AircraftOwner Online

I just arrived in Lakeland for a week at Sun ‘n Fun and I am definitely looking forward to it. Sun ‘n Fun to me symbolizes the beginning of the summer flying season.  It’s not only a flying thing but it’s an opportunity to reconnect with people and contacts that have been hibernating during the winter months.  And, there is no shortage of reconnecting to be done.

Already the week is nearly full with meetings parties an barbeques with such diverse groups as the EAA Young Eagles “Gathering of Eagles” Planning Committee, the Lindbergh Foundation award Ceremony, a BBQ at Kermit Weeks Fantasy of Flight, a mini-reunion of National Air Tour People and several other parties and gatherings of pilots seeking to dust off contacts as well as wings. It’s great!

I arrived at 12:30 a.m. this morning took a short sleep and got together with a good friend, Richard Hornbeck, to drive around the North Tampa area. One of our stops was a rather sudden one when I saw some orange power line warning balls hanging in the air. I immediately braked and swerved into a drive way leading to a small airpark I had never heard of. There we had a cup of coffee and a brownie with a wonderful volunteer who was getting ready to mow the grass. The conversation covered everything from Cessna 140s to his Navy days. It was just plane “out of the box” conversation and we had a great time.

From there we went to a flea-market and then on to Tarpon Springs where I learned all about the Florida sponge industry (mostly of yore) and had my picture take n front of a large fiberglass shark while eating an ice cream cone and holding a box of cigars I had just purchased from a Cuban refugee who spoke no English but rolled a some great smokes. 

When I finally made it to the hotel they told me they did not have my reservation and were full. Naturally, my confirmation is sitting on my desk in Minneapolis. They managed to find a spot for me but tomorrow I need to get them the confirmation. At least I can get a night’s rest and shower before dealing with that.  Once accomplished, I’ll be off to Sun ‘n Fun, camera phone and video cam in hand and will report back to you!

More to come,

Greg