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  string(60) "Coast-to-Coast in the Mooney M20J - September / October 2021"
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    string(89) "**We're Ryan and Katherine**, and we flew coast-to-coast in 2021 with our dog Magic 🐶."
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      string(195) "# Coast-to-Coast in the Mooney M20J
In September and October 2021, Katherine and I (and Magic!) flew our 1984 Mooney M20J from Orlando, FL to Victoria, BC and back again, **7,105 nm** of flying!"
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      string(350) "It was an amazing adventure, a wonderful way to see the country, and as a flatlander with no real previous mountain experience, it was a real learning experience operating from airports as high as 6,700 ft MSL and dealing with terrain I can't easily outclimb.  Lots of photos and details about the flights are linked below.

## Trip Overview Photos"
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        array(2) {
          ["image"]=>
          string(25) "overview/megatrip_100.jpg"
          ["desc"]=>
          string(8) "Details."
        }
      }
    }
    [9]=>
    array(2) {
      ["type"]=>
      string(4) "text"
      ["text"]=>
      string(47) "## About Us
We are Ryan, Katherine, and Magic!"
    }
    [10]=>
    array(5) {
      ["type"]=>
      string(6) "images"
      ["caption"]=>
      string(8) "About Us"
      ["imagePattern"]=>
      string(29) "overview/about_us_[01-02].jpg"
      ["thumbPattern"]=>
      string(36) "thumbs/overview/about_us_[01-02].jpg"
      ["text"]=>
      string(0) ""
    }
    [11]=>
    array(2) {
      ["type"]=>
      string(4) "text"
      ["text"]=>
      string(3258) "I've dreamed of doing a massive cross-country adventure since before my first solo in 2006.  I got my PPL in 2007 and mostly did $100 VFR hamburger runs for around 10 years, never venturing further than about 250nm from home.  I joined a flying club in late 2016, met a lot of other pilots, got encouragement, and quickly earned my instrument rating in 2017.  From there I decided to keep going, getting my commercial in late 2019, CFI-A in early 2020, and CFI-I in late 2020.  I now instruct part-time in my flying club for my own enjoyment and love of teaching.  During my time in the club flying with other pilots, I started gradually reaching a bit further out on cross country flights, going as far as Gulf Shores, AL (around 400nm) and the Bahamas.  In early 2021, I finally realized my dream of airplane ownership when I bought my 1984 Mooney M20J.  It's been a great experience (although expensive, as expected), and I started going even further (easier in a Mooney with the faster cruise speed), places like Atlanta, Charleston, and Asheville, NC.  Prior to this trip, my longest ever XC was to Asheville, only around 420nm.

Before the trip, I did a Zoom-call Mountain Flying introduction course with a r/flying member (thanks /u/The_Loveboat !).  I also researched some of the more challenging aspects of the route, particularly around crossing into Yellowstone at Sylvan Pass, the area around Jackson Hole, WY, and the Grand Canyon Area.

With me on the trip were my wife, Katherine, and our dog, Magic.  We set out from Orlando, FL on September 15th with the idea that the trip would take around a month to complete, plus or minus.  We had only vaguely planned the first few stops and planned to be as flexible as possible, staying with family where possible, and booking hotels last minute, etc.  In the end, the trip took just over a month (a month and 2 days), and we were able to stay mostly 'on schedule'.  Fortunately, I never had to divert from the airport I planned to reach when I took off, however we did have to change the plan somewhat in the Pacific NW due to weather.

Before departing, the plan was to get to Seattle and back, with getting into Canada being a possible bonus.  (Contingent on all the COVID/customs paperwork BS working out)  We knew we wanted to visit family in KY and CA, as well as definitely stop in Deadwood, Yellowstone, see the Seattle-area volcanoes, Crater Lake, Sonoma, do a mini Bay Tour, Catalina, Las Vegas, Sedona, and then somehow work our way home.  Anything else was basically a bonus and we did very little pre-planning beyond that.  Every few days we did a little long-range planning by looking at the prog charts, etc., mainly to decide how many days to plan on being in each region.

Most of the flights were VFR for sightseeing reasons (as well as me not having a turbo, FIKI, or oxygen so not really able to do mountainous area MEAs), with VFR flight plans filed with 1800wxbrief.com and linked to my Garmin inReach PLB.  (In addition to tying your VFR flight plan to your PLB, the EasyOpen/EasyClose service is awesome and the site has really improved, I find it much better to use now than ForeFlight for VFR flight plans)


## The Airplane
This is N374SM, our 1984 Mooney M20J."
