Spencer Crew watching landings on 27.
On the way out we stopped at Akron NY (9G3) [Fuel $2.55] and Clare Michigan (48D) [Fuel $2.20]. Clair had a courtesy car available, which was purchased and insured by the local pilots club from bake sales and other fundraisers. They also had free ice cream cones. We circled Niagra Falls at 4500' on the way out.
It took 8,2 hours of Hobbs time on the way out. My legs had a headwind and were averaging 85-90 knots. Karl took over and we hit 138 knots. He thinks that it was technique. Ha!
Starting with the Ripon arrival, the whole show is really beyond description. We are already talking about going back next year. We'll have owned the plane 15 years this September. I can't believe that we never made the trip before, and can't wait to go again. The first night, the new Hilton Hotel thought they had a great idea and had a band playing outside on the deck until 11pm. They sent some poor girl around to all the camp sites the next day to advertise live music every night. She heard from a lot of people what they thought of the "Entertainment". I guess that they got the message - no more late night music.
The warbird flyby and airshows were pretty amazing. Staying only the 2+ days really wasn't enough. We didn't have time to get to the museum. Wednesday afternoon a severe thunderstorm blew through. 30 Knot winds and approx 1.7 inches of rain. It was fun watching the Embry-Riddle guys try to keep their tent together. When we got back to our own tent, we discovered that it was neither wind nor waterproof. (Actually the floor held water very nicely … it filled up.) 3 of 4 poles snapped, everything soaked. Luckily Target had some tents left. The next storm, the new tent held, but wasn't exactly waterproof. The heavy rain became a gentle shower inside. The next morning we noticed a few folks sleeping without benefit of a tent.
At the looks of the approaching weather pattern for New England, and with the soaked sleeping bags, Karl and I decided to fly back home a day ahead of schedule on Thursday morning. We fueled up on Wed. night. Fuel at OSH was an amazing $1.99/gal. The IFR reservation procedure worked great. We were airborn 7 minutes after our planned departure time. Crossed the lake at 9000, and then landed at Port Hueron International (PHN) [Fuel $2.65]. Their local EAA chapter was cooking up hamburgs, etc. for Oshkosh pilots to raise funds. Next stop was Akron NY, and a beautiful VFR flight back to ORH. 7.7 hours total on the return trip.
Lessons Learned
Looks like the quick departure on Thursday was the way to go. Friday, ORH was socked in most of the day. As of this writing, Chris and Cary's warrior is stuck out in Albany. Mike Rudik's plane is stuck out in Pennsylvania somewhere. And the weather is not looking hopeful for the weekend.
George
Dewey adds: Here are some interesting OSH pictures (no, I didn't go, but then again I was closer than these guys http://www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-7/inflight/ndxpage15.html [nasa.gov]