PM tonight. This was one
> eventful trip. Once visibility cleared enough to leave MVN, I made my
> way through the haze to Monett, MO. Winds were more than I typically
> care for but would certainly get worse before this trip was over.
> From Misery on, or is it Missouri, I was getting beat to death from
> rough air. Lightening and rain storms were encountered in Oklahoma. I
> skirted between two downpours (I have photos) to make it to El Reno
> where the winds were about 18 with gusts to 25. Not fun. Checked
> weather which indicated the Texas pan handle would be fairly clear to
> Amarillo. NOT. Once over the Texas border the fun really began.
> MAJOR rain and lightening storms throughout the pan handle. I had to
> divert about 300 miles to the south to get around it and finally ended
> up in Hobbs, NM at dark.
>
> The services indicated in the facilities directory were non existent.
> As I was preparing to tie my KR down outside and getting it ready for
> the lightening and rain storm fast approaching, a gentleman pulled up
> and illuminated my KR with his headlights. He asked if I wanted to
> put the KR inside for the night. He said no plane deserved to stay
> out in these conditions. Fortunately for me, he is the president of
> the local EAA chapter and founder of the southwest pilots association
> ( I think that's right?) Anyway, we nestled the KR in with his other
> 4 aircraft for the night and then he took me to a local motel. ( Why
> yes, I DID stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night). Then, he showed
> up at 6am to take me back to the airport. Talk about hospitality!
> Unfortunately, the ceilings where 600' or less until about 11 am so I
> was unable to depart. We ended up going to breakfast instead. Once we
> returned, I noticed my right wheel pant was damaged. The night before
> I had taxied over a speed bump. The ramp was not well marked or lit.
> We made a quick field repair and then I was off to Albuquerque.
> Initially I was going to go the southern route but the weather was
> already getting bad so I ended up heading north through Roswell, NM.
> Didn't see any aliens but came pretty close to a jumbo jet on final
> into Roswell.
>
> Although the fuel is expensive, I have had nothing but the finest
> treatment at Double Eagle in Albuquerque. If you ever have the
> chance, stop in to Bode Air. They are great people. I have stopped
> there over night on at least 3 occasions. They never charge a fee and
> always make sure I get to a hotel. And of course there is always a
> lot of activity around the KR when it arrives.
>
> It was now the afternoon, the worst time of day to go through the
> desert to California. Weather report indicate severe turbulence
> through Winslow and Sedona, AZ. 20 to 30 knot head and crosswinds all
> the way to Parker, AZ. I made a fuel stop in Holbrook, AZ and had 17
> knot winds upon arrival. Needless to say, most of my landings were
> exciting but not too bad.... well, maybe one was. After Parker,
> things smoothed out significantly until I reached the LA basin. The
> same lovely haze I had left in MVN was just as nasty here.
>
> The tires just kissed the runway as I landed and as I taxied
> exhaustedly to the hangar, I couldn't help to feel the satisfaction of
> completing another adventure across the USA in my KR. It was great to
> see old friends and make some new ones. I can't wait until next year!
>
> Steve Glover
> KR-2 N902G
> AJO, Ca
> <kr...@cox.net>
>
>
