ARE WE STILL MARRIED?

31 Years and Counting.

HOW IS YOUR MARRIAGE?

This is the questions a person asked me when he asked to look at my aircraft in Fairbanks, AK where I bought some oil.  After seeing Jolene crawl out and head for the restrooms, he peered in at the size and asked where we came from and where we were going.  When I told him is when he asked how our marriage was and if we were still married.  As Jolene said it was the best vacation I believe I ever had.  I forgot about emails, and doing anything connected to work – and was even completely out of keeping up on the news.  Did we invade any other country while I was gone???  I actually feel a bit “out of the loop”, but it was a really good vacation.  We didn’t know where we would be many nights and just “winged” it day by day.  We ended up places we hadn’t planned, but it was a lot of fun.  I sat forward of Jolene and we had headsets and an intercom to talk.  I had access to the intercom switch and she did not, so if she was saying something I didn’t want to hear I could turn it OFF.  I never turned it off and only thought about it briefly once or twice.  Really we had a great trip, and it was fun spending that time together – I’m sure glad Jolene came along!  Where next Jolene - Antarctica?  YES WE ARE STILL MARRIED.  - ROGER

N293AC: "Why Don't You Ever Listen To Me"

THE AIRPLANE FINALLY HAD ENOUGH                               

After being so surprised about how the airplane made no problems I thought I was all but home, and was looking forward to putting the airplane back into a hangar.  Since I’ve owned it I’ve never used it as hard as I did these past few weeks and it was outside the entire time, so I was ready to get it back inside and give it a good bath and some gentle loving care.  I dropped Renae at Goshen and was working my way around some weather in eastern Ohio when she finally told me she had enough.  It’s not that she was trying to tell me for some time, and I should have dug deeper before, but I wasn’t listening as I should have been.  I heard a slight tick (Jolene was even tuned in to the machine enough to recognize it).  I looked into the engine from underneath and from the oil door, but didn’t see anything amiss, and originally thought it was an electrical interference.  Everything was performing so well, but I should have removed the cowling and checked everything out more, because the old bird was trying to tell me something.  As we got closer to home I was convinced it was an exhaust leak but thought it was in the muffler heat shroud, since I was getting a little carbon monoxide indication.  I had a little over 2 hours to get home and thought I will monitor the air quality and opened the window and watched the CO2 detectors.  I stopped for weather and after it cleared out and I saw I could easily make it home I headed out and shortly after takeoff I heard a very loud noise and realized something happened to the exhaust.  I made an immediate return to the airport and after taking off the cowling discovered the exhaust pipes had cracked at the number 2 and 4 cylinders, and were now completely separated.  I knew I wasn’t going anywhere.  It was Saturday evening in Cambridge, OH, a small town, and I couldn’t get a rental car except in Columbus 100 miles the wrong direction.  I was disappointed I could not get it home, but also thankful it didn’t happen before at some of the remote places we were.  It could have happened at a much worse location.  I knew I couldn’t fix it until the following week, so I called Jolene and she came to get me – leaving at home around 8:00PM and getting to Cambridge at 2:00AM.  I had a lounge to hang out (most airports keep something available for pilots with the code of the radio frequency so a pilot would only know) and I had a great lazy-boy to sleep on.  When she got there it was my turn to drive so I drove most of the way back although she also drove for some of the time.  We got home about 8:15AM, took a quick shower and went to church.  We were pretty tired in church, but hey we were back.  We will take long naps this afternoon, you can be sure of that!  ROGER

PILOT HEAVEN!

Oshkosh 2012 (July 24 – 28)