    }
    [12]=>
    array(2) {
      ["type"]=>
      string(6) "header"
      ["image"]=>
      string(10) "N374SM.jpg"
    }
    [13]=>
    array(2) {
      ["type"]=>
      string(4) "text"
      ["text"]=>
      string(1045) "* 1984 Mooney M20J 201
 * Typical Cruise: 160-165 KTAS @ 12 gph
 * Fuel: 64 gal usable
 * Equipment: Garmin GNS480 WAAS GPS (oddball unit, but capable), Aspen E5 PFD, King KAP-150 autopilot coupled to Aspen w/ GPSS, Insight G3 Engine Monitor w/ Fuel Totalizer

## Trip Stats

 * Total Distance: **7,105 nm**
 * Direct Distance: **6,198 nm**
 * Hours Logged: **57.5** (2.5 Night, 1.9 IMC)
 * Total Days: 32
 * Flying Days: 16
 * Legs: 24 (14 VFR, 10 IFR)
 * Longest Leg: Orlando, FL (KORL) to Bardstown, KY (KBRY) - 593nm direct (654nm actual)
 * Longest Day: Bardstown, KY (KBRY) to Ames, IA (KAMW) to Spearfish/Deadwood, SD (KSPF) - 921nm direct (980nm actual) - 7.8 hours logged
 * Shortest Leg: Victoria, BC (CYYJ) to Bellingham, WA (KBLI) - 36nm direct (45nm actual) - 0.8 hours logged
 * Approaches Flown: 2 (KBRY, KPDT - popup IFR)
 * Fuel Purchased: **554.6 gal** - $2,999.97 ($5.41/gal avg)
 * FBO Services / Overnights / Fees - $236.99
 * Supplies Purchased - $12.70 (2 qts oil)
 * Oil Quarts Used: 7

## Trip Legs"
    }
    [14]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "01_korl_kbry"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(36) "Leg 1 - Orlando, FL to Bardstown, KY"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(157) "Starting out on our big adventure.  Dodging thunderstorms, rain, and a rainy evening approach.  Visiting Katherine's family and the home of Kentucky Bourbon."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "01_korl_kbry.jpg"
    }
    [15]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "02_kbry_kamw"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(33) "Leg 2 - Bardstown, KY to Ames, IA"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(66) "Heading west.  Stopping in small town Iowa for some delicious BBQ."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "02_kbry_kamw.jpg"
    }
    [16]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "03_kamw_kspf"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(32) "Leg 3 - Ames, IA to Deadwood, SD"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(81) "A scenic flight over the Badlands and Mt. Rushmore.  Spending a week in Deadoowd."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "03_kamw_kspf.jpg"
    }
    [17]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "04_kspf_kcod"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(32) "Leg 4 - Deadwood, SD to Cody, WY"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(101) "Getting closer to the real mountains.  Exploring Cody while we wait for good weather for Sylvan Pass."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "04_kspf_kcod.jpg"
    }
    [18]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "05_kcod_kwys"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(40) "Leg 5 - Cody, WY to West Yellowstone, MT"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(115) "An epic scenic flight through Sylvan Pass into Yellowstone, and a flyby of the Grand Tetons.  Visiting Yellowstone."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "05_kcod_kwys.jpg"
    }
    [19]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "06_kwys_ktwf"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(46) "Leg 6 - West Yellowstone, MT to Twin Falls, ID"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(78) "Past the Continental Divide, heading towards lower terrain and lunch in Idaho."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "06_kwys_ktwf.jpg"
    }
    [20]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "07_ktwf_kpdt"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(39) "Leg 7 - Twin Falls, ID to Pendleton, OR"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(119) "Deteriorating weather and a challening approach over the mountains into Oregon.  Exploring the rodeo town of Pendleton."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "07_ktwf_kpdt.jpg"
    }
    [21]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "08_kpdt_kttd"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(37) "Leg 8 - Pendleton, OR to Portland, OR"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(108) "A short, scenic, and slightly rainy flight up the Columbia River to Portland.  Visiting friends in Portland."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "08_kpdt_kttd.jpg"
    }
    [22]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "09_kttd_kbfi"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(35) "Leg 9 - Portland, OR to Seattle, WA"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(97) "An easy, short flight up to Seattle with great views of Mt. Rainier.  Meeting friends in Seattle."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "09_kttd_kbfi.jpg"
    }
    [23]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "10_kbfi_cyyj"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(36) "Leg 10 - Seattle, WA to Victoria, BC"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(139) "Venturing into Canada across the gorgeous San Juan Islands.  Exploring Victoria, including Butchart Gardens and Goldstream Provincial Park."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "10_kbfi_cyyj.jpg"
    }
    [24]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "11_cyyj_kbli"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(39) "Leg 11 - Victoria, BC to Bellingham, WA"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(45) "A short hop back to the USA to clear customs."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "11_cyyj_kbli.jpg"
