What an incredible time we had at Spruce Creek! It was just such a treat to spend so much time with so many aviation-minded people who appreciated the RV-1....and it didn't hurt that Van got the chance to fly it for the first time in 48 years either. four years ago, when the damaged RV-1 was shown to me, I thought "we need to re-connect this to Van!"
Well, this past week, that though finally came true.
I want to thank everyone from Spruce Creek that made the weekend so special, and for giving Van a great place to try out his "new/old " airplane one more time. Louise and I enjoyed the hospitality, and everything was first rate. When we passsed the pilot helmet at the end of the night for RV-1 tour fuel donations, it raised almost $500...if we can do that across the tour, we might just make it to Oshkosh.
We really hated to leave, but man, those folks in Florida are good - they somehow arranged a perfect VFR day for us the whole way back to Houston - with light winds even.
We might just have to go back and visit the Downwind Café the next time we find ourselves in Florida - it's almost good enough to make a special trip.
Paul