What a great way to finish out a vacation.  I met Renae and we flew into Oshkosh, Wi Tuesday afternoon, and spent until Saturday enjoying the largest airshow in the world.  As usual flying into Oshkosh is interesting, but this time I was pretty uncomfortable when the established procedures were modified and I counted about 12 airplanes circling aimlessly over a town, twice getting too close for my comfort range – especially realizing there are many inexperienced pilots in the mix.  Next time if that happens I will pull out and come back in when things get a bit more settle down.  There are two lakes where aircraft usually hold, and the second one had about 12 aircraft circling it.  That point is very close to the airport and the place where the controllers are on the ground and when it is busy are constantly talking and giving directions to the airplanes coming overhead in a line ¼ to ½ mile apart.  They are separated there for two or three different runways and the only acknowledgement is rocking the wings.  Then one is handed off to the tower and again no communication except a wing rock if requested.  Each runway has 3 large dots painted a different color and aircraft are told which dot to land on and then are to immediately taxi clear of the runway on the grass.  When exiting the runway one places a sign in the windscreen to indicate camping or parking and about 6 other categories, and then people on the ground marshal.  We camped under our wing in the North 40 again.  The airplanes are packed in.  The process is incredibly organized, and if I didn’t experience it several times I would not believe it could work.  It is truly amazing to see how this entire process can work, especially in the air.  On takeoff they line up and take of several aircraft at the same time on the same runway.  There can be two or three staging takeoff points, and airplanes are lined up on both sides of the runway alternating sides so everybody is ready to go when released.  Again all this done with no acknowledgment from the pilots, only the controllers speaking – often non-stop.  If you are a pilot and have never flown into Oshkosh, it must go on your bucket list!  Over 1/2 million people, over 10,000 airplanes flying in, and over 36,000 people camping on the grounds - and EVERYBODY talking aviation!

Camping under the wing is always a highlight.  I spent 3 long days walking around and I probably saw less than 1/3 of what I wanted to.  One can spend a whole week there and still not see everything.  And the airshows are incredible.  What some of those pilots can do with an airplane defies logic, and again if I would not have seen it with my own eyes I would not think an aircraft could do some of those things.  We left before the night airshow Saturday night, but in the past that was very worthwhile seeing.  Every time I get to Oshkosh I say “I need to do this every year”, but I’ve only been there 4 or 5 times.  ROGER

After the Rains Came the Drying Out

The Neighbors Dryer

Travis and Alana's House Closing

July 24, 25 (Iowa City and Kalona)

Today was the big day of settlement for Travis and Alana’s house, which we needed to go to also.  (since he’s a student and Alana officially doesn’t have a job yet, they needed someone to co-sign).  So we met them up there for that and then went to their house and unloaded the truck with all their stuff they brought from AK.  It didn’t take long.  It’s a sweet little house, and a perfect size for them.  They were soon going to leave then to go to her parents in Danville, IL (about a four hour drive), and I dropped Roger off at the airport.  Travis and Alana were going to pick up all the wedding gifts they had left at her parents last summer, and get some furniture her parents had for them.  They wanted it all together before they decided what they needed yet for their house.

Roger was leaving to go pick up Renae at Joliet airport, and they were flying to Oshkosh, WI to the air show which is all this week.  He hadn’t planned to do that when we left on this trip, but someone reminded him of the dates, and it fit so perfectly, he couldn’t pass it up!  J  He asked and was granted some more vacation.  I wasn’t sure how I was going to get home then, but ended up leaving Wednesday morning with my cousin Marcus Miller and his wife Beth, who were going to Lancaster County anyway. 

And now I am home!  And happy to be here.  It was an awesome trip, totally.  J  Roger keeps saying it’s the best trip he has ever taken, and I’d say I probably have to agree.  I wasn’t too sure about it at the beginning and had even said at one point that I don’t think I’ll go.  But I am very glad I did.  I was sometimes not very comfortable in that single engine plane, especially going through the mountains, but it got us where we needed to go and did a fantastic job.  And I knew I could trust my husband to take no chances and be as safe as possible.  And it was good for us as a couple to spend some quality time together!  Thank you God for a safe trip and a great time!  JOLENE

Their Fist House - Please Sign Here.

Hot and hotter - sweltering Iowa summer.

July 23 (Iowa City and Kalona)

Travis and Alana stayed in Iowa City and did some things that needed to be done up there – and did a walk through of their house this afternoon.  Everything seemed to be in order.  Roger and I spent the day with mom and dad.  Roger went to coffee club with dad, which he likes to do when he’s there.  We visited some of the aunts and uncles that also live at Pleasantview, and washed our meager amount of clothes.  I’m ready to wear more than the two shirts I brought!  In the evening mom invited Travis and Alana and Kim, Robin and girls for supper, but only the girls could come, and Travis and Alana.  Had a nice supper (first corn on the cob for us!) and played games afterward.  JOLENE

WE MADE IT!

July 22 (Iowa City and Kalona, IA!!!)

