My book

I have been busy writing a book about my Passion Flight. Therefore I have neglected my blog and facrbook. As the book nears completion, I invite anyone I touched personally or by media to email me their thoughts and feelings on what that flight meant to them. I may include some in my book. Send a picture of yourself and the city where you live.

n341jd@gmail.com

Photo

Trophy

Quilt of Valor

Celebration

Tuesday my church family, friends and flying buddies gave me a celebration banquet!

Book Title

As I mentioned, I am writing a book about my big adventure. I need your help in coming up with a name for it. Please send your suggestions to me:
N341jd@ gmail.com

Tribute by Congressman

Please check out this tribute paid by Congressman Tom Emmer of Minnesota!

https://youtube/rfKzcvxezEw

Hello everyone!

I have started writing a book about my journey. It will take some time to complete, so stay tuned as I bring you updates.

Feedback

I have gotten rested up from my journey to the 48 states and caught up on what I got behind on during those four months.

Although that journey is complete, my mission is ongoing. So tune in once a week or so to get the latest.

I have a request of those I met and those who heard about my mission through some media. Please tell me what my mission meant to you. That will help me to shape my mission for the future.

Contact me at:

N341JD@gmail.com

Yesterday I was met by a few close friends and reporters. After the interviews we went to lunch. My ground crew which consisted of: Steve Johnson, my technical guy, who helped with press, scheduling and communication; Lyle Holland, my weather advisor and physician; and absent was Jim Baker my mechanic. Many thanks to them for their support, without which the mission would have come to a premature end.

I need a week or so to catch up on the homefront and rest. But check back and I will have more.

Mission completed!

I had to wait for fog to dissipate, and ceilings to lift before leaving Dekalb and the new friends I had made.

There was lots of smoke in the air which reduced visability. The thermals were rough for the first 2 fuel stops. I rested at the second one til they dissipated, then flew on to Flippin, Ark. Where I hangar Purple Passion.

My mission to encourage cancer patients in the 48 states is complete. But my ministry is not. God is using me and I feel so honored and humbled that he chose me. I hope to continue speaking at churches and to other groups.

I will continue posting on this blog, but not everyday. I need a few days to rest and organize my thoughts of recapping my journey and planning whats next.

May God bless each of you and thanks for your prayers!

Dekalb, ILLinois

Low ceiling did not allow departure until afternoon. I was given a tour of the EAA museum. It would take 2 days to read all the placques. I was fascinated by how small The Spirit of St. Louis was! The windscreen was replaced by another fuel tank. The only forward vision was thru a side periscope! He landed at nite on a field that was lit by car headlites!

Upon arrival at Dekalb, I was met by Kris, a cancer patient, and members of the local EAA chapter. Then a strange twist of events occurred! Kris gave me a ride in his plane! First time in years I had been a passenger.

Kris is from Polland and moved to the US 

(Or should I say, he was kicked out by the Russions) during the time Polland was fighting for their freedom. I was treated like family and made more new friends.

I will head for home tomorrow. Not sure if I can make it. May have a late start again due to fog/low ceilings!

Oshkosh by Gosh!

By noon, the clouds lifted enough for me to depart Cumberland. By the time I got to Oshkosh (headquarters for EAA) there were blue skies for the first time in days!

Today Hal Bryan will give me a tour of EAA headquarters and introduce me to a cancer patient who wants a ride.

Day of rest

Yesterday was an enjoyable day of rest. Weather prevented me from moving on. My next stop will be the 48th state, Wisconsin. Oshkosh, Wisc. Is where the headquarters of EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) is located.

Randall and I

47 complete, one to go!

Yesterday was a good day. The avionics shop got my radio working! At the airport, I met Pete, a D.J. Who had cancer. I took him for a ride after sharing my story and hearing his. He really enjoyed it.

This was the first time I had flown to and from a controlled airport in 40 years! It was not bad. Greg had told the controllers to take it easy on me.

