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Salem Airport, December 29, 2002. Today marked the "Changing of the Guard" for the Oregon Ercoupe Erforce. We gathered at McNary Field to pass the reigns to our new Wing Leader, Joey Simpson. As amazing as it was, I was able to fly down for the meeting. The weather is
not as inviting here as in other parts of the planet. We usually have rain most
of the way from October to June or so. It is not that one can't fly during the
winter months here in Western Oregon; it is just that it can't be done with any
regularity.
I took my usual route - off Evergreen after a thorough pre-flight, which included holding the tail cone down to get some of the rain water out! To the gravel pit (well-known approach point), around Prune Hill, down Lacamas Lake and call Troutdale Tower. Cleared over the field, I droned on. Turn to the 200 degree heading after TTD that takes me towards Aurora and onward. Caught this picture of the Falls of the Willamette River at Oregon City. Just one of the natural challenges that the salmon have to over come to spawn.
Who says we do not see blue sky here in December? Here's proof:
I flew over to Independence after the meeting. Had some foam to deliver to Earnie, who is working up an ultralight design. I enjoy working with him. I had gotten the extruded Styrofoam from another EAA member. I had to leave two large pieces in my car; hey, if you have to haul large cargo, trade your `coupe in for a C-130! Departed Independence from the downwind. Usually, I can go straight out, but today the winds were from the south. Goodie. A tail wind going home! My route takes me between the class C of Portland International and the class D of Hillsboro. Quite simple, actually. just go towards the West Hills, which are easy to spot, and turn left. Watch out for the radio/TV towers on the top of the hills! The hills indicate the class Charlie, so all one has to do is skin along the western side and you are clear of the controlled areas. There is a low point in the hills, called Cornelius Pass. I shoot through that and drop below the floor of the class C on the other side. Got to watch out for commercial traffic coming in. I got this picture looking east - towards my houseboat. The big river going off to the left and back up into the background, is the Columbia. The smaller river coming in from the right is the Willamette, and the island in the center-right is Hayden Island. Georgia and I float on the right (south) side of Hayden Island. One can bearly make out the Interstate Bridge, and we are just down from that.
Off in front is Vancouver Lake. That is where the local seaplane persons go to practice. One can see them every now and then - low over the Willamette. The ships in the Columbia remind one that it is not called "Portland" for nothing.
Home at last! I had one more item of business. Needed to shoot some landings. I had promised myself, on my birthday the 25th of the month, that the next time I went flying, I'd shoot "6 for 60." So, let's see here. One at Salem, one at Independence; that makes four more here. Did that, along with a Citabria and one of the local Cubs. Only one "thumper" in the lot. Not bad for an old coot.
With the cover in place, I bid 29H the fondest of farewells. I shall be back again. Keep Ercoupes Flying! Percy G. Wood, Region 3 (OR, WA, AK) ex-Director, Ercoupe Owners Club |
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