    }
    [25]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "12_kbli_kbdn"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(35) "Leg 12 - Bellingham, WA to Bend, OR"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(157) "A long, but easy flight down to Bend. Views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood, and Mt. Adams.  Dodging a little bit of weather.  A late lunch in Bend."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "12_kbli_kbdn.jpg"
    }
    [26]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "13_kbdn_kriu"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(39) "Leg 13 - Bend, OR to Rancho Murieta, CA"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(129) "South into California with a quick loop of Crater Lake on the way.  Visiting Ryan's family and exploring some wine tasting rooms."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "13_kbdn_kriu.jpg"
    }
    [27]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "14_kriu_ksts"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(41) "Leg 14 - Rancho Murieta, CA to Sonoma, CA"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(93) "A scenic flight over the San Francisco Bay and up to Wine Country.  Visiting Sonoma wineries."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "14_kriu_ksts.jpg"
    }
    [28]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(11) "15_ksts_f70"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(35) "Leg 15 - Sonoma, CA to Murrieta, CA"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(132) "A trip down the California coast, over Big Sur, and into the SoCal area.  Visiting Ryan's cousins and a quick day trip to San Diego."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(15) "15_ksts_f70.jpg"
    }
    [29]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(11) "16_f70_kavx"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(44) "Leg 16 - Murrieta, CA to Catalina Island, CA"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(103) "A quick hop over the water to Catalina, the Airport in the Sky.  Enjoying some Bison Burgers and Tacos."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(15) "16_f70_kavx.jpg"
    }
    [30]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "17_kavx_kvgt"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(45) "Leg 17 - Catalina Island, CA to Las Vegas, NV"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(98) "A nice, sunny flight to Vegas, with great views of the city.  Meeting up with a friend for dinner."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "17_kavx_kvgt.jpg"
    }
    [31]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "18_kvgt_ksez"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(36) "Leg 18 - Las Vegas, NV to Sedona, AZ"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(122) "Leaving Las Vegas over Nellis AFB.  Venturing past Hoover Dam towards the Red Rocks of Sedona.  Exploring the Sedona area."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "18_kvgt_ksez.jpg"
    }
    [32]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "19_ksez_kcny"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(31) "Leg 19 - Sedona, AZ to Moab, UT"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(180) "An amazing flight over several national parks.  The Grand Canyon, Marble Canyon, Glen Canyon, Monument Valley, Canyonlands National Park.  Borrowing the crew car for tacos in Moab."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "19_ksez_kcny.jpg"
    }
    [33]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "20_kcny_ksaf"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(33) "Leg 20 - Moab, UT to Santa Fe, NM"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(145) "Doding some scud and misty rain, enjoying gorgeous views of Canyonlands National Park on the way to Santa Fe.  Enjoying amazing New Mexican food."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "20_kcny_ksaf.jpg"
    }
    [34]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "21_ksaf_ksep"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(41) "Leg 21 - Santa Fe, NM to Stephenville, TX"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(106) "Leaving the mountains behind and heading back to the flatlands.  Amazing BBQ lunch at Hard Eight in Texas."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "21_ksaf_ksep.jpg"
    }
    [35]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "22_ksep_kedc"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(39) "Leg 22 - Stephenville, TX to Austin, TX"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(113) "An early evening flight to Austin.  Exploring Austin, and enjoying some drinks to prepare for the long legs home."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "22_ksep_kedc.jpg"
    }
    [36]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "23_kedc_knew"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(38) "Leg 23 - Austin, TX to New Orleans, LA"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(79) "Flying to the Big Easy for lunch at Dat Dog and a quick stop in Jackson Square."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "23_kedc_knew.jpg"
    }
    [37]=>
    array(6) {
      ["id"]=>
      string(12) "24_knew_korl"
      ["type"]=>
      string(8) "pagelink"
      ["title"]=>
      string(39) "Leg 24 - New Orleans, LA to Orlando, FL"
      ["desc"]=>
      string(94) "Finally heading home!  A quiet sunset flight over the Gulf Coast and a clear night in Orlando."