I then flew to Princeton, Mn. Where I was met by a friend who arranged for me to meet Randall, a 14 year old cancer survivor. I shared my story then took him for a ride.

I had planned to fly to Oshkosh, Wisconsin (48th state) today, but weather has moved in and I will stay put til tomorrow.

St. Cloud, Minnesota (47th state

Yesterday I flew from Crookston Minn. to Maple Lake, Minn. there I was joined by Greg, EAA chapter President in his CT plane. He led me as a flight of 2 to St. Cloud.

The avionics shop pulled my radio, replaced the fuse and it seemed to be working on the bench! We had to leave before he installed it back in the plane.

We went to supper where we were met by other Chapter members.

We returned to the chapter hanger where

A large group gathered to hear me speak. Included American Cancer Society members an the assistant to the congressman, Tom Emmers. He had heard about my mission and drafted a commendation which his assistant presented to me! Wow! I feel unworthy of all this attention.

This morning I will meet a cancer patient at the airport and give him a ride before moving on.

Monday, departed Tea, S.D.

Ed did some calling to avionics shops in Sioux Falls in hopes of getting my radio repaired. No luck. So I borrowed a handheld from Alan which I will use til I get home then mail it back to him.

After 30 minutes of flight my oil pressure became excessively high, so I landed at Madison and changed the oil and filter.

Thanks to the FBO for loaning me tools!

As I was ready to depart, a newspaper reporter came to do an interview! The person where I bought the oil called him after hearing my mission.

I got airborne again only to find that thermals and high headwinds (20 mph) were prevalent. I lasted an hour before landing at Watertown, still in SD!

Today I plan to make it to Grand Forks, N. D.

Sunday

This has been a great day. I had no schedules to meet, so I sat in my room leisurely having coffee this morning. Then I had breakfast before returning to the airport. There were wind warnings, so I did not leave.

Alan Amdahl had invited me to his home to join a reunion celebration dinner with Ed Ludke and Netty (friends from arkansas who used to live here) and other friends. It was a great meal and fellowship. I have been treated like family!

Alan invited me to spend the nite here (and their home is luxurious) so that I would not have to pay another motel nite.

The winds are forecast to be lite tomorrow, so I plan to leave for North Dakota.

Thanks Alan and Chris and others who have helped!

 

Tea, South Dakota

I finally got out of the mountains and to lower elevations. Eastern S.D. is mostly flat farmland. There is still lots of smoke in the air from the fires in western states.

Upon landing, I met Dustin, a cancer patient. We talked a long time, exchanging stories. We opted not to fly as the winds were high.

This morning I am to meet Terry, a videographer from the TV station, Dustin and a young lady at the airport. 

The local EAA chapter has been so helpful and generous. Alan Amdahl met me and insured all my needs were met.

The FBO was very helpful, and generous, loaning me a car and helping with luggage. I feel so blessed.

Tea (Sioux Falls S. D.)

It has been a good day with a tight schedule. I am too tired tonite to write all about it. Hopefully I can in the morning.

45 down, 3 to go

Today was a better day! I departed Craig early and had smooth air to Rawlins, Wyoming. I fueled up, and flew on to Douglas, Wyoming. Sue loaned me a courtesy car to go to town for lunch. I told her the mission I am on.

I fueled again then checked AWOS for Newcastle, Wyoming. The runway was closed, so I diverted to Custer, South Dakota which is near Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse monuments.

I have finally cleared the Rocky Mountains! A hundred miles east of here the elevations will be less than 2,000 feet all the way home. I will be able to breath again without wearing oxygen!

Tomorrow I will proceed to Tea, South Dakota, former home of Ed Ludke and Netty. There I will be met by EAA chapter members Alan Amdahl and Bruce (sorry I don't remember your last name). I believe Ed and Netty are there now. I look forward to seeing them. They are special people, they host our chapters monthly pancake breakfast and Fly-in.

Craig, Colorado

A short time after liftoff from Meeker, the fuel pressure gage became eratic so I landed at Craig to check it out. I found nothing wrong, so I changed the fuel filter.

