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06-21-2009, 09:10 PM
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VAF Moderator / Line Boy
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Dayton, NV
Posts: 12,256
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Surreality?..
Dawn Patrol. First light is past, as is the sunrise. The sky above is clear and blue, yet there is no direct sun. A line of cumulous to the east, out beyond the coast, is guarding us from the early morning rays that promise another scorching summer day. The air is calm and seemingly almost cool in the shadow of those clouds, and the lure of flight is too much to resist. I glance at the clock - I have the time! As I strap on the Valkyrie, my hands flow through the familiar pattern that brings her to life, and in a wink of an eye we are climbing through the dead calm of morning. Not so much as a ripple disrupts my flight path ? the airplane is connected to my eyes through my fingertips as we head out to the practice area.
I look to the east and see a magnificent sight ? rays of sunlight beaming out from behind a distant line of clouds, towering upward and shading miles and miles of earth. The sunlight leakied around the edges of the vapor white hot, searing to the eye. I look to the west and see more early clouds, off in the distance, their tops glowing bright white as they top the shade from their eastern cousins. I fly along in the cool, shaded air, and realize that I am not really on the flat gulf coast ? it is as if I was in the mountains far to the west, the land below me a fifty mile basin, the clouds rimming us like mountain ranges thousands of feet high, beckoning in the distance. The sun was breaking over the eastern range, looking for all the world like it was in eclipse, the coronal fingers sneaking around the edges of the towers, glowing and flashing as I flew through the cracks in the sky ? like jumping across glowing tendrils of lava in a volcanic field.
The sunlight became less scattered as I climbed out of my little basin, but up ahead, a small patch of cumulous offered shade for a little while longer. I ducked behind them as I reached a safe aerobatic altitude, the shade providing a nice little box in which to get my morning exercise. I let the Val have her head as we rolled and looped in the shadows, playing hide and seek with an ever-growing sun. The game could only last for a few minutes as the day grew bold, but that short time was enough to invigorate the soul and prepare myself for the work to come. I looked at my watch ? I was due back. The schedule beckoned, so I released the G?s that held us in our hiding spot, rolling as I dove out into the sun, heading for home and a soft touchdown.
It?s 0700?time for breakfast.
Paul
__________________
Paul F. Dye
Editor at Large - KITPLANES Magazine
RV-8 - N188PD - "Valkyrie"
RV-6 (By Marriage) - N164MS - "Mikey"
RV-3B - N13PL - "Tsamsiyu"
A&P, EAA Tech Counselor/Flight Advisor
Dayton Valley Airpark (A34)
http://Ironflight.com
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06-21-2009, 09:57 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: San Diego
Posts: 70
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Surreality..
Just what was needed....its been sucky weather here for weeks..this week is shaping up better. Time to do a few dawn patrol flights..
Thanks Paul!
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06-22-2009, 04:39 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Defiance, MO
Posts: 1,674
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ironflight
The game could only last for a few minutes as the day grew bold, but that short time was enough to invigorate the soul and prepare myself for the work to come.
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I am a frequent flier in the surreality of sunrise. I wonder why more do not get up early to experience the freedom and beauty of an early dawn flight. But then again, the quietness of the radio and emptiness of the traffic pattern add to the surreality.
__________________
Philip
RV-6A - 14+ years, 950+ hours
Based at 1H0 (Creve Coeur)
Paid dues yearly since 2007
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06-22-2009, 08:58 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Utah
Posts: 8,151
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Paul,
Have you ever thought to compile all your narratives into a book, say "short essays by Paul"? "Surreality" is the perfect title. I am first to buy autographed copy.
I always enjoy reading your writings.
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06-22-2009, 09:58 AM
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VAF Moderator / Line Boy
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Dayton, NV
Posts: 12,256
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vladyspassky
"Surreality" is the perfect title...
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Title? MS Spell Checker says it isn't even a word!!
Besides, I already have a better title.... 
__________________
Paul F. Dye
Editor at Large - KITPLANES Magazine
RV-8 - N188PD - "Valkyrie"
RV-6 (By Marriage) - N164MS - "Mikey"
RV-3B - N13PL - "Tsamsiyu"
A&P, EAA Tech Counselor/Flight Advisor
Dayton Valley Airpark (A34)
http://Ironflight.com
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06-22-2009, 10:23 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Utah
Posts: 8,151
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ironflight
T
.....
Besides, I already have a better title.... 
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You ARE writing a book.  investigative minds want to know ISBN.
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06-22-2009, 12:41 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 207
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Surreality: Book title?
Maybe it is time for a John Grisham wannabe to talk about the joys of the "RV lifestyle". Grisham took the idealistic attorney motif and turned it into a seris of books, only slightly autobiographical. Actually, the author that may be more apt is George Sheehan. Sheehan became the poet/philosoper that described the merits of long distance running. George was a physician that realized that running restored the soul, gave meaning to his life and captured the friendships/relationships similar to RV flying.
If you write it, I will read it.
S S Anderson
Lafayette La.
Finished and in Phase I
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06-23-2009, 05:02 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Defiance, MO
Posts: 1,674
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Is it in Book Stores yet?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve A
Maybe it is time for a John Grisham wannabe to talk about the joys of the "RV lifestyle". Grisham took the idealistic attorney motif and turned it into a seris of books, only slightly autobiographical. Actually, the author that may be more apt is George Sheehan. Sheehan became the poet/philosoper that described the merits of long distance running. George was a physician that realized that running restored the soul, gave meaning to his life and captured the friendships/relationships similar to RV flying.
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I would say more like a Richard Bach. He is an airplane person (Airforce, worked for Douglas, wrote for Flying magazine) writing about the philosophy of flight and life and his experience with both. I am thinking of his book called "Gift of Wings" which is a collection of short stories about barnstorming around the country in his airplanes.
I would not want to make comparisons until I read Paul's book (where do I send my deposit?)
__________________
Philip
RV-6A - 14+ years, 950+ hours
Based at 1H0 (Creve Coeur)
Paid dues yearly since 2007
Last edited by plehrke : 06-23-2009 at 05:39 AM.
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