I don’t recall exactly when, but either Justin Fox or Mike Austin invited me to come to FlyMIPPG and fly Michigan with them. I had also been provided some contacts by Jeff Pearson from North Carolina who is a huge source for reaching pilots all over the place.
As I was completing New York state I reached out to a few people and Justin immediately invited me down to Schoolcraft, Mi where he is located and I was also able to connect with Tim and Kelly in Traverse City in northern Michigan so that I would have opportunity to fly and see both ends of the state.
Unfortunately, my journey from Buffalo to Detroit could not be made through Canada as I had hoped and planned given COVID 19. While I was disappointed, I had seen Canada across the Niagra Falls and figured I’d see the other side from Detroit when I got there.
I decided to use Route 5 for a good portion of the trip down to Cleveland so I could hug the late and see many of the small towns along the way. As I blazed through Irving, NY I saw the cheapest gas I’ve ever seen in the USA. I think only one other person has posted on Facebook, a better price of 89c a gallon.
I made Detroit by early afternoon and stopped by the Henry Ford Museum which was unfortunately closed due to social distancing. None the less, I got to see many of the Ford plants scattered around Dearborn.
I then went downtown to the GM Renaissance Center and of course got to see Canada.
After my quick tourist foray to Detroit, I headed to Schoolcraft, MI where I would be hosted by Just Fox of FlyMIPPG. I quickly got suited and we made arrangements to fly the next morning since the weather looked like it would deteriorate for the afternoon.
Monday morning was absolutely beautiful, and while cold, provided for an excellent flight. Michigan was officially completed with Justin & Coty but there is definitely more flying to be done as I go north to Traverse City.
I used the rest of the day to finished editing several videos for New York State and also making contact with Tim for Traverse City, and Jon for Wisconsin.
Tuesday morning I departed for Traverse City with a quick stop in Grand Rapids and soon found myself at Tim’s rental where I was able to position my camper, use the house to stay warm and heat food, and take advantage of the WiFi. Looking at the weather window, we made arrangements to fly in the morning.
The morning came with a beautiful sunrise, clear skies, snow all gone, but some chill factor.
I met with Tim & Kelly at an open field near a supermarket which was just 5 miles from the airport. Tim & I had an amazing flight and Kelly took some incredible pictures for which I am most grateful. Take a look at the Album on the Facebook Page
Thanks to Kelly Barry for all these incredible photos.
Posted by 50 x Challenge on Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Thank You to @Tim & Kelly Barry for hosting me and my flight today in Traverse City. The snow from yesterday had all melted, but these cool ice structures on the edge of the lake illustrates the chill factor.
Posted by 50 x Challenge on Wednesday, April 22, 2020
After returning back to the camper I had a late breakfast and co-ordinated with several people for my trip to Wisconsin and as always discussed weather and what the next flyable day will be. I also received some exciting news from EAA and Oshkosh – stay stunned for the news.
Due to concern about high winds and the risk of the Mackinac Bridge closing, it was recommended to depart and cross. I took these great pictures.
Wisconsin, here I come.