Then I called Ronnie Smith at South Mississippi Lite aircraft who is a good Rotax Service center. He said it was OK as long as it did not redline. Besides I have an electric fuel pump for backup.

This took a long time, and by the time I finished it was too windy to go on, so I spent the nite.

Meeker, Colorado

After enjoying a long breakfast and conversation, I got a late start. I had mountains to cross and it got bumpy.

So I landed in Meeker and spent the nite in the White River Inn!

Today I hope to fly to eastern Wyoming.

Oops!

My phone messed up and did not load all pictures (I'm sure it wasn't me)!!! :-) i will try again.

Still in Idaho Falls!

Storms were forecast yesterday, so I stayed another nite. Huge storm clouds were all around, then winds kicked up a dust storm before rain came in ernest.

Today will be too windy for flying, so I will stay another nite here!

There is a huge statue and waterfall

in the middle of a trafic circle (3 stories high)!

44 done, only 4 to go!

Yesterday I left Preston, Idaho, flew over the northeast corner of Utah, then landed in Evanston, Wyoming. The air was smooth the first half of the trip. Then it got bumpy. I had to climb to 11,500 to clear the mountains before landing at Mack Mesa, Colorado (near Grand Junction, Colorado).

I was met by Syndi Jochums, EAA chapter President. We went to lunch and was joined by Sterling, a chapter member. Then she transported me to my Motel.

Syndi and husband Lane.

West Yellowstone Montana

I flew to W. Yellowstone thru smoke from all the fires. I was unable to line up a cancer patient there, so I headed south toward Colorado. I made it as far as Preston, Idaho, 25 miles from Utah.

Today I will cross the Rockies to Wyoming, then south to Colorado.

My iphone 4 is beginning to age, does anyone have an iphone 5 for sale?

Its time to get loaded up and head for the airport!

Idaho Falls, Idaho

I forgot to mention, the morning after I landed in PYette, that I met Bruce, a cancer patient and gave him a ride. He really enjoyed it.

After spending 3 nites in Payette I departed for West Yellowstone this morning. The record heat made thermals that bounced me around like a cork in the ocean! I was so tired when I stopped in Rigby for fuel that I decided to spend the nite.

Departing Payette, Idaho

After being grounded since my radio quit working Monday I will depart this morning for West Yellowstone, Montana. I had to order a headset adapter for my handheld radio, and it came in yesterday afternoon.

There is a big fire about 50 miles south of here making it very smoky. It is so dry out here in all these western states!

7 more states to go!

Payette, Idaho

The cancer patient Daniel had lined up for me had to go for treatment today, so I didn't get to meet him.

I departed Walla Walla and flew to Payette, Idaho which is just across the Snake River from Ontario, Oregon. On the flight, my radio quit working! I was met by chapter President Jan Zumwalt and friends. We went to lunch, then they brought me to my motel. Tomorrow morning I will meet the cancer patient and give him a ride. Then I have to figure out what to do about my radio.

Walla Walla, Washington

I flew from Sun River, Oregon to Walla Walla, Washington yesterday. I was met by Daniel Feekes, President of the local EAA chapter who took me to lunch, then to my motel. There was lots of smoke filling the air from all the fires.

Then I hooked up with Del White who is building a Zenith 701 plane. He wanted to look at my plane and for me to see his project. Then he took me to his home for supper! His wife Kay had made a blackberry pie! We had a very nice visit.

Thanks folks for your hospitality.

The terrain below this flight was barren hills and gullies, not a good place for emergency landings.

Sun River, Oregon

Today I flew from Tule Lake California to Sun River, Oregon. My cousins, Faye Hill and her daughter, Denise live near here. I will visit with them before moving on to Walla Walla, Washington.

