Racing recap day #1 part 2

"LLLeaving Double Eagle airport we went back to run the flyby again at Mid Valley Airpark. A couple of other planes were close by and we expected others were coming and would soon follow on course with us. We also knew that it was getting hot and we had to climb to round the mountain range as we headed for Texas. Climbing up to 9500 feet was slow and the air was not very smooth. Our trusted pilot Caroline handled the plane well as we headed east to Midland. 284 nautical miles to the southeast. 

After some more scattered hills the terrain started to lower and flatten. 

The end of the second leg was at Midland Airpark.  We made the flyby, turned left as directed and, now off the clock, came around to land.  Wait a moment!  Massive congestion had developed on the incoming approach. Multiple Landing and flyby aircraft were in the area.  It was not safe for us or anyone else to try to make an entry. We could see additional incoming planes coming in and knew it would be a while before we could safely get in.  Although it was not an emergency, and we were not running out of fuel, we decided that the safest place for us was on the ground at a nearby airport.  This is not a specific recommended action by the ARC but was the right thing for us.  

Big Spring airport was about 20 miles to the northeast so there we went.  After landing at Big Spring we taxied to the flues pump and lo- 'out of order'. Oh well we can pause on the ground and then we will be okay to make it back to Midland.  But at the FBO we met Jim and he got the fuel truck to come around and fill the tanks. They were very nice and interested to hear about women's air racing.  

Big Spring derives its name from the nearby big spring which was a source of conflict for Comanche and Shawnee Indians, as well as a water source for coyotes, wolves, buffalo, antelope and mustangs. 

The volunteers were packing up when we landed yet still very helpful to us. Justine Ruff, director of Midland Airpark and the Midland International Air and Space Port gave us a ride to the motel. Nearby Midland College has an Aviation Maintenance program.