So, it ended up pouring last night, and in the morning we were in about 4 inches of water in our tent!  Thankfully our wonderful pads mostly kept us dry, and we didn’t even realize till morning what was going on.  Roger’s sleeping bag was soaked, but mine wasn’t too bad.  We were very thankful – it was the ONLY night it rained, and it was our last night, so packing up wet things wouldn’t be so bad.  But turned out that before long the sun came out, strong as ever, and most everything was dried out till we packed up and left.  Travis and Alana’s tent was a much better one for rain, and they didn’t get very wet at all.  Our little thing really is not meant for rain!  Roger and I had gotten awake early and went for breakfast till it stopped raining, and let those guys sleep in a bit. 

Then, as a last hurrah for Travis and Roger, they flew together for the last time.  Of course, meaning Alana and I drove.  It was very hot, and got hotter as the day went on.  Flying was warmer than usual too, but they still had 65 degrees in cruise and we had over 100!  Of course our trip lasted a lot longer!  J  We met in Iowa City about 3:30 – 4 or so, and went to Kim and Robin’s for supper.  Kim was out of town with Kate, so Robin fed us wonderful BLT’s and fresh fruit and veggies.  I have missed the fresh produce of summertime on this trip.  Mom and Dad were there too, and Kim and Kate came about 7:30.  Travis and Alana were staying there with them and Roger and I went to Kalona with mom and dad to spend the time with them.  We slept at Aunt Grace’s since she has an extra bedroom, and mom and dad don’t.  JOLENE

A Rainy Night

July 21 (Faribault, MN)

We took off in fairly decent time this morning with Roger and I flying, T & A driving, heading to  Minneapolis/St. Paul for the night.   Roger and I flew across the lake for fuel, and then were on our way.  We met up with Travis and Alana at Casselton, just outside of Fargo, ND for lunch.  They brought us subs from Subway and we ate together there at the airport.  The facilities at most of these small airports are really nice – especially this one. 

Then we traded vehicles – they flew, we drove.  Their assignment, as the ones who would arrive faster, was to find a place for us to sleep for the night.  So they did their research and made reservations at a campground in Faribault, south of the twin cities.  We decided it would be nice to have a shower before arriving in Iowa the next day!  It was very hot driving today and the air-conditioner in the truck isn’t working, so a shower was even more necessary!  We arrived at the campground, set up our tents, and then decided that for our last night we would go out to eat at a nice restaurant, and found a Mexican one that was very good.  Back to the campground, wonderful showers (paid 25 cents for nine minutes), and bed.  Just as we were getting to bed, it started to sprinkle.  It was a hot night, and with rain, we had to shut up the flap on the tent.  We were sweating inside, especially Roger, who was at the back of the tent.  JOLENE

COVERING A LOT OF GROUND

July 20 (Minot, ND)

Since we have some really long days of driving ahead of us, and since Roger and I get up much earlier than Travis and Alana, we decided that when we wake up Roger and I would start driving and Travis and Alana would fly when they woke up and were ready, and meet us at Saskatoon.  So we took off in the truck by  6 am, stopping for breakfast and gas, and arrived there at about the same time that Travis and Alana landed.  They had taken off about 10 am, and got to Saskatoon around 1:30.  They then took off in the truck, and after some flight planning and arranging customs back into the U.S., we took off flying.  We decided to meet in Minot, SD, which would mean about a 3 ½ hour flight for us, and 7-8 hours driving for them.  Flying now is rather boring after all the sights we’ve been seeing.  Nothing now but flat farm land, and lots and lots of water.  Looks rather swampy down there and we were told they’ve had lots of rain lately.  Every day we go south gets hotter too.  We’ve been extremely fortunate weather-wise on this trip.  The ONLY time we couldn’t go because of weather was back in Wisconsin the third day of the trip.  Alaska had lots of low clouds, but we could always go.  Of course we’re not home yet, but so far, so good.  We sure planned on some weather days, but they never materialized which is really hard to believe after all these weeks.

We landed in Minot, and discovered rather quickly that we couldn’t camp there at the airstrip and we’d have to figure something else out.  We went through customs, and they had a courtesy car we used and went into town for a bite to eat and figure out where we were going to sleep.  Back at the airport, the guy there at the FBO told us about a grass strip he said was about a 15 minute flight away, which turned out to be longer than that.  It was getting dusk when we left, and we barely landed before dark at the little strip there.  It was getting hard to pick it out, and of course had no lights.  But we got in, and the problem was when we tried to explain to Travis how to drive in to it.  It was a bit off the road and after dark it was pretty hard for him to find us.  But eventually he did.  We could see him on the road while talking to him, and Roger put on the aircraft strobe lights (we were in a big dark hole) and he headed toward them.  It had rained a little bit, but we both set up our tents under the wings of the plane and hit the sack.  It was close to midnight till they arrived.  We bit off a bit more than we should have time-wise today, but it all worked out and we put on a lot of miles this way (somewhere between 800 and 900 I believe and we were only driving 60 – 62 mph).  JOLENE

We Made it To The Plains - Everything is so Flat!