      ["link"]=>
      NULL
      ["thumbnail"]=>
      string(16) "24_knew_korl.jpg"
    }
    [38]=>
    array(2) {
      ["type"]=>
      string(4) "text"
      ["text"]=>
      string(1509) "## Final thoughts
The very first stop of this trip took me further from home than I'd ever flown.  And the first real long leg (to South Dakota) felt surreal.  But after that, we got into a pretty good routine.  It's amazing just how much this trip ended up feeling like a road trip.  Flying to these places was absolutely amazing, but the surreality of it definitely wore off by the time we got to Portland or so.  I didn't stress about it nearly as much.  Of course I planned every flight carefully, but the airplane performed extremely well and gave me no real problems.  (I have one occasionally intermittent #2 CHT probe and I've learned my fuel flow sender is slow to 'wake up' while taxiing/warming up in very cold conditions, and my old King Autopilot occasionally disconnects after 2 hours or so of engagement, but that was really it)  I was most worried about the high altitude airports before this trip, but in the early Fall, the DAs weren't so high and my climb performance was just fine, even at over 7000 ft DA.  Properly leaning for takeoff was less difficult than expected.  Being flexible with itinerary, schedule, and avoiding booking ahead really removed a lot of stress, and I was able to pretty much plan the next 2-3 days by looking at the Prog Charts most days.  In the end, finding reasonably priced dog-friendly hotels was a larger challenge than the flying most of the time.  We both agree that we will do more serious trips in the airplane, probably up the East Coast next summer."
    }
  }
}
-->
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            <h1><p><strong>We're Ryan and Katherine</strong>, and we flew coast-to-coast in 2021 with our dog Magic 🐶.</p>
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            <h1>Coast-to-Coast in the Mooney M20J</h1>
<p>In September and October 2021, Katherine and I (and Magic!) flew our 1984 Mooney M20J from Orlando, FL to Victoria, BC and back again, <strong>7,105 nm</strong> of flying!</p>
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            <p>It was an amazing adventure, a wonderful way to see the country, and as a flatlander with no real previous mountain experience, it was a real learning experience operating from airports as high as 6,700 ft MSL and dealing with terrain I can't easily outclimb.  Lots of photos and details about the flights are linked below.</p>
<h2>Trip Overview Photos</h2>
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                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_001.jpg" desc="Heading West - Florida, Kentucky, Iowa, South Dakota, and Wyoming.  Exploring Deadwood."><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/overview/megatrip_001.jpg" alt="Heading West" /></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_002.jpg" desc="Heading West - Caption."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_003.jpg" desc="Heading West - Caption."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_004.jpg" desc="Heading West - Caption."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_005.jpg" desc="Heading West - Caption."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_006.jpg" desc="Heading West - Caption."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_007.jpg" desc="Heading West - Caption."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_008.jpg" desc="Heading West - Caption."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_009.jpg" desc="Heading West - Caption."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_010.jpg" desc="Heading West - Caption."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_011.jpg" desc="Heading West - Caption."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_012.jpg" desc="Heading West - Caption."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_013.jpg" desc="Heading West - Caption."></a>
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        <h3>Heading West</h3>
        <p>Florida, Kentucky, Iowa, South Dakota, and Wyoming.  Exploring Deadwood.</p>
    </article>
    <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item ptrx ptrx-megatrip2021">
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_022.jpg" desc="Crossing the Mountains - Crossing the mountains into Montana, Idaho, and Eastern Oregon.  Yellowstone, and the Grand Tetons"><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/overview/megatrip_022.jpg" alt="Crossing the Mountains" /></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_018.jpg" desc="Crossing the Mountains - Details."></a>
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                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_037.jpg" desc="Crossing the Mountains - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_038.jpg" desc="Crossing the Mountains - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_039.jpg" desc="Crossing the Mountains - Details."></a>
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        <h3>Crossing the Mountains</h3>
        <p>Crossing the mountains into Montana, Idaho, and Eastern Oregon.  Yellowstone, and the Grand Tetons</p>
    </article>
                </div>
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                <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item ptrx ptrx-megatrip2021">
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_062.jpg" desc="The Pacific Northwest - Portland, Oregon to Seattle, Washington to Victoria, British Columbia.  Quick flight around Crater Lake, Oregon."><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/overview/megatrip_062.jpg" alt="The Pacific Northwest" /></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_042.jpg" desc="The Pacific Northwest - Heading up the Columbia River towards Portland, Oregon."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_043.jpg" desc="The Pacific Northwest - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_044.jpg" desc="The Pacific Northwest - Details."></a>
