Cherry Blossom Time

Well spring is still NOT HERE but it’s the famous cherry blossom time here in DC and they are reaching peak bloom now. The annual cherry blossom 10mile (16k) run was on today and I was not looking forward to another freezing cold morning run. It was meant to be shorts weather, not beanies and gloves again. The forecast was for snow but thankfully that died off yesterday. We carpooled with some friends to make logistics easier and Deb once again came along to carry our coats once we de-robed to run. She took shelter in a nearby Starbucks as she waited for us all to come back. The sun came out for the run and it was actually a little warmer than expected so it was good weather to run as far as cold weather goes. I think there were around 20,000 runners so it was quite packed all the way along the route. Suprisingly the course was wide enough to allow fairly minimal dodging and I took the time to ‘smell the roses’….look at the pretty cherry blossom trees as the course wound it’s way through DC around the memorials. I did see two great signs….You Run Better Than The Government, and Why Do All The Cute Ones Run Fast? There was also a little table setup by random people to give away shots of beer and oreos!!  And people were drinking it !!!  There were heaps of spectators and DC is currently overrun with tourists for cherry blossoms. I ran a good time and was so glad to finish and come home to a warm shower and long nap.

Despite not wanting to walk any further than the kitchen after running this morning, we decided to go back to the look at the cherry blossoms and took the dogs for a ride. It is so busy during tourist season here but we walked around the memorials where the trees line the Potomac Tidal Basin area. It really is pretty as they bloom from white to pink. Impossible to get a photo without 200 strangers in your shot. The dogs enjoyed the day out although Cricket would much preferred to have been off leash and running wild. They get so many nawwws, oooh and ahhh sweet dog comments from everyone and they love every second of attention. I sat down with the dogs and enjoyed a coffee (check out Cricket laying on me below) while Deb wandered off to do some photography with her new camera.

 

 

Easter last weekend was spent locally. We did a long run on Good Friday and saw a movie. I had a flying lesson on Saturday and then we did this long hike on Sunday with a local adventure store (REI). It was longer than planned being 16k rather than about 12k so we were fairly exhausted by the end of the day. It was in the local Shenandoah National Park and did a loop to see some falls. It was a nice day out, a little climbing involved and a great way to ensure a good night sleep. We were shattered. My legs were tired for days and I didn’t run all week. Instead running the Cherry Blossom today on fresh legs.

 

Flying is progressing. I’m now around 15 hours and have started pattern work which means takeoff, going around the runway in a rectangle pattern, landing and then taking off again. Well, I scared myself the other day as I can’t seem to do anything straight or level and my takeoff was something like Tom Cruise buzzing the tower sideways. I’m enjoying the challenge but I wish I could just get better quicker. I am also about to start doing S turns and other manouveurs to keep polish those turning skills. We are still missing lessons due to bad weather and hoping things will improve as the warmer weather arrives. Although storms apparently get in the way then. I also have to start doing comms on the radio which is bound to be fun :o At the moment we have to file our flight plan before each flight. When I phone in my flight plan each time there is an automated system. I have to say ‘briefer’ but say it slowly like ‘bree-fur’ and then the state of ‘Maryland’ but it’s like ‘Maaarell-lund’ with a bad yankee drawl. Else it doesn’t recognise my accent. Oh the challenges so comms is going to be very interesting with the air traffic controllers as they try to decipher this Aussie pilot’s lingo.

We went to visit friends to meet their new baby girl. We had been shopping to buy some cute little gifts and realised we had completely no idea about all things baby. We couldn't believe how small the clothes were. I had to ask a lady if she had kids and if this is really big enough for a baby. She assured me yes, this was the right size. Crikey!! I had to take a photo of the jeans as they were so cute. It's like a reverse Jenny Craig advertisement where I"m holding tiny pants instead of the big pants.

We also bought a nice plush squeaky touch feely toy and I couldn't resist the little red tractor that was on the counter. Probably not safe for a small child but it was the closest thing to a car or truck I could find. Have to be gender neutral right.