Christina

My friends from home, Bob and Gloria Fenter have a daughter, Wendy who lives in Cool, California. She lined up a cancer survivor, Christina who met me at the Lincoln airport. I asked her what she thought happened to a person after they die. She believes that a person is reincarnated! I shared my belief and gave her a Billy Graham DVD, a pamphlet and my DVD. Then I took her for a flight which she enjoyed very much.

Then I departed for Oregon. I stopped in Red Bluff Cal. For fuel. There I had to replace a bolt on my voltage regulator.had to tighten hose clamps to 

The FBO operator helped me. Thanks!

Then I flew to Tulelake, Cal. just south of the Oregon border for fuel. I had a small coolant leak which I had to tighten hose clamps to fix the leak. At 4,400 foot elevation, I tired and spent the nite.

From Red Bluff, the smoke reduced visability. It is so dry here, and there was rugged country on the way.

I am getting ready to depart for Oregon.

Marysville

I spent a couple days visiting my uncle Pete. He took me to see my aunt Lois who has Alzheimers. Very sad.

Correction

I mistakenly said Bobs wife was Sherry.

Sorry, her name is Terri!

San Jose

Yesterday Ron Carmichael, my EAA Chapter host arranged for Bob, a cancer survivor and his wife to meet me at the airport. We had a good visit, and Compared stories.

After having a sandwich I flew north. I intended to land at Marysville, where I lived during my teen years and graduated High School. However the airport was under Temporary Flight Restriction, so I landed at Lincoln.

My uncle Pete and cousin Brenda met me and I spent the nite with him.

As I flew just west of Sacramento, the smoke from the big fire near Clearlake got thick and reduced visability.

Bob and I

Bobs wife Sherry

Newspaper article

Correction # 2!

Remove the last 1from the string and you can read the article!

San Jose, California

I flew from Adelanto to Delano, fueled and ate lunch, then flew on to San Jose where I will spend a couple days with friends, John and Leeann Patterson. I will meet my EAA host Ron Carmichael and a cancer patient tomorrow.

It was 111 degrees yesterday in the high desert (barstow) and only 87 here in San Jose today! Nice!

Newspaper Article

Correction!

To read the newspaper article article from St. George, Utah, go to:

www.thespectrum.com/story/news/2015/08/01/pilot-offers-flights-hope-cancer-patients/310002951

wwwspectrum.com

Check the newspaper writeup

Rain Delay

Glen picked me up and drove me past the big white Temple built by the Mormans in 1876. Such beautiful architecture. On the way to the airport, we encountered a few raindrops and saw lightning  to the south, the direction I have to fly! So I will enjoy the comfortable waiting area provided by the FBO, Above View until the storm is past.

St. George

In St. George I was met by Jennifer, my hostess and the Newspaper reporter, Kevin. Soon Glen, a cancer survivor came. By then the 45 degree crosswind was 20 mph gusting much higher, so I called off the flight til morning.

Grand Canyon

Today I met Mark, a stage 4 cancer patient then gave him a ride in Purple Passion. I asked him what he thought happened to a man after he died. He didn't know! So that opened the door for me to witness to him and explain how to get to heaven. I prayed for him then gave him Pamphlets. Help me pray that he will obtain salvation!

I attended EAA Chapter 765 meeting then strapped in and departed for St. George, Utah just before a storm came in from the south.

I had to fly over The Grand Canyon at 9,500 feet. Lake Mead to my left. It was overcast so the pictures did not come out clear.

Kingman, Arizona

II departed Winslow, Az. at 9:00 and flew to Kingman, Az. I was met by EAA chapter member David Amspoker who guided me to the chapter hanger where We put my plane for the nite. Ryan Abella, a local newspaper reporter was there for an interview.

David and I went to lunch at the airport cafe. The manager treated us to lunch!

Thank you!

David drove me to a service station where we filled gas cans and returned to airport to fuel plane. Then he brought me to The Best Western Motel who comped my room! Thanks Best Western!

During my flight, I took a few pictures.

One is The Meteor Crator from 3,000 feet up. The white speck, lower right is the visitor center building.

