Trying to type this while holding my 5mo old so please excuse my even worst than normal typing.

While I had the plane I'm buying in town I decided to take it on a quick overnight trip. Wife wanted to go to Chamberlain even though we knew it would be cold.

We way over pack for just an overnight trip but we didn't want the kids to get cold.





While enroute I'm looking at the snow level and thinking, "there is going to be snow at Chamberlain, crap." We decide to press on and hope for the best.




When we arrive the runway is clear but there is snow in the trees. It's too late to go anywhere else so we land with just enough time to set up the tent, make some hot chocolate for my daughter then go to bed.

Next morning I get a fire going to eat breakfast by.



After breakfast we go for a walk over to Stonebreaker Ranch. If I had a couple million bucks I'd buy Stonebreaker, I really is an awesome place.




By the time we get back from our short hike the frost is off the plane but a light breeze has come up. While packing the plane I'm distracted by thoughts of departing with a tailwind, loaded, with my family. A couple guys that I assume were hunting depart in a husky and I watched closely they get into the air about midfield and claw their way upwards. A small gust comes and they sink a little but then continue to climb. Great, I'm bigger and heavier than him but probably have the same engine under the hood...this is going to be fun.

We get all loaded up and taxi to the end of the runway; the wind conditions haven't changed but I figure if I'm not up and claiming before midfield I'll abort and come up with a new plane. "Here we go," I say over the intercom as I shove the throttle all in. Just as we start gaining some speed my wife starts yelling at me over the intercom, "My door is open! My door is open!" I've been fighting with that thing for a while now but thought I have it fixed, guess not. I stop and shut her door then we depart. My wife took a video of the departure looking out the back window; it isn't that great but if I get some time I'll post it.

Flight home was quite eventful but the kids were happy and I was happy to get home and on the ground.

It's fun when most are gone.
Looks like it was a bit cool. What is the airplane?

Love seeing new snow! Great pictures and report!

Whee,

Sounds like a good quick trip. Let's see the plane!

Whee, sounds like the new plane is just right for your growing family.

Camping with the family, in freezing temps, in the snow.... that's impressive!

I'm sure you guys are sick of it but I'm not ready to say what I am buying; gotta make sure the deal is done first. i hope to have it all done during this next week so I can bring the new plane to the High Sierra fly-in.

mountainmatt wrote:Whee, sounds like the new plane is just right for your growing family.

Actually after everything was loaded and I was trying to figure out how to get the car seats in the plane I thought, "maybe I need to just buy a 207 or at least a 180H" Maybe I should have made a deal with the guy that wanted to take my Luscombe as partial trade towards his 180. I do really like the new plane and it is a deal that I can't pass on.

Whee, What a great trip!! Your kids are gonna have some great times and memories.
Just guessing, but looks like maybe a modified pacer that has been stretched, the fabric on the ceiling and the back door and cub lookin cowl?
Waiting to see what you have, your definately enjoying it!!
Good Luck on the closing!!