We finally got a photo of the dogs in front of the White House. Of course it took about 100 attempts but this was the best we could do. Cricket's rescue parents have always asked for a photo of Cricket in front of the White House so this is our first attempt. We hope to get another one with both dogs wearing a little tie. But for now, at least we have this.

And here is a photo of a sign on a fence near where we hiked. Pretty much sums up the local folks.

And a final shot of Macey checking out the water temperature of the creek....it's nearly swimming time.

The two pups snoozing while I do my flying study - very cute.

Flying and Running

Apparently spring has arrived. But, given we had a dumping of snow from a bad storm sweeping across this week and the temperature continues to hover around 0 C and not get over 10 C each day, it’s NOT spring. The weather has been very disruptive to our flying lessons and not helping with the running motivation. The day after the snow storm, we arrived at 8am for our flying lesson, unsure what the routine was. Normally they plough the runway but sadly it wasn’t done so we couldn’t get off the ground. I was disappointed as I’d love to have flown above the snow and taken some photos. I’m currently at 10 hours of flying and improving slowly. I’m improving on my turns and takeoffs but getting everything together for landing is taking time, a LOT of time. This is quite challenging. At the moment, I seem to struggle on the final descent and keeping the plane straight and not dipping too low. I gave the trees a shave today I think. I’m enjoying the lessons more and more now and hoping warmer weather will bring more flying opportunities. I asked my instructor to take a few photos today for me. The one under the wing is of the Maryland Chesapeake Bay bridge in the background. Deb and I ran across this in 2016 (10k race) so the bridge holds some special memories to me. Check out my blog post here Chesa Bay Bridge

 

This weekend I also finished the 1775 Marine Corp race (17.75k) which celebrates the Marine Corp foundation year. It’s open to only 3100 entries and I entered quickly last month in the 7 mins it took for rego to sell out online – this was an exercise in typing quickly! I wanted to do this race because you get automatic entry to the Marine Corp Marathon in October which I hope to run. The marathon is very popular and you enter in a lottery so you may or may not get an entry. So this 1775 race is a great way to get ‘Access Granted’ as they say. It was bloody cold, around zero celcius I think and I had to get up at 4am to get ready. It was an hour drive away to Quantico (Marine and FBI district) and the race started at 7am. Deb came too thankfully so she could hold bags and coats while I ran. It was great as I kepy my big coat on until minutes before the start line crush began and I was warm when I started running. But with two layers on, my beanie and gloves I stayed warm and was dripping sweat fairly soon.

My goal was to finish and get that MCM entry but I did think a lot about the Marines and other service people in uniform. The race was through a national park, had some sucky hills in there and lots of signs along the way with Marine motivational words. I kept a steady pace to ensure I survived the hills and was very glad to cross the finish line. Marines greeted finishers and put the medal around your neck. It was quite special to me. He congratulated me and I said 'thank you for everything you do'. I was quite a bag of emotions with finishing and getting my medal that I suddenly found myself close to tears as I said thank you and shook his hand. Oorah to the Marines !! I soon found Deb on the sideline and she took some finishers grin photos of me. She’s enjoying her new camera and taking some artistic shots whenever she can. Next up...I do the 10mile (16k) Cherry Blossom run around DC city in two weeks and then it’s the 200 mile Odyssey team relay in April again from Gettysburg to DC.

I had a crack at cinnamon buns last week. Made the dough in the breadmaker and after some rising and smothering in butter, sugar, sultanas and cinnamon, they baked into wonderful little sweet scrolls. They are better hot straight out of the oven - a very easy treat to make. 

Batman made a special appearance at work too. It was Security Week and there was a bit of competitive spirit amongst the other work places to hold a morning tea and get as many people in a photo as they could. Deb inspired a competitive spirit and I think took the lead with 54 people but also with the masked superhero standing stealthily in the back row. Nobody knew until the photo was displayed and there were those black pointed ears standing out. It was excellent and I'm sure it will make the DC photo unbeatable.

