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Greetings from the Terminus (Finish) in St. John New Brunswick Canada!!!! We made it!!!!!!! What an adventure!!!! We are so happy, relieved and sad that we are done. Today was the most challenging of the race. We had 16 teams tied down in Bangor ME last night. When we all started arriving at the airport, it was very evident that we were not going to have a sunrise start. The weather was okay in Bangor, rain with good ceilings, *but* the finish line (shown in a previous picture) across the breakwater was fogged in. After many conversations with the airport in St. John *and* race officials, it was determined that we were going to fly, but that the finish line was going to be a fly-by over runway 14 at St. John instead of the breakwater. All of the teams got together and we decided how to make this a safe flight. Because we actually had to fly *back west* to Pittsfield for the timing line, before continuing onto St. John. We decided to allow the fastest airplanes, by handicap, go first. So, that meant that Trixie was number 2 off. :):) We ended up 3rd in behind a Cirrus that passed us up. :) The true test of the leg though was the weather that we dealt with and the mis-communications that we had with the ground officials and race officals before leaving Bangor. Once we were up in the air, Bangor departure told us about a strong line of Thunderstorms extending all the way just south of St. John. You would not believe how awesome ATC and Flight Service was to all of us across the route!!! Since we were second out, we definitely had an advantage over the teams behind us. We also have a weather scope, so we could see the cells. Of course, we saw them pretty good with our wide eyes as well!!!! :):) We had to deviate pretty far north to miss them, but were blessed with a great window to get back on course. Now, imagine that you are told to fly to a certain point in space. clearly marked on your GPS, but when you contact St. John Radio for the first time, you are told, "No, go back to the original waypoint over the breakwater." With dodging weather, *and* changing direction, we were a little tense. (Not with each other, the situation) But, with Evelyn in the left seat, everything was good!!! Also, imagine being told that there are lightning strikes at your destination!! As you already know, it all ended fine. Evelyn made a good landing in pouring rain and lightning flashing just off the airport. I know you pilots out there won't believe it, but we remained VFR!!! Had we known what was out there, we might not have gone, but none of this was predicted in briefing. The only issue we were supposed to have was the fog over the breakwater. It was supposed to be sunny!!! Included in these photos for today is the small Boo-Boo that Trixie sustained from the race. She lost her compass and believe it or not, a certified mechanic is the one that applied her cast/sling! :) And yes, the picture of Cindy was taken *before* we were given the weather report from Bangor Approach! :):) |
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