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                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_055.jpg" desc="The Pacific Northwest - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_056.jpg" desc="The Pacific Northwest - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_057.jpg" desc="The Pacific Northwest - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_058.jpg" desc="The Pacific Northwest - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_059.jpg" desc="The Pacific Northwest - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_060.jpg" desc="The Pacific Northwest - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_061.jpg" desc="The Pacific Northwest - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_062.jpg" desc="The Pacific Northwest - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_063.jpg" desc="The Pacific Northwest - Details."></a>
        <h3>The Pacific Northwest</h3>
        <p>Portland, Oregon to Seattle, Washington to Victoria, British Columbia.  Quick flight around Crater Lake, Oregon.</p>
    </article>
    <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item ptrx ptrx-megatrip2021">
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_067.jpg" desc="California - Sacramento, the Bay Area, Sonoma, Big Sur, San Diego, and Catalina Island."><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/overview/megatrip_067.jpg" alt="California" /></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_064.jpg" desc="California - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_065.jpg" desc="California - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_066.jpg" desc="California - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_067.jpg" desc="California - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_068.jpg" desc="California - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_069.jpg" desc="California - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_070.jpg" desc="California - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_071.jpg" desc="California - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_072.jpg" desc="California - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_073.jpg" desc="California - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_074.jpg" desc="California - Details."></a>
        <h3>California</h3>
        <p>Sacramento, the Bay Area, Sonoma, Big Sur, San Diego, and Catalina Island.</p>
    </article>
                </div>
                            <div class="row">
                <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item ptrx ptrx-megatrip2021">
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_082.jpg" desc="The Desert Southwest - California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico.  Las Vegas, Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Moab, and Santa Fe."><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/overview/megatrip_082.jpg" alt="The Desert Southwest" /></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_075.jpg" desc="The Desert Southwest - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_076.jpg" desc="The Desert Southwest - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_077.jpg" desc="The Desert Southwest - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_078.jpg" desc="The Desert Southwest - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_079.jpg" desc="The Desert Southwest - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_080.jpg" desc="The Desert Southwest - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_081.jpg" desc="The Desert Southwest - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_082.jpg" desc="The Desert Southwest - Details."></a>
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                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_086.jpg" desc="The Desert Southwest - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_087.jpg" desc="The Desert Southwest - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_088.jpg" desc="The Desert Southwest - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_089.jpg" desc="The Desert Southwest - Details."></a>
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        <h3>The Desert Southwest</h3>
        <p>California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico.  Las Vegas, Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Moab, and Santa Fe.</p>
    </article>
    <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item ptrx ptrx-megatrip2021">
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_095.jpg" desc="The Long Flight Home - Long legs to Austin, Texas and New Orleans, Louisiana, and finally back home."><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/overview/megatrip_095.jpg" alt="The Long Flight Home" /></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_091.jpg" desc="The Long Flight Home - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_092.jpg" desc="The Long Flight Home - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_093.jpg" desc="The Long Flight Home - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_094.jpg" desc="The Long Flight Home - Details."></a>
                <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/megatrip_095.jpg" desc="The Long Flight Home - Details."></a>
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        <h3>The Long Flight Home</h3>
        <p>Long legs to Austin, Texas and New Orleans, Louisiana, and finally back home.</p>
    </article>
                </div>
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        <article class="12u 12u$(xsmall) work-item markdown">
            <h2>About Us</h2>
<p>We are Ryan, Katherine, and Magic!</p>
        </article>
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                <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item ptrx">
                    <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/about_us_01.jpg" desc="About Us"><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/overview/about_us_01.jpg" alt="About Us" /></a>
                </article>
                <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item ptrx">
                    <a class="image fit thumb" href="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/overview/about_us_02.jpg" desc="About Us"><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/overview/about_us_02.jpg" alt="About Us" /></a>
