Left Boulder, CO (KBDU) at 7:30 AM for the first time solo in a J3C. Decided I probably should do a little pattern work - so I took 3 touch and gos and departed to the south. I stopped for fuel in Pueblo - after radio and xponder problems prevented me from plowing through colorado springs class charlie as I had planned. Then I crossed the la veta pass with a decent head wind - I won't say what it was - but normally I'd stay on the ground if I saw a report of what I measured. But the air was smooth and I went for a look-see. I was able to get high enough to avoid the rotor turb - and crossed at 11,000ft MSL, 2400ft AGL.
Didn't have enough fuel to make it to Taos, so stopped at Alamosa. Had trouble starting for some reason - but figured it out and soldiered on to Santa Fe. Unfortunately the headwinds and delays all added up - and couldn't make it to Santa Fe before twighlight - so diverted to Taos and rented a car to make my dinner plans with family. Went back on friday turned in the rental car and did the final leg to Santa Fe.
I learned a little more on the return, but was still cursed with headwinds. But I got an earlier start, and finally think I've got the cold-start mojo - oh and dropped some big coin to have the plane overnight in a warm and toasty hangar before leaving. Flew to Alamosa again for fuel. Then a slightly different mountain pass, Mosca for a more direct and sneak route to the back side of the front range. Fuel in Canon City - overflew Shelf Road - my old rock climbing haunt and an awesome ride down the headwaters of the south platte as the winds were really kicking up. The glider pilots were all launching full of shits and giggles - but the lowly cub pilot suffering through the rotor turbulence of the mountain wave had an exciting 10 knot direct xwind landing with plenty of scary wind shear.
All in all - uber exciting first trip out. I learned a lot - tried to safe safe and push myself a little at the same time. Looking forward to many more in my new-to-me '46 J3C. Stay safe out there kids!
Mosca Pass from 11,500ft looking north toward Crestone Peak with the Great Sand Dunes National Park below me:
