As luck would have it, between my wx brief and arrival at the airport, things get a little blustery for 9AM: stiff crosswind at nearly a right angle to the runway; 10 gusting to 15 or thereabouts. Hm. And variable... double-hm. Need to gas up ol' 715 anyway, so I decide to wait and see, as I take care of that.
Not much change by the time I'm taxiing, but the now-substantial gang of flyers using the field decides to start departing east instead of west, so it's time to burn more money taxiing down to the departure end of 07. By the time I'm set to go, it's an hour into my block of time on the plane. So it goes... I check the sock again; still seems within limits. Let's roll!
My takeoff is not bad; pretty much got that upwind wing down, and settled into a good crab on climbout.
Feels so good to be alone at the controls again- the butterflies vanish, and I'm right at home, mild turbulence and all. Time to whip out the new camera for a few "blind" shots. Sadly, these are the best of the bunch...
Quick climb to about 2500; pass the Solberg VOR, and it's off to Blairstown. I'd planned originally to land there, then continue to Wilkes-Barre/Wyoming Valley, but time's getting short, and the clouds are rather low. And if this wind picks up as the day heats up, my arrival back at 47N could be more interesting than I'd like.
My nav is good; I'm very happy with it. Hackettstown Airport slides past right on schedule: I veered a little off-course to get a closer look at it; didn't even notice the sculpted greenery until I checked the pics later!
Since I'm shooting "blind" out the window, may as well try a self-portrait. I know I look dour, but the smiley one was just too goofy. I was having fun- honest.
Conditions are about the same at Blairstown; little bumpy over the rising terrain as I make my pattern entry, but the landing is acceptable. I consider doing some pattern work there, but it is getting busy, and I'm still fretting about the weather. Best to hop out for a smoke and a wx update, stretch my legs, then head home.
But there are distractions:
I like Blairstown... haven't been there in a while. It occurs to me just now that it is a place of milestones for me: first intro flight, first landing as PIC with a passenger, first solo landing after longest hiatus yet.
Couple more from the leg back to 47N: Spruce Run Reservoir near Solberg, and a train near 47N.
As for my arrival at 47N: not my best. Bounced sufficiently to have to go around on the first approach; bounced again the second time, but got it on the runway and stopped with a little to spare. Despite the xwind, I was tempted to have another shot at it, but my time was almost up, and somebody was waiting for 715.
Of course, the wind settled down a bit as soon as I had the plane parked...
Been thinking about where I went wrong.... I think the next flight will be nothing but pattern work.
I know I'll get it right, but I've got to say the poor landings put a bit of tarnish on the otherwise nice day. Nobody hanging out outside the FBO even gave me a hard time about it- that really hurts!
Chatted afterwards with a lady who was also taking pictures, she thought she'd caught my "arrival"; I was very relieved to see only a picture of me taxiing.
Whatever; back in the saddle I go, and 'round and 'round until I get a firmer grip on landings.
I have a few more interesting pix from 47N, including a big SimV-related surprise, so watch this space!!