                </article>
            </div>
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    <div class="row">
        <article class="12u 12u$(xsmall) work-item markdown">
            <p>I've dreamed of doing a massive cross-country adventure since before my first solo in 2006.  I got my PPL in 2007 and mostly did $100 VFR hamburger runs for around 10 years, never venturing further than about 250nm from home.  I joined a flying club in late 2016, met a lot of other pilots, got encouragement, and quickly earned my instrument rating in 2017.  From there I decided to keep going, getting my commercial in late 2019, CFI-A in early 2020, and CFI-I in late 2020.  I now instruct part-time in my flying club for my own enjoyment and love of teaching.  During my time in the club flying with other pilots, I started gradually reaching a bit further out on cross country flights, going as far as Gulf Shores, AL (around 400nm) and the Bahamas.  In early 2021, I finally realized my dream of airplane ownership when I bought my 1984 Mooney M20J.  It's been a great experience (although expensive, as expected), and I started going even further (easier in a Mooney with the faster cruise speed), places like Atlanta, Charleston, and Asheville, NC.  Prior to this trip, my longest ever XC was to Asheville, only around 420nm.</p>
<p>Before the trip, I did a Zoom-call Mountain Flying introduction course with a r/flying member (thanks /u/The_Loveboat !).  I also researched some of the more challenging aspects of the route, particularly around crossing into Yellowstone at Sylvan Pass, the area around Jackson Hole, WY, and the Grand Canyon Area.</p>
<p>With me on the trip were my wife, Katherine, and our dog, Magic.  We set out from Orlando, FL on September 15th with the idea that the trip would take around a month to complete, plus or minus.  We had only vaguely planned the first few stops and planned to be as flexible as possible, staying with family where possible, and booking hotels last minute, etc.  In the end, the trip took just over a month (a month and 2 days), and we were able to stay mostly 'on schedule'.  Fortunately, I never had to divert from the airport I planned to reach when I took off, however we did have to change the plan somewhat in the Pacific NW due to weather.</p>
<p>Before departing, the plan was to get to Seattle and back, with getting into Canada being a possible bonus.  (Contingent on all the COVID/customs paperwork BS working out)  We knew we wanted to visit family in KY and CA, as well as definitely stop in Deadwood, Yellowstone, see the Seattle-area volcanoes, Crater Lake, Sonoma, do a mini Bay Tour, Catalina, Las Vegas, Sedona, and then somehow work our way home.  Anything else was basically a bonus and we did very little pre-planning beyond that.  Every few days we did a little long-range planning by looking at the prog charts, etc., mainly to decide how many days to plan on being in each region.</p>
<p>Most of the flights were VFR for sightseeing reasons (as well as me not having a turbo, FIKI, or oxygen so not really able to do mountainous area MEAs), with VFR flight plans filed with 1800wxbrief.com and linked to my Garmin inReach PLB.  (In addition to tying your VFR flight plan to your PLB, the EasyOpen/EasyClose service is awesome and the site has really improved, I find it much better to use now than ForeFlight for VFR flight plans)</p>
<h2>The Airplane</h2>
<p>This is N374SM, our 1984 Mooney M20J.</p>
        </article>
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        <section>
			<a href="#" class="image fit" onClick="window.scrollTo({ top: 0, left: 0, behavior: 'smooth' });"><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/headers/N374SM.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        </section>
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        <article class="12u 12u$(xsmall) work-item markdown">
            <ul>
<li>1984 Mooney M20J 201</li>
<li>Typical Cruise: 160-165 KTAS @ 12 gph</li>
<li>Fuel: 64 gal usable</li>
<li>Equipment: Garmin GNS480 WAAS GPS (oddball unit, but capable), Aspen E5 PFD, King KAP-150 autopilot coupled to Aspen w/ GPSS, Insight G3 Engine Monitor w/ Fuel Totalizer</li>
</ul>
<h2>Trip Stats</h2>
<ul>
<li>Total Distance: <strong>7,105 nm</strong>
</li>
<li>Direct Distance: <strong>6,198 nm</strong>
</li>
<li>Hours Logged: <strong>57.5</strong> (2.5 Night, 1.9 IMC)</li>
<li>Total Days: 32</li>
<li>Flying Days: 16</li>
<li>Legs: 24 (14 VFR, 10 IFR)</li>
<li>Longest Leg: Orlando, FL (KORL) to Bardstown, KY (KBRY) - 593nm direct (654nm actual)</li>
<li>Longest Day: Bardstown, KY (KBRY) to Ames, IA (KAMW) to Spearfish/Deadwood, SD (KSPF) - 921nm direct (980nm actual) - 7.8 hours logged</li>
<li>Shortest Leg: Victoria, BC (CYYJ) to Bellingham, WA (KBLI) - 36nm direct (45nm actual) - 0.8 hours logged</li>
<li>Approaches Flown: 2 (KBRY, KPDT - popup IFR)</li>
<li>Fuel Purchased: <strong>554.6 gal</strong> - $2,999.97 ($5.41/gal avg)</li>
<li>FBO Services / Overnights / Fees - $236.99</li>
<li>Supplies Purchased - $12.70 (2 qts oil)</li>
<li>Oil Quarts Used: 7</li>
</ul>
<h2>Trip Legs</h2>
        </article>
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        <a href="/flying/megatrip/01_korl_kbry" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 1 - Orlando, FL to Bardstown, KY" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/01_korl_kbry.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 1 - Orlando, FL to Bardstown, KY</h3>
        <p>Starting out on our big adventure.  Dodging thunderstorms, rain, and a rainy evening approach.  Visiting Katherine's family and the home of Kentucky Bourbon.</p>
    </article>
    <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/02_kbry_kamw" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 2 - Bardstown, KY to Ames, IA" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/02_kbry_kamw.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 2 - Bardstown, KY to Ames, IA</h3>
        <p>Heading west.  Stopping in small town Iowa for some delicious BBQ.</p>
    </article>