Winslow, Arizona

I had to wait until light rain cleared to depart from Las Lunas. There was some nasty weather on the way to Snowflake, so I flew northwest to Grants, N.M. While having lunch it started a lite rain. After that quit, I flew to Winslow, Az. There was still weather near Snowflake, Az. so I had to cancel going there to visit my friend Scott Allen. Sorry Scott, I had committed to be in Kingman, Az. by noon.

On the way here I flew over the Petrified Forest. From 2,000 feet above, I did not see a single tree turned to stone! :-)

West Texas

Checkers anyone?

Albuquerque

I left Tucumcari early and headed for Albuquerque. The elevation of the land kept rising from 4,000 feet at Tucumcari to 6,500 feet. So I had to keep climbing.

To clear the mountains south of Albuquerque I climbed to 10,000 feet.

I landed at Mid Valley Airpark, in Las Lunas where I was met by a resident, Howard Stansell. He was very helpful. I called my hosts, Frank and Brooksene Thompson to let them know I had arrived. I had not had cell phone service at Tucumcari nor along the way until I got past the mountains at Albuquerque. Thanks for nothing AT&T!

Carol Campbell, A cancer survivor and Frank showed up about noon. After getting acquainted, I took Carol for a ride.

Then Carol took us to Belen for a Mexican lunch at Pete's. I had enchiladoes that were the best I have ever had. The restaurant parking lot had built a roof over the parking lot to keep patrons autos from getting too hot.

Pete Eddinger called to say a storm was brewing and I needed to put my plane in a hanger. Manual Lopez let me use his hanger. Thanks to all these wonderful people! They all are so very nice and friendly.

Carol dropped me off at a motel to spend the nite. The weather was not conducive to continue on to Arizona. I hope it clears enough this morning to depart.

Tucumcari, New Mexico

By 9:00 the wind shear was gone so I departed for Dalhart, Texas. I had a 50 mph tailwind at first, so I kept going to Tucumcari, New Mexico. Stopped for lunch and fuel.

I called for a weather briefing and it did not look good on the way to Albuquerque. So I checked into a motel.

It is a good thing I did because those big white clouds became dark an covered the sky. We had a big storm here and it rained a lot.

Ulysses, Kansas

After giving Peggy a ride, Helen took me to Bob's hanger to look at 2 P-51 Mustangs! In my opinion, the most beautiful aircraft ever built! Bob had restored both. Wow!

I loaded up and departed for Colorado, making a fuel/rest stop in Ulysses, Kansas. On downwind I had a 30 mph tailwind out of 150deg. I was landing on runway 17 (170 deg.) I was busy landing in that 20 deg. Crosswind of 20 mph, but my plane did fine.

I had lunch then called Lyle to check on weather. A front coming across the Rockies was not conducive to going there for a few days. So I changed my plans and will not go to Colorado at this time. I will go to New Mexico instead. High winds here kept me grounded, so I found a room and spent the nite.

High winds are still present this morning with wind shear, so I will have to wait a while to depart.

33 done, 15 to go

This morning I was met by Helen, a reporter from the local paper and a cancer survivor, Peggy O'Neal. We visited a while then it was my pleasure to give this pretty Lady a ride in my plane.

44 degrees celsius!

After giving Bill a ride I fueled up and headed to Alva, Oklahoma, stopping in Kingfisher, Okla. For fuel.

When I landed, it was 44 degrees Celsius. That has to be over 100 fahrenheit! I am spending the nite here and meeting a cancer victim in the morning.

Alva, Oklahoma

This morning my son JJ and I picked up Bill Ashley and went to breakfast at Ham and Eggs. The biscuits are as big as a loaf of bread! Then we went to Sherman and I took Bill for a plane ride. Bill has an appointment with oncologist next week to see what else can be done in the way of treatment. 

Sherman, Texas

The weather finally cleared and I got an early start. I landed in Poteau, Ok. for fuel and a brief rest. Then it was on to Sherman, Tx. where I was met by John Gorman, a member of the local EAA chapter, and my son JJ. 

