Three legs remaining for the air race. Fortunately conditions did not lead to an actual tornado overnight yet we had concerns for possible thunderstorms developing later on in Illinois or farther on course. So as soon as we could, after sunrise, and in turn for takeoff order, we set off from Champaign-Urbana, to repeat the flyby at Tuscola and continue south via Kentucky to Tennessee.
This day had a lot more clouds though we did not encounter storms.
Murfreesboro was very welcoming. In addition to the Aerospace activity, the community is also known for Recording Industry programs. Alumni of Middle Tennessee Stste University include Hillary Scott of lady Antebellum, composer George S. Clinton and economist James M. Buchanan.
Next stop- Americus, Georgia. But first, across the beautiful hills of Tennessee, including the area known as the Cumberland Plateau. Through the northeastern corner of Alabama and into Georgia.
The little white speck over the hill in the difference is Classic Racer #60
Over the Chattahoochee River and under the busy Class Bravo airspace.
The terrain going down, flat farmland, peanuts, poultry farms and heat!
Jimmy Carter Regional Airport in Americus, GA was the next flyby and stop. Wonderful refreshments. Souther field at Jimmy Carter Regional airport was the site of the first and only World War I airbase in Georgia. Another note of fame was the location of Charles Lindbergh's first solo flight in a Curtiss Jenny. Staff at the FBO spoke fondly of Jimmy Carter's presence in the area and of occasional burst of activity at the field complete with multiple secret service personnel.
The nice goody bag from the Americus stop included this valuable tool for comfort in the cockpit.
Last leg- down to Zellwood, Florida for the final flyby at Orlando North Airpark. Lower and lower, the earth turning white and many lakes dotting the land. Cross the Suwanee River, Gainesville, Ocala, Leesburg, and - where is that dastardly runway for the flyby? Well done team! Ahh, we are a bit saddened that we have come to the finish. Exhilarated too.
Ok- call up Daytona approach and here we come. As we followed the directions from the controllers we made our way in to Daytona's airspace and down on the 10,500 foot runway! For Cara this was familiar territory. For Caroline and Lydia we were excited to see the Embry-Riddle campus and the locale for Cara's training.
The team did an outstanding job encouraging, motivating and working with each other. We were hot and tired and tremendously proud. At 5pm on Thursday we were the 8th team in to the terminus, 24 hours before the arrival deadline.
THANK YOU!!
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