Alrighty then, Having achieved some semblance of order in my e-mail folders, I will be delighted to tell you about my (finally) first ride in an Ercoupe. This morning I was having serious doubts about being able to go up today. It was thick, low fog again today, like yesterday. It is the typical, summer weather pattern here on the coast of northern CA. It gets really hot and is clear a few miles inland. The hotter it is inland, ususally the thicker the fog is here. The red coupe owner, John, called this morning and said it didn't look like the fog was going to give us a break until after Wednesday. However, he said that he'd call me if it looked better this afternoon. I don't think I could have waited several more days. My anticipation level was something like a little kid before her first trip to Disneyland. Well, it didn't exactly clear up this afternoon, but the fog somewhat dissipated and/or went higher. The sun and blue sky was peeking through intermittently. Thanks, all of you, who were helping me wish and pray for decent visibility. It helped, I'm sure. We didn't get clear, blue skies, but I was thinking that since I would be a passenger and not even a student this time, the weather would probably be OK so I called John and he said that we could go. After all, a very experienced pilot would be flying and I would just be along for the fun. Pre-flight is a bit different than on the C-172. I am always glad to learn new things. John showed me the engine. Immaculate. He takes such good care of his beautiful red bird. John was an aircraft mechanic in the service many years ago then he taught auto mechanics for many years at a high school. I think I metioned before that he has a wonderous collection of old cars in as top notch shape as his plane. I admire fine craftmanship and this man has it down cold. I think that any engine he works on will inevitibly become a work of art, no matter how it started out. I know that it is, but looking at it, it's so hard to believe that his plane is 54 years old. Besides being a friendly and gracious "host", John also explains thinks thoroughly and clearly. After successfully teaching auto mechanics to high school kids for years, he developed the patience and ability to explain anything to anybody, even me. I know he would be a great CFI if he wanted to be. Sorry I'm taking so long with this. I'm rarely at a loss for words, am I? I'll send this and then part 4 after we actully got off the ground. Georgia __________________________________________________________________________ ______ To unsubscribe from this list please send mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ___________________________________________________________ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
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