I am not much of a writer but thought I would share my experience from the past weekend.

To Utah and back (KTRK- U42). I can honestly say that the saying “I would rather be on the ground wishing I was in the air than being in the air wishing I was on the ground” came true for me Friday and that doesn’t happen very often. I enjoy flying in the wind and non-favorable conditions BUT…Friday was filled with one huge T-storm after another followed by hectic winds, ground tornados and more diversions than one pilot should have in a single flight. Though these photos may look pretty and all, I probably should have waited a day to fly just on the T – storms forecast alone. Whats even funnier (not really) is that I knew going into it what I was in store for as well coming back. Nasty air, rain and wind…It was an “experience” to say the least and one that I did not need. Even more so now that I am home and hearing about the loss of one of our very good friends and pilots. Bruce Rymmes and his wife Kathy were two people that most folks dont get to meet very often. Extremely kind and honest people along with never ending smiles when you saw them. We flew with him often. More on this later. My point on this really is to ask ourselves what, why and where are we going and again why and its importance. How do YOU remove the little voice in your head that says “ahh you will be ok, go for it. Its not that far”? I did that Friday and I was ok…Bruce was not.

Thanks to Wilga beast for the t shirts you left on my strut! I hope to meet you in person one day!

Here are some photos…enjoy

Leaving Truckee over Reno chasing the storm


Hmm



I can get through Secret Pass no problem and it looks nice on the other side


The other side...


Utt ohh...


Diverting... Whats not in this photo is the 45 knt crosswind and me getting my ass kicked


Wendover or Wells, brain fart...


Heres the wind


The classic SLT entry


An extended left base for a much larger aircraft landing



Not my average welcome...Really, the red carpet comes out with a cooler full of drinks? I may need to start carrying one of these red carpets just for the sake of it. I wish it were a bit longer


So I then went to my meetings and returned on Sunday afternoon for my ride home. The Memphis Belle was giving rides.

Pretty nice day in SLT


Tried to contact this guy but no luck. Saw him leave SLT2 (U42) and then caught up with him in flight. Anyone know? Nice aircraft!


Morton Salt



Oh wonderful...



Ground tornados


Gold mines everywhere. Imagine if Katmai looked like this...




And back at home with a frosty treat in hand


Thanks Wilga!


More photos on my blog

AKT

Nice pix--but I think that's the Kennecott copper mine, not a gold mine.

Cary

I like this one. Paints a good picture of the wind too!

Wow, great pics Kevin, scary looking though! It has been super nasty up here in SE Idaho the last several days, frankly I was amazed it looked as good as it did in the SLC area. Looking good now though finally, so of course I have to work tomorrow

Thought I recognized your ride. I was out giving rides in the evening... it was beautiful around 730pm. I'm glad you made it home in one piece. That photo under the "diverting" title scares me to death. Fly safe.

Not as bad as the ground twisties!