As mentioned earlier, this week a big snow storm swept up and across the county to the North and blanketed quite deep snow. The dogs are ok with the snow but not keen on the toilet business - unless in the forest because it's different there for some reason? However, they enjoy walking and playing it. I am now quite good at shovelling snow and wait until it stops and just before night time, I shovel the steps and driveway to avoid the re-freeze which ices over and makes things quite slippery. Oh yeah, and chuck on some pet-friendly salt to help it melt quicker. Yeah, I'm all over it !!

 

The 'kids' March for our Lives was on in DC and around the country this weekend. I would really like to have gone and marched to support them. Sensible gun reform is desperately needed here and with so many kids getting shot in school shootings, the younger generation have finally had enough and are standing up to the politicians forcing something to change. It was inspiring to watch those kids speak at the march and like all young ones, they call bullshit when they see it and have put the politicians on notice. Lots are turning 18 this year and they are determined to vote and hold the politicians accountable. It is mid-term elections at the end of the year and I think there will be quite a few rethinking their donations from the NRA (National Rifle Association) and what their stand is on guns. I'm sensing the tide might just be turning in this country for some gun law changes. I can only hope so.

Not much else to report. Easter is approaching and we have quiet plans. Hopefully the weather will start to improve and get warm. Here's some random photos of the past few weeks.

 

 

The PM Visits

I’m writing this update as we watch the Oscars – feeling very American tonight. It’s been a horrendous weekend of strong winds and cold weather. Lots of trees have come down around the streets and workers have been out all day cutting, chopping and carting them away.

So the past few weeks have been busy, as always I guess. The embassy hosted a huge event where the Prime Minister and four state premiers came here to meet all the USA governors (equivalent to our premiers). We are not phased by the political players at the moment but Deb was able to get a nice picture with the PM at Blair House. Blair House is opposite the white house, and is where heads of state stay when invited by the President. PM Turnbull and wife Lucy stayed there and Deb worked a few days there managing the office.  

On the last day there was a photo opportunity. I worked the big cocktail function one night as a food watier which was another good opportunity to see canapés from an Aussie leading chef and also mingle with some of the political leaders. I did take the time to say hello to ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr and QLD Premier Anastasia Palaszczuk. Both were friendly and shared a few words. 

I also worked a few other receptions at the Amb residence in the kitchen as I normally do. Again, it was great experience and I always learn new things, new skills and hang out with some fun people.

 

So you are all wondering how Captain Batman is progressing. Very well I am pleased to say. I’ve flown about 6 hours now and the last two lessons have been most enjoyable as I feel like I’ve got a better idea of the basics now and actually enjoying ‘flying’. I’ve had some windy days which have been interesting as it adds a level of challenge to my coordination effort. I am able to turn better, fly level and doing more of the takeoff. It shouldn’t be long before I’m doing that by myself. Landing is a whole new trick and will take more time. I have now got my own headset and have fuelled the plane twice which is bit of a buzz – crawling up to put the nozzle in on top of the wing. The weather has been hit and miss  which is annoying to say the least. Anyway, 6 hours has gone and my next lessons will be learning how to handle stalls !!! Shitting myself but, gotta know what to do when things go a little pear shaped up there. Standby for that blog post.

We finally took a drive to the nearby Shenandoah National Park, a little over an hour away. We didn't think though as we should have checked the website first. It was the day after the strong winds and there were trees down everywhere. There is a long scenic drive through the mountains called Skyline Drive. It was closed. So we drove a longer way around to make the day worthwhile. We ended up at Harpers Ferry which is right in the bottom corner of West Virginia. This is the 'psychological' mid point of the famous Appalachian Trail. It's a tiny little civil war town and we grabbed some late lunch (very average burger I might add) before heading home. It was bloody cold but would be a pretty place in summer. I'm in no hurry to go back though. We'll check out Skyline drive another day and plan to rent a cabin up in Shenandoah in the summer.

