Two Parts

Where Are We Today

"The Ridge"

"Part I"

Each year at the end of our winter travels, I like to post/record mileage and fuel statistics for the truck. The data is taken from the trucks dash computer and is an average from the time we left "The Ridge" to the time we returned whether it was pulling the trailer or not.

We departed from "The Ridge" Oct. 28th, 2019, with our return on Mar. 20, 2020. During that time, we travelled

13,926.4 km./8653.4 mi.

we used

3125.3 l/825.6 U.S. gal. of fuel

for an average of

22.4 l/100 k / 10.5 mpg

We are still driving the same truck, 2015 Ford F 350, 6.7 Diesel, crew cab, 8 ft. box and dual wheels.

Mother Goose taking a nap

Part II

 When I finished "Part I" of this post, I realized it was a very short read, and although some may like that, I wanted more substance for a post. So I decided to make it a "Part I and Part II" read.

Part II is about a new model airplane  build, which many will know is all part of  my hobby of building and flying RC aircraft. Usually you build in the winter so you can fly in the summer, but for me, we are not here in the winter and there is nowhere to build in our 5th wheel when we are in the southwest.

Scratch or kit building is becoming a thing of the past, as ARF ( Almost Ready to Fly ) kits are so easily available and quick to put together. From the beginning of my time in this hobby, I have built from kits, with the exception of a couple of ARF Kits, and enjoy the process very much.

Building the stab

The plane I am building, I have had before, a World War 2 fighter, F4U Corsair. I must admit that the first one was built for me by a club member who couldn't fly anymore, but loved to build.

Now, I haven't built in a few years, so I am slowly getting back into it.  I consider myself a good builder, my planes come out true and fly well with very or no trim needed on maiden flights.

Building the elevators

Recollecting how when I first started to build, I would  spend hours at night, trying to get as much done in an evening as possible. From time to time that would lead to mistakes, mostly from not reading instructions carefully and forging ahead without completely understanding  what I was supposed to do. It is better to read each step a couple of times and remember that old saying, "measure twice and cut once".

The fin

With the current health issues, businesses being closed, not being able to work at CanAm and physical distancing, I thought this would be a good time to start this. I am in no hurry. This kit was given to me by a neighbor, Wayne, who had a heart of gold and bought the kit to build and hang in his home. Before he had a chance to start it, his eye sight went and he couldn't see well enough to build it. He knew I was in the hobby and offered it to me many years ago, and I have had it tucked away for far too long.

As building continues, I will post my progress for you to see and follow along. Thanks for dropping in, until the next time take care, practice social distancing, stay healthy and safe. The sooner we all do this, the sooner it will be over. 

Mr. Robin