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                <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/03_kamw_kspf" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 3 - Ames, IA to Deadwood, SD" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/03_kamw_kspf.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 3 - Ames, IA to Deadwood, SD</h3>
        <p>A scenic flight over the Badlands and Mt. Rushmore.  Spending a week in Deadoowd.</p>
    </article>
    <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/04_kspf_kcod" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 4 - Deadwood, SD to Cody, WY" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/04_kspf_kcod.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 4 - Deadwood, SD to Cody, WY</h3>
        <p>Getting closer to the real mountains.  Exploring Cody while we wait for good weather for Sylvan Pass.</p>
    </article>
                </div>
                            <div class="row">
                <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/05_kcod_kwys" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 5 - Cody, WY to West Yellowstone, MT" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/05_kcod_kwys.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 5 - Cody, WY to West Yellowstone, MT</h3>
        <p>An epic scenic flight through Sylvan Pass into Yellowstone, and a flyby of the Grand Tetons.  Visiting Yellowstone.</p>
    </article>
    <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/06_kwys_ktwf" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 6 - West Yellowstone, MT to Twin Falls, ID" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/06_kwys_ktwf.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 6 - West Yellowstone, MT to Twin Falls, ID</h3>
        <p>Past the Continental Divide, heading towards lower terrain and lunch in Idaho.</p>
    </article>
                </div>
                            <div class="row">
                <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/07_ktwf_kpdt" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 7 - Twin Falls, ID to Pendleton, OR" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/07_ktwf_kpdt.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 7 - Twin Falls, ID to Pendleton, OR</h3>
        <p>Deteriorating weather and a challening approach over the mountains into Oregon.  Exploring the rodeo town of Pendleton.</p>
    </article>
    <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/08_kpdt_kttd" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 8 - Pendleton, OR to Portland, OR" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/08_kpdt_kttd.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 8 - Pendleton, OR to Portland, OR</h3>
        <p>A short, scenic, and slightly rainy flight up the Columbia River to Portland.  Visiting friends in Portland.</p>
    </article>
                </div>
                            <div class="row">
                <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/09_kttd_kbfi" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 9 - Portland, OR to Seattle, WA" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/09_kttd_kbfi.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 9 - Portland, OR to Seattle, WA</h3>
        <p>An easy, short flight up to Seattle with great views of Mt. Rainier.  Meeting friends in Seattle.</p>
    </article>
    <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/10_kbfi_cyyj" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 10 - Seattle, WA to Victoria, BC" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/10_kbfi_cyyj.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 10 - Seattle, WA to Victoria, BC</h3>
        <p>Venturing into Canada across the gorgeous San Juan Islands.  Exploring Victoria, including Butchart Gardens and Goldstream Provincial Park.</p>
    </article>
                </div>
                            <div class="row">
                <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/11_cyyj_kbli" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 11 - Victoria, BC to Bellingham, WA" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/11_cyyj_kbli.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 11 - Victoria, BC to Bellingham, WA</h3>
        <p>A short hop back to the USA to clear customs.</p>
    </article>
    <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/12_kbli_kbdn" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 12 - Bellingham, WA to Bend, OR" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/12_kbli_kbdn.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 12 - Bellingham, WA to Bend, OR</h3>
        <p>A long, but easy flight down to Bend. Views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood, and Mt. Adams.  Dodging a little bit of weather.  A late lunch in Bend.</p>
    </article>
                </div>
                            <div class="row">
                <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/13_kbdn_kriu" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 13 - Bend, OR to Rancho Murieta, CA" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/13_kbdn_kriu.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 13 - Bend, OR to Rancho Murieta, CA</h3>
        <p>South into California with a quick loop of Crater Lake on the way.  Visiting Ryan's family and exploring some wine tasting rooms.</p>
    </article>
    <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/14_kriu_ksts" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 14 - Rancho Murieta, CA to Sonoma, CA" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/14_kriu_ksts.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 14 - Rancho Murieta, CA to Sonoma, CA</h3>
        <p>A scenic flight over the San Francisco Bay and up to Wine Country.  Visiting Sonoma wineries.</p>
    </article>
                </div>
                            <div class="row">
                <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/15_ksts_f70" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 15 - Sonoma, CA to Murrieta, CA" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/15_ksts_f70.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 15 - Sonoma, CA to Murrieta, CA</h3>
        <p>A trip down the California coast, over Big Sur, and into the SoCal area.  Visiting Ryan's cousins and a quick day trip to San Diego.</p>