It was too hot to stand around, so JJ drove me to their home where I met my new grandson, Jace.

JJ is doing ribs on the smoker, so we will have good food and fellowship.

In the morning I will take Bill Ashley, a cancer victim for a ride in Purple Passion.

This is the 32nd state.

Jace and I!

Heater installed!

I finished installing the cockpit heater yesterday! Hopefully now I won't freeze at the high altitudes over the mountains out west!

If weather permits, I will leave for Texas tomorrow. If not, I will leave Saturday morning. Texas is the 32nd state!

17 states to go

I have been installing a heater in my plane to keep warm over the high mountains out west. I will finish that tomorrow. I had planned to leave tomorrow for Sherman, Texas but the weather is not favorable for a couple more days.

Home again

I flew from Independence to Bentonville and was picked up by my daughter, Tami. We went to dinner at Monte Ne Inn and was met by my grandaughter Brittany, her husband Zach and great grandson Dawson. I spent the nite.

Friday morning I took Zach for a ride. Altho there was turbulance, he enjoyed it.

Then I headed home. I encountered the best tailwind ever, at times 35 mph!

I will install the heater in my plane before resuming my trip to the remaining 17 states.

Sheridan

Sheridan

9 year old cancer victim

Bentonville, Ark.

I left Independence feeling overwhelmed by all the attention given me by the folks there. I had a tailwind flying to Bentonville, Ark. where my daughter, Tami picked me up and  brought me to her home. I had to communicate with Razorback Approach to get thru class 'C'

airspace. I did just fine considering it had been 40+ years since talking to a controller.

Tonite we are going to Monte Ne Inn for dinner. Their chicken and veggies are to die for. When 1 bowl is empty they bring another! We will be joined by my granddaughter, Brittany, her husband Zach and their son Dawson.

Tomorrow I plan to fly home and stay thru 

The weekend before heading out again.

Theresa and Mae

Another Correction!

I said the VFW Auxilliary Ladies provided me with a room. Sorry Girls, it was:

THE AMERICAN LEGION LADIES AUXILLIARY! Thank you 

Sheridan gets High!

I was met at the airport by Sheridan, her Mom, EAA members, a reporter and wellwishers. Sheridan is 9 years old, a beautiful girl. Even tho the doctors have given no hope, God did not stamp an expiration date on her when she was born! I am asking everone to help me pray and believe. Remind God that the bible says he is no respector of persons!

If he can heal this old man (many times) he can heal Sheridan. 

After I gave her a ride, landed and killed the engine, she said "Lets do it again!"

So Dale is getting his Cessna and giving her another ride.

          Sheridan

Independence, Kansas #31

CORRECTION!

I incorrectley labeled the picture as Mae and Connie. It was TERESA and Mae!

Sorry about that!

By 10:00 the front had moved thru, so 

Roger took me to the airport and I headed out for Kansas. I encountered headwind again. I stopped in Abilene Kansas for lunch and a bit of rest. Then flew on to Independence, Ks. 

Dale, and friends met me, fueled my plane, and put it in their hanger. He then took me to my motel room that was provided by the Ladies of the VFW Auxilliary! 

Then we went to supper. The owner of the cafe picked up my check! Folks have been so nice. Thanks everyone!!!!

This morning I will meet my cancer 

victim, a 9 year old girl.

Grounded

Roger picked me up and we went to the Chapter meeting. I had my plane put in the hanger as a storm was moving in.

This morning it is raining here and a strong storm lurks between here and Independence, Kansas, my next stop.

So it looks like I will be here until tomorrow!

30 down 18 to go

This morning I departed Osceola, Iowa for Kearney, Nebraska. Stopped in Crete, Neb. for fuel and a short break. The TV station had wanted to do a live interview at 12:30, but I met with 17 mph headwind, and was afraid I could not make it in time so we postponed it! :-(

I was met by Roger Carlsen of the EAA chapterand shortly Connie from the Cancer Society with cancer survivor Mae Smith arrived. I took Mae for a ride over the city and Platte River. Roger took me to the motel, then Mae took me to lunch at Perkins. I had half a BLT and Tomato Basil soup that was outstanding.

