Cross Country Flight 09.01.06

Friday night and Andy, Beery, Digger, Barry, Dale & myself decided to fly from a new housing development near San Leon to just west of Texas City, and back to San Leon to land at the Top Water Grill for dinner. We all took off around 6:15 p.m. and headed out towards a spot where Beery had seen a large alligator the week before.

We were in the air for about 30 minutes before Dale, Beery, & I got to the bayou in question. Sure enough, there he was, at least 10 foot, maybe 12. We made several passes and he kept going under the water and then resurfacing. I tried to get a good picture of him with a paraglider in it but the best one is #4 of Dale flying over. You can just see his head sticking up in the water below.

Everyone made it to the Top Water but me. I had a motor out a couple of miles away. I knew the engine was acting a little funny so I climbed up high and stayed near Hwy. 146 just in case of a problem. I was at about 900 feet when the engine quit. Left me plenty of room to find a friendly LZ close to the road for a pick up.

I got a ride from someone that took pity on me and made it to the Top Water just in time for dinner and beer. Overall, a good time had by all.

Stay tuned...

CP