    </article>
    <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/16_f70_kavx" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 16 - Murrieta, CA to Catalina Island, CA" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/16_f70_kavx.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 16 - Murrieta, CA to Catalina Island, CA</h3>
        <p>A quick hop over the water to Catalina, the Airport in the Sky.  Enjoying some Bison Burgers and Tacos.</p>
    </article>
                </div>
                            <div class="row">
                <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/17_kavx_kvgt" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 17 - Catalina Island, CA to Las Vegas, NV" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/17_kavx_kvgt.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 17 - Catalina Island, CA to Las Vegas, NV</h3>
        <p>A nice, sunny flight to Vegas, with great views of the city.  Meeting up with a friend for dinner.</p>
    </article>
    <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/18_kvgt_ksez" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 18 - Las Vegas, NV to Sedona, AZ" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/18_kvgt_ksez.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 18 - Las Vegas, NV to Sedona, AZ</h3>
        <p>Leaving Las Vegas over Nellis AFB.  Venturing past Hoover Dam towards the Red Rocks of Sedona.  Exploring the Sedona area.</p>
    </article>
                </div>
                            <div class="row">
                <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/19_ksez_kcny" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 19 - Sedona, AZ to Moab, UT" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/19_ksez_kcny.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 19 - Sedona, AZ to Moab, UT</h3>
        <p>An amazing flight over several national parks.  The Grand Canyon, Marble Canyon, Glen Canyon, Monument Valley, Canyonlands National Park.  Borrowing the crew car for tacos in Moab.</p>
    </article>
    <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/20_kcny_ksaf" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 20 - Moab, UT to Santa Fe, NM" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/20_kcny_ksaf.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 20 - Moab, UT to Santa Fe, NM</h3>
        <p>Doding some scud and misty rain, enjoying gorgeous views of Canyonlands National Park on the way to Santa Fe.  Enjoying amazing New Mexican food.</p>
    </article>
                </div>
                            <div class="row">
                <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/21_ksaf_ksep" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 21 - Santa Fe, NM to Stephenville, TX" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/21_ksaf_ksep.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 21 - Santa Fe, NM to Stephenville, TX</h3>
        <p>Leaving the mountains behind and heading back to the flatlands.  Amazing BBQ lunch at Hard Eight in Texas.</p>
    </article>
    <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/22_ksep_kedc" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 22 - Stephenville, TX to Austin, TX" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/22_ksep_kedc.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 22 - Stephenville, TX to Austin, TX</h3>
        <p>An early evening flight to Austin.  Exploring Austin, and enjoying some drinks to prepare for the long legs home.</p>
    </article>
                </div>
                            <div class="row">
                <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/23_kedc_knew" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 23 - Austin, TX to New Orleans, LA" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/23_kedc_knew.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 23 - Austin, TX to New Orleans, LA</h3>
        <p>Flying to the Big Easy for lunch at Dat Dog and a quick stop in Jackson Square.</p>
    </article>
    <article class="6u 12u$(xsmall) work-item">
        <a href="/flying/megatrip/24_knew_korl" class="image fit thumb" desc="Leg 24 - New Orleans, LA to Orlando, FL" ><img src="/assets/production/pagedata/flying/megatrip/images/thumbs/24_knew_korl.jpg" alt="" /></a>
        <h3>Leg 24 - New Orleans, LA to Orlando, FL</h3>
        <p>Finally heading home!  A quiet sunset flight over the Gulf Coast and a clear night in Orlando.</p>
    </article>
                </div>
                <div class="row">
        <article class="12u 12u$(xsmall) work-item markdown">
            <h2>Final thoughts</h2>
<p>The very first stop of this trip took me further from home than I'd ever flown.  And the first real long leg (to South Dakota) felt surreal.  But after that, we got into a pretty good routine.  It's amazing just how much this trip ended up feeling like a road trip.  Flying to these places was absolutely amazing, but the surreality of it definitely wore off by the time we got to Portland or so.  I didn't stress about it nearly as much.  Of course I planned every flight carefully, but the airplane performed extremely well and gave me no real problems.  (I have one occasionally intermittent #2 CHT probe and I've learned my fuel flow sender is slow to 'wake up' while taxiing/warming up in very cold conditions, and my old King Autopilot occasionally disconnects after 2 hours or so of engagement, but that was really it)  I was most worried about the high altitude airports before this trip, but in the early Fall, the DAs weren't so high and my climb performance was just fine, even at over 7000 ft DA.  Properly leaning for takeoff was less difficult than expected.  Being flexible with itinerary, schedule, and avoiding booking ahead really removed a lot of stress, and I was able to pretty much plan the next 2-3 days by looking at the Prog Charts most days.  In the end, finding reasonably priced dog-friendly hotels was a larger challenge than the flying most of the time.  We both agree that we will do more serious trips in the airplane, probably up the East Coast next summer.</p>
        </article>
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