I came to my room and logged my flight and planned my trip to Independence, Kansas tomorrow.

Roger will pick me up at 6:15 and take me to chapter meeting.

Owen's first plane ride

I met Owen and his family at 5:30 and took him on his first plane ride!

July 13 2015

The storm that was supposed to be clear of Muscatine by 8:00 am did not arrive til about the time Jennifer arrived for her ride. I did not want to take her up with weather threatening, so I encouraged her and prayed for her, gave her a DVD of my testimony, then headed west toward Osceola, Iowa. I went south to get around the storm. I could only get to 1,000 feet without getting into the clouds for about 20 minutes. Then the ceiling lifted and I climbed to 3,000 feet. Air was fairly smooth and very little headwind until I got near 2 other thunder cells which I had to go north of.

Landed in Osceola, Iowa about 10:45 where I was met by Lyle. He treated me to lunch. I checked into a motel and stayed in the cool til time to meet Owen to give him a ride.

Muscatine, Iowa

I left Mexico, Mo. about 7:00 am for the 2 hour flight to Muscatine, Iowa. I saw lots of flooding by the Mississippi so I steered west of it by a good margin. About 15 miles from my destination the white clouds below my 3,500 foot altitude started becoming solid, so I descended to clear them. Finally at 1,200 feet I got beneath them. Good thing too as there were towers at 900 feet.

More rain is forecast here this evening and again first thing in the morning. When it quits I will give a ride then head west to Osceola, Iowa.

Meanwhile I am getting plenty of rest!

Mexico, Mo.

NuAfter giving a talk to the Willow Springs Chapter, I fueled up and flew to Mexico, Mo. Stopped there for lunch, fueled my plane and checked the weather. It was raining in Muscatine, Iowa, so I opted to spend the nite here.

Willow Springs, Mo

28 down, 20 to go! This morning I left Flippin, Ark. enroute to Willow Springs, Mo. I had a 30 mph tailwind, so I made good time.

I was met by EAA chapter 1218 members and introduced to Logan, who survived Lieukemia. I gave Logan his first ride in a small plane. He thought it was awesome.

Sharon Vaughn, the editor of the local paper took pictures and did an interview.

Then I had breakfast that the Chapter puts on. The Chapter meeting will start shortly, and I have been asked to speak.

After that I will fuel up and head north toward Muscatine, Iowa. There may be weather there and I may have to stop and wait for it to clear.

Logan

ITINARERY

These are the places I may land on my trip to all the western states.
Those in parenthesis are not yet scheduled.
Dates are subject to change due to weather or other delays.
There may be additional stops for fuel.

Willow Springs, Mo.-Saturday morning July 11

Muscatine, Iowa-Saturday afternoon and nite July 11

Osceola, Iowa-Sunday afternoon and nite July 12

(Burlington, Ia) Monday and nite July 13

Kearney, Ne. Tuesday and nite Tuesday July 14

(York, Ne)

Ellsworth, Ks. Wednesday and nite July 15

(Burlington, Ks.)

(Independance, Ks)

Back to Arkansas for a couple days to install a heater in my plane for the high elevations of the Rocky Mountains.

(Cookson, Ok.)

(Sherman, Tx.)

Gainesville, Tx.

Alva, Ok.

(Elk City, Ok.)

(Amarillo, Tx.)

(Buena Vista, Co.)

(Elbert, Co.)

(Grand Junction, Co.)

(Clovis, N.M.)

(Las Lunas, N.M.)

(Albuquerque, N.M.)

(Showlow, Az.)

(Snowflake, Az.)

(Prescott, Az.)

St. George, Ut.

(Heber City, Ut.)

(Ogden, Ut.)

Searchlite, Nv.

