Team assembling in Silver City, New Mexico and departing for the race start

We are assembled again as a team. Cara and Lydia arrived in Silver City late in Thursday the 16t, after losing no delays in Albuquerque due to aircraft arriving late out of Texas. The smoke from the Dog Head fire south and east over the ridge from ABQ was remarkable, rising high above Manzano.  Big fire 

On the way to silver city we flew over another blaze called the North fire, near Socorro. 

Bill and Caroline met the arriving teammates at Grant County airport and all returned for a hearty home dinner.  With anticipatory thoughts of the next day's flight the team did not get top sleep yet awoke energized nonetheless. Even with the the last minute arrangements and packing we were ready to go at 0700. Cara and Lydia had not flown the race plane for a bit so some review was in order, a couple of turns around the pattern, and away to the west. The plane was smooth and clean and everything was in order. Bill was great help maneuvering the plane, shuttling us and closing up the shop. Thanks!! 

Our friend Fred was also at the airport for the send-off.