I've also had a sharp haircut and feeling the cold weather a bit more around my ears!! I feel sorry for bald people now. But I like the short style and it will be better in a few days when the sides get a little length. I have a cool hair stylist and he can do magic with his hands. Thanks Enders at The Burrow.    The Burrow DC

   

First flying lesson

Today the weather finally cleared for my friend AH and I to take our FIRST flying lesson at the wonderful Freeway Airport. (We couldn’t fly on the weekend because the weather was terrible with very low cloud ceiling). The afternoon grew clearer and sunny and it was a lovely day to look down from above. I was a little nervous and my fear of flying was certainly kicking in. The first hour was spent doing a flight plan and learning how to do a preflight check of the aircraft. I managed to avoid bumping my head on anything so that was definitely a good start. The last time I crawled around a plane was many many years ago during my air force days when it was a much sleeker FA-18 jet. But, today it was a much smaller plane and I enjoyed looking over the rivets, surfaces, probes, prongs and points. I did note that it was pretty small in the back and might be difficult to fit a mountain bike (thinking ahead).

Despite this being a small aircraft (Cessna 172), would you believe I need a booster seat !! I didn’t use it today but in future I will use a booster seater to raise me higher and help reach the pedals a little better. After an intro to all the dials and switches, I turned the key and started the engine. I have to say, it was a sexy feeling hearing that throaty engine sound and seeing those propellers turn around in front of me. Let’s do this Batman.

We taxi’d to the end of the runway and waited for others to land so we could get on our way. Blood pressure rising a bit more at this stage. After some ssshhkk Whiskey Zero Zero, Freeway …sshkkkk and a few more words on the radio that I’m still yet to master, the instructor said we need to get up to 80 knots and then pull back and climb. I can’t even remember if it was 80 so I could be wrong. I was a bit overwhelmed as we raced down the runway. Off we went and I totally couldn’t remember how fast, or when….but thankfully he had the stick and off we went, up and the horizon disappeared in front of me. After I took a deep breath, I nervously said…what now? Take over and keep climbing and then level off shortly the instructor said.

The lesson was great. It was a very smooth flight. I flew almost an hour and over the water with some huge ships below. As soon as we leveled off I practiced turns to learn how each control worked. I have to say, this was a pretty cool feeling. I was turning left, right, left, right and thought that was enough as my gonna-be-sick warning light was flashing. I have been studying the theory but it takes practice to fully understand how things work and today certainly helped. I needed to learn how the controls felt and how much pressure I needed to use for things to move. So the instructor said ‘take your hands off, let go’. I stopped breathing, stomach dropped. You want what? He said it’s not like the movies where the plane dives out of control the second you let go. So I took my hands away and we stayed on course, steady and smooth. It veered a little after a while but yeah he was right, as an instructor would be !!  

We then practiced increasing and dropping engine speed. When the instructor dropped the engine power, my stomach dropped again!!  The nose starts to drop too so I had to ask the instructor – how low can the engine power be before we drop….or words to that effect. He reassured me of the engine power needed and I calmed down once I saw we were totally fine. These are the things that I’m keen to learn and understand as it’s one of my flying fears – those sudden drops in engine power. Anyway, I learnt lots of things and we headed back to the airfield to land. I gently held onto the controls but just so I could feel what moves the instructor was making. It’s certainly going to take some practice and skill to get this mastered. The instructor let me taxi and I soon realized that you steer with your pedals, not the stick in your hands. Very rookie mistake and I guess my mountain bike mode kicked in. We parked the plane, did final checks, tied it down and took my momento photo. It was a very relieved feeling.

I felt mentally drained after the flight. It had been over 2 hours of heavy concentration with some fear thrown in there to keep the blood flowing fast. I waited for my friend to return and he had similar experiences as me – good, nervous and feeling like a complete gumby. But, it’s only the first lesson and we will both improve with more practice. It takes a minimum 20 hours, but more likely 30 hours to be able to fly solo and then another 15 hours at least to get the final license. So we have some hours ahead of us. I watched in awe as those little planes took off and landed with their solo pilots doing their training. Hopefully that will be me in a few months.

I always thought it was a bit corny when people say how ‘a-mazing’ it is to fly a plane. Today, I guess I had my moment when we up there and I was doing the turns over the water. But I think I can now see why it is amazing to fly as I’m sure there will be more of those fabulous moments in the future.

I’ll update you on my progress in future blogs. We plan to fly 1-2 times each week and I can’t wait to take off and land on my own.