July 19 (Edmonton, Alberta)

We decided this morning to do a bit different day.  We all drove together into Jasper National Park, then back to the airport at Hinton, and then on to Edmonton by evening – a 3-4 hour drive.  Our first stop in the park was some hot springs where Travis & Alana went into the pools.  Since they didn’t get to do it at Liard they wanted to do it here.  We had lunch at a picnic table by a beautiful lake, and then drove to a canyon which we hiked along it for a while.  It was amazing the water that was going down the canyon, and the way it had carved out the mountain over thousands of years.  We got drinks at the little restaurant there before we headed on into Jasper where we ate supper, and then headed back to the Hinton airport.  When Roger and I took off at Hinton, we headed into Jasper to see the mountains from the air first.  It sort of freaks me out to be so high and right beside the mountains, but wow, what a sight!!  Like Roger keeps saying, there aren’t many people that get to have that view!  Just peak upon peak upon peak.  Amazing!

It was nice to have a day of recreation and being together instead of driving/flying all day.  From now on though, we’re going to have to put in really long days of driving/flying to make it to Iowa by Sunday. 

Roger had asked ahead of time if we could camp at this airstrip outside of Edmonton where we were going to land, and they said sure, and since it had been rainy and wet, we could sleep inside this little building there instead of setting up our tents if we wanted.  So Roger & I slept inside and when Travis & Alana arrived, they pitched their tent under the wing of the airplane and slept there.  JOLENE  

Leaving Jasper Toward Edmonton, AB

The End of the Mountains, The Plains are Next.

Take a Long Last Look as We head to the Plains.  We Won't See Views Like This for a While.

Camping Under the Wings at the Airport in Edmonton.

Jasper National Park - A Day to Not Drive so Far

July 18 (Hinton, Alberta)

We had decided instead of heading to Edmonton like we had originally talked about, we would go to Jasper and Banff National Park, so we headed to Hinton, right outside the park.  Alana and I drove, Roger and Travis flew, and we arrived in pretty good time.  The guys flew into a little strip along the way and walked to the road and flagged us down as we went past.  It was just a nice little diversion and we were soon on the road again.  It was nice to have a shorter day and have more time at the campsite in the evening.  Although, it was a pretty miserable campground, with horrid mosquitoes!  We had gone into town and looked for mosquito coils, but we didn’t find any.  Walmart was completely sold out, and we knew why after we got to the campsite.  It was a provincial park and there weren’t any showers, just a pit toilet, and did I mention mosquitoes??  J  We had a nice evening around the campfire, (well, except for the mosquitoes), and also the wood they gave us was very green and it was hard to start a fire.  And, they had told Roger on the phone that the fee was $22 a site, but the guy there said it was $22 per tent.  He relented then when Roger told him what he had been told, and we’re pretty sure he just pocketed the money.  We had some interesting neighbors who had never set up a tent before, and didn’t have any ‘bug juice’.  Roger helped them start a fire and had a good chat with them.  There was a lake close by that was beautiful with the mountains reflecting in the clear water.  Also saw some cute little ducks on the lake, and heard loons.  So there were some redeeming features!  JOLENE

Heading Into Jasper.

An Elk - Something Not Found In Alaska.

Up Close and Personal - This is at 7500 Feet.

Mountain Ranges Outside Jasper National Park

Rocky Mountains

River Valley Going Into The Town of Jasper

Camping at Hinton, AB

Taking a Short Rest

The Night of The Hotel Bed - We Almost Forgot How a Bed Felt!

