Follow the Sand

I decided on a quick hop today since Mary was out with the Women's Club of Ocean Pines. The weather was perfect, I was feeling good, and 3 Tango Charlie was ready to go.

I had to sump tanks to complete my preflight and then tug the plane into the sunshine. As I climbed aboard I watched the jump plane taxi out, great, meat missiles are hot today. 3 Tango Charlie started up then after a bit stumbled, almost seeming like she was starved for fuel. I quickly turned the pump on and the idle was soon as it should be. 

I taxied for runway one-four, completed my run up and waited for the jump plane that was now on final. I back taxied and turned into the wind for my departure. The climb out was smooth and at a good rate. Once the gear was tucked away I flew the pattern departing to the north from the down wind leg. 

I followed the coast to Lewes Delaware taking pictures of the inlet bridge and some good tail cam shots. I noticed dark shapes scattered along the beach as Cape Henlopen was over the nose. I think it was the seals that have beached to rest and soak up the sun. 

I made a pass over the Cape May Lewes Ferry that was headed into lewes and then pointed for home. I enjoyed the ride today and as Mary says doing that pilot stuff. I decided to shoot a practice approach, the RNAV GPS 14 and set up to fly the updated T approach. I set up for direct OLAND and with no Procedure Turn made a left for PFAIR. I didn't exactly fly this by hand, instead, I flew with the heading bug only. It's a fun exercise and I did just fine. 

Another fun flight to cheer me up since Galveston is not looking like a go. We don't have any flexibility on the return home days but we can leave early and add to the adventure. Sadly, heavy rain and thunderstorms will dominate this weekend and into our original departure target of Monday. There will always be another day to check off this bucket list destination.