August 1 | I flew over Sonoma Skypark at about 1,500’ AGL to check the windsock and had someone on the ground answer my announcement by telling me that runway 26 was currently the one the wind favored. I was grateful for the help.

July 30–31 | I bought Sam McIntosh’s wonderful, fully-instrument equipped 182 so I could get my instrument rating, among other things. It’s like handing a neurosurgeon’s scalpel to an electrician. (I’m and electrician.) You’re probably going to die.

The Wednesday report will be a bit of Tuesday in addition to Wednesday. We had some inclement weather both nights. Tuesday it rained. Wednesday was Wagnerian opera.

July 26 | Monday was so full of activity that it seemed to last for more than one day. A day lasts a long time when the garbage truck starts your day at 5 am!

July 25 | Sunday is the day people leave this magical week to return home to responsibilities and loved ones. It is a bittersweet parting, but with the intention of seeing each other again in a year.

July 24 | Saturday morning dawned bright and beautiful. The Pietenpol pilots were gathered around the fire pit with coffee in hand. The great Pietenpol Not-A-Race-But-A-Performance-Evaluation would start shortly. Tension was in the air…not.