cold

[Dick Smith]

Alaska Gathering

Ak Tribe, I'm really flexible...you guys put a date out there that will work for you. Dick

[flyer1]

Alaska trip

Just got back from a spectacular day. Drove down to Kenai and met with Dick Smith and his wife. They are wonderful and kind people. The drive down was like driving in a winter wonder land. The trees had frost on them, saw 6 moose some as close as 50 yards away (stayed in the car didnt want to get stomped) and 4 Bald Eagles (beautiful). Met The Smiths in Soldatna and went to lunch, then got to fly with Dick in his T-craft on skies. The plane is great. It is obvious that he put alot of thought and work to make her so nice. My first time on skies and in such cold temps. Dick made sure that I would not freeze and explained ski plane operations to me. I was very impressed with the ability to have so many options for landing sites. Dick took me to a cabin on a lake just a short distance from Anchorage. It was even more beautiful from the air. Dick showed me how to judge your height from the snow when landing on the lake. Alot to think about up here (survival gear, proper clothing, mountains, fresh/salt water, snow depth, ice thickness). It was a great comfort to have Dick make my introduction to Alaska ski plane flying. The folks up here sure know how to have fun and show this flatlander a good time. Thank you Dick for a day I will cherish.

Mike
N23880