We took off at 10 am and it was a great day to be defying gravity. At 5 degrees the air is dense so the Cub performs even better than normal. The wings have more air molecules to create lift with, and the combustion process in the cylinders packs more punch due to the “extra” air. There is a noticeable difference in power and lift and I love the solid feel of the air beneath the wings on these mornings. There was a little bit of wind down at the mouth of the Big Susitna, but it was isolated to one area. Actually it was more than a little wind because I was barely maintaining 55 mph ground speed. Wind has always fascinated me because of its temperament. Sometimes a wind like that would leave me sucking my thumb and running for home, other times you can hardly tell it is blowing. The second to last picture demonstrates how quickly air will change it’s mind. A definite line is drawn in the vegetation where calm air, met moving air and the trees tell the story.
The first photo shows Pioneer Peak towering above the town of Palmer. The second image shows the thin layer of ground fog which is ever-present on a cold day, with certain atmospheric conditions. The third image is the ice-pack at the mouth of the Big Sue looking out over Cook Inlet. The fourth image is Mt. Mckinley during this mornings sun-rise. The Fifth picture shows the wind, and the final picture is … umm, trees I guess.
I have not heard anything from my brother in Haiti today so I am guessing he does not have internet. Hope you enjoyed today’s pics. We are hoping to launch the all-new BlueIceAviation.com website on Feb. 1st. I can hardly wait !