Check out my glassy water landing on Frog Pond

The First Ride in the Multi

Today was my first ride in the Duchess. There have been some restless nights the past two days thinking about flying this machine. Going from one engine to two with a retractable landing gear was going to be a lot to master. It was. I was behind the aircraft the entire flight. Simply things like holding altitude and heading were difficult. I sucked; but, I loved it! There were no paying passengers so it didn't matter. Plus, just like my former triathlon career I suck in training. I always did and seem to excel at it. Prior to my last two flight tests (private & commercial) I failed the practice tests; yet, on test day I scored in the 90's.

My new favourite machine!

Ah! My new love: a 1959 Cessna 180/182 Float plane.

I wanted to push my float flying training so I booked a week of training with Micheal Seib of Island Air to learn how to get to and FROM small alpine lakes. Mike pushed my limits. I learned a lot from the young float guru.

One of my highlights of the week was a tour of some remote communities and docks along the Inside Passage. The trip re-enforced my dream of becoming a float driver.

NYC

In my former career I traveled the world for work. I must say that I have never been much of a tourist.

Well not this year! Malaika and I did some fun tourist stuff in NYC this year: Empire State Building, attended a play (Spamalot), Times Square and long long walks around the city. I guess it all depends on who you are with on trips. Thanks M for the great trip to NYC. Also, Thanks PowerBar for treating me so well. You guys are the best.