Michelle's Birthday

Michelle's Birthday was last week. On her birthday, we went to Fairbanks so I could give a seminar at the University. That evening we had a great dinner with Mark Wipfli at a Thai restaurant. Then, on Saturday, JoAnn, Yvette, Heather, and Jolynne had a party for Michelle. First, we skied out to an overlook at Kincaid Park and decorated with bird treats. You can see a movie here:

http://www.vimeo.com/723408

Sunday's movie

Flying with Paul

I was feeling MUCH BETTER, today. I was tired of being around the house and it was a beautiful sunny day (but cold). Paul called at about noon and we decided to make a day of flying in his plane. I flew from Lake Hood to Birchwood. We put my plane in his hangar and headed out. We flew to the north and west and landed a few places. We got back to Birchwood at about 5:30 and I headed straight to Lake Hood arriving just before dark. It was a great day to fly and we didn't see many other planes out there.

I will post a movie, tomorrow.

Australia Hates Me!

I'm not sure what I did to Australia to deserve this, but they are getting back at me hard! I had a flu shot this year and was happily cruising along with no colds or flu. Then, last week, I got hit hard. Apparently, there is a flu strain that originated in Australia that emerged too late to make it into this years flu shot. I got it. And, I didn't know that there were drugs that could have nipped this in the bud, if I had gotten to the doctor in the first 48 hours. Damn...

On Sunday, Michelle did the ski for woman. I thought I was feeling better so I went along and took some photos and video. I should have stayed home. The photos are on my flickr page at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zimak

and the video is right here:

Flying with Paul and Clint

Yesterday, I met Paul and Clint at Paul's hangar at Birchwood and flew north. Total flight time was 3.2 hours and I made a video:

Day Off

I took the day off. There was a little snow on the ground this morning so I switched the snow tires on both cars. Then, I flew to Willow to do some touch and goes and back to Lake Hood. All in all, it was a great day.

Tomorrow...back to the grind.

Finally....more.

Last night Michelle had a birthday gathering to celebrate my 40th birthday (which really happens on the 23rd). Verena gave me grief for not updating my blog...so here it is...an update.

I was going to fly today but the frost never melted on my wings. Since frost on wings is a bad thing, I didn't fly. Instead, Paul took me up his his plane. We visited a couple gravel bars on the Susitna river and I got a great lesson in landing off airport.

Here is Paul arriving at Lake Hood.