July 17 (Grand Prairie, Alberta)

There was a nice air-conditioned trailer at Fort Nelson, which was nice cause Roger and I spent a good bit of today there.  Travis & Alana drove into town to try & fix the tire, and after working at it for a couple hours it still isn’t quite right.  He got the stud he needed but couldn’t get it installed correctly, so it’s still not quite right, but is better.  After he called to say they were on the road, we finally took off and headed toward to Fort St. John, where we got a bite to eat and waited for them to arrive.  When they got there we cooked our supper in the parking lot, off the tailgate, and then kept on going to Grand Prairie, Roger and I driving, Travis and Alana flying.  We lost another hour and it was depressing to find out it was midnight instead of 11 when we met up again!  And we didn’t know where we were going to sleep.  Some smaller airports are ok with sleeping right at the airfield, but some of the bigger ones that is not possible.  Travis had spent a bit of looking for campgrounds online while they waited for us to arrive, so we headed toward a campground, but turned out there was no tent camping there.  It was after midnight, we were tired, and decided maybe a motel was a better option, but the first one we went to was in a bit of a sketchy neighborhood with a bar next door and with all Travis and Alana’s belongings on the back of the truck decided that wasn’t the place for us.  Anyway, we finally got a room and crashed.  It was rather nice to be in a regular bed after tenting every night so far.  JOLENE

A Happy Co-Pilot?  Or Maybe Even The Pilot In Command!

Another Night of Camping at the Airport.

July 16 (Fort Nelson)

Today was a bit more eventful.  Travis went into town to try and get a place to fix the wheel stud.  They got it knocked out, but none of the ones in the junk pile of stuff he had there fit, so he didn’t get it fixed yet.  He came back to camp, we packed everything up and he dropped Roger and I off at the airport again.  We were planning to have a shorter day today and meet each other at Laird River where there were some hot springs Travis and Alana were interested in going to.  Roger & I would have been interested too, but we didn’t have our swim suits along.  L  Anyway, we spent longer at the airport getting ready than usual, and somehow missed seeing Travis and Alana on the road.  Every day so far we’ve flown along the road and see the truck as it’s driving along, fly low, and we both know the other is ok and where they’re supposed to be.  Anyway, we didn’t see them on the road – we went up high and cut some corners because it was later until we got going.  We got to the airstrip we were planning to land at and the airstrip was closed with X’s on it, and some bushes growing in the middle, so it hadn’t been used in a while.  Roger had called someone about it before and was told it was ok to land there.  We circled around there at the hot springs, hoping to see the truck there – we thought they must be there already since we didn’t see them on the road at all, but they had stopped for a leisurely lunch, and hadn’t gotten there yet.

Since we couldn’t land, we went on to Toad River, landed there, and thought we’d wait there till they showed up.  We had agreed to use that as a backup meeting place, and Fort Nelson as a second backup.  One never knows what will be found at these airstrips.  We had planned to sleep at Laird River, but had said if that doesn’t work out we’d go on to Fort Nelson, maybe stopping at Toad River first.  Anyway, we ate at a diner there across from the airport and waited about four hours.  It was an interesting little place and had over 8000 caps on the ceiling that people autograph with their name and the year, and tack up.  The story is that in 1979 one of the owners tacked his hat onto the ceiling and then they just kept adding caps.  When we were there a young guy came in with a cap and put it on the ceiling.  They gave him a card that said his was the 8000 and something (don’t remember the exact number)

Travis and Alana never showed up, and we weren’t sure what do to.  Were they ahead of us somehow?  So we finally took off, and turns out they showed up there about a half hour after we left. 

We got to Fort Nelson where we had stayed on the way up to Alaska, set up our tent, and waited for T and A to arrive.   They had texted when they were leaving Toad River that they were leaving and should get there about 11 pm, but it turned out to be closer to 12 when they drove in.  It was the first night of driving after dark – it’s definitely getting dark earlier and before long we’re going to have to think more about that and stop a bit earlier.  We’ve been sleeping in a bit in the morning and then going till pretty late, but maybe we need to get going in the morning so we can stop earlier!  We have not needed any flashlights or lanterns or anything for camping at all, and we don’t have any along.  Rather nice in that regard.

I think we were all a bit stressed after this long day, and not meeting up when we planned.  There is no phone service a lot of places, so we need to make a plan in the morning in case things don’t work out like we planned.  They actually made it to Toad River about 30 minutes after we left, so it was too bad we didn't wait a bit longer.  It made a long day of driving for them.  JOLENE

On To Fort Nelson - The Last of The High Mountainous Areas on the Alcan Highway.

Coming Down Into Fort Nelson Area.

The Airplane Waiting for Us to Fill Our Stomachs Again.