Coupers; We got airborne at 0715 this AM (I forgot to get the gate combination for the airport, so we had to finagle our way in) and had tailwinds at altitude on our way over to Twenty-Nine Palms to see the Joshua National Park. I briefly saw a ground speed as high as 158 mph. It still took us an hour to go the 89 miles due to the climb over the mountains, and the
airport being near the foothills to the East. We ended up at 6,000 feet over the 1900 foot high airport. Unfortunately we had to wait 2 hours for a rental car. The driver didn't show up for work, and the car rental office is located on the Marine base at 29 Palms. By the time we got the car, and drove the 45 mile loop through the park, it was after 1 PM. Then, as we are being driven back to the airport, the Marines close the gate to outbound traffic for about 20 to 25 minutes. We were 7 cars back from the gate! We did not get back to the airport until almost 2 PM. It was blowing over 20 mph on the ground out of the West, south west, as well as raining in Fresno and Modesto. With the clouds running up into the foothills, and the strong winds blowing over the mountains, I decided we would wait until tomorrow to try to get to Oakdale. Of course, all Joel asked was did the motel have a pool? We finished our third roll of film today as we went through the park. We did see a couple of coyotes along with lots of Joshua trees and neat rock formations. Joel was real excited when we saw the coyotes. I think they were strolling along the highway in hopes of a handout. When I got out to take a picture, the coyote took off. The weather forecast sounds better for in the morning. I sure hope the wind goes down because with it blowing over the mountains, I doubt that we would be able to maintain altitude on the leeward side (where we are). Lynn and Joel Nelsen N99387 52FL __________________________________________________________________________ ______ 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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