(Las Vegas, Nv.)

(Henderson, Nv.)

Pahrump, Nv.

(Reno, Nv.)

(Woodlake, Ca.)

San Jose, Ca.

(Montague, Ca.)

(Klamath Falls, Or.)

(Lapine, Or.)

(Bend, Or.)

(Hubbard, Or.)

(Mulino, Or.)

(Walla Walla, Wa.)

(Prosser, Wa.)

(Lewiston, Id.)

Payette, Id.

(Moreland, Id.)

(Green River, Wy.)

(Gillette, Wy.)

(Sheridan, Wy.)

(Cody, Wy.)

(Lakeside, Mt.)

(Billings, Mt.)

(Spearfish, S.D.)

Tea, S.D.

(Grand Forks, N.D.)

(Mandan, N.D.)

(Maple Lake, Mn.)

(St. Cloud, Mn.)

Princeton, Mn.

(Detroit Lakes, Mn.)

(Eau Claire, Wi.)

(Oshkosh, Wi.)

Dekalb, Il.

Jefferson City, Mo.

Back to Arkansas.

Baxter Bulletin

The Baxter Bulletin did another article on Passion Flights for life wednesday. Go to baxterbulletin. Com to read it.

Please like Facebook page:

Passion Flights for Life, and ask your friends to do likewise!

Saturday

I was pretty run down, dehydrated, and had a kidney infection. I stayed in the hospital 4 days, then was sent home to rest. I am gaining my strength back slowly and expect to start flying to the western states in a couple weeks. If anyone knows cancer victims in any of the states west of the Mississippi river, please let me know. I have been doing routine maintenance on my plane, and have started planning my trip west. The hardest part is locating cancer victims. Your help would be appreciated!

I will post again in about a week.

Dismissed

I was dismissed from the hospital Thursday! I came home and took a 3 hour nap! Then I relaxed in my own environment.

Today, I unpacked, went through mail and began to feel organixed again. I feel good and should regain my strength by next week.

Hospital

After I landed in Jonesboro Friday, I was totally exhausted. I laid around all that day and Saturday, sleeping most of the time. Sunday I had a friend, John Jaynes fly me and purple passion to Flippin.

At 3:00 a welcome home gathering was planned. I was too weak to attend. So Had to cancel my appearance. To all

who were to attend, I offer my apologies. 

Yesterday I went to my doctor and found my Pulse was 136! I was admitted to the hospital!

They did a CT scan and there was no spot on the liver! Praise the Lord!

Blood work indicates that I may have an infection in my blood. So I am on Antibiotics.

Thank all of y'all for your prayers.

Friday

This morning I flew to Mayfield, Ky. Then on to Paris, Tn. where I Toured a plane factory, then went to lunch. When I got back, it started raining. I found a nice couch in the pilots lounge, lay down and took a nap. When I woke, the rain had stopped, so I flew on to Jonesboro. Ark. Where I will spend the nite. 3 of my pilot friends were already here for the Fly-in this weekend.

I have landed in the 27 eastern states!

I hope to head west for the other 21 in a couple weeks.

I am tired and ready for a break!

Purple Passion is Detailed

When I arrived in Metropolis, I was met by Beau Woods who owns a Plane detailing shop. After helping me fuel, he informed me that he and a friend were going to detail my plane. It had bugs and road (?) grime. They did a fantastic job and I appreciate it so much.

At 4:00 I met with a TV and newspaper reporter for an interview. Then gave a ride to Amy Summerville a cancer survivor. 

I then took my nephew, Terry Herrin for a ride before coming to his home to spend the nite.

Today I plan to go to Mayfield, Ky. Then on to Paris, Tn. From there to Jonesboro, Arkansas to attend a Fly-in with friends from home. The plan is to arrive in Mtn. Home at 3:00 pm Sunday. A press release was given inviting folks to welcome me home on completion of the first phase (eastern states), of my journey around the lower 48.

I am ready to be home after 40 days being away!