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Chasing Santa

Vlad

Well Known Member
All my relatives and family are far away. Their Christmas is coming up in two weeks. Why? Because Santa Claus is stuck at Russian Customs and Border and they issue him a new passport every year. With his name translated as Grandfather Frost.

On this December 25th I woke up late and couldn't believe I don't have to go to work. Last 7 years on my previous and now defunct workplace I was always sheduled to work on Xmas Day. Good pay, employer's sponsored lunch and technically, not much to do, were the incentives. First thing I checked was the weather and, believe it or not, the official brief had an interesting info.





Newark airport was the closest with Santa in the vicinity. In about an hour I was at my hangar preheating. Watching weather closely and hoping to catch Santa before he lands. Like I caught the Space Shuttle two years ago. As you see I've already had an experience.






Turned on "invisible mode" and took off.






I know my airspace as the back of my palm. I looked here






then here in Brooklyn









no sleigh over VZ







and clear over Bensonhurst.







Staten Island Ferry carried nobody in red suit either.



 
Not finding promised in weather report I made a quick 1,620 degree turn. Swarm of touristy helicopters were staying vigilant above me and one smart even said they have an RV in sight. How do they know? I always call myself a "fixed wing" in their territory.





Long story short I left southbound. Weather report now has an intel about Santa in Virginia. That's just around the corner.





Passed the casinos and Bader Field










Passed iGate Factory







Dodged AA battery near some R-xxx...






and arrived at Santa's airport. A controlling authority questioned me several times on intentions before granting a clearance to land. Here I am on the ground and I already see Santa.


 
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He is right there by the control tower.





I am not sure why the picture of Santa I took was pitch white. I am such a great picture taker this is the only time I screwed up. Dear Santa I am sorry. Santa drove me in his sleigh to the house of his relatives. We had a great dinner and talked a lot of aviating. Didn't scratch a surface...

Then Santa took this pictures of me. Good stocking I got huh?





Lots of edibles and other good things. A doohickey direct KGB-CIA via NSA love the cute thingy already put to work. Also some other higher security and spy things. And of course a Vans Calendar with Santa sleigh at the very last page :D

Heavy transport back home to NJ.






Day is almost over and all reindeer were loose. Some were here in Princeton.







Geese don't like me it's reciprocal.






That was a short Chrismas Day and it was great. 4+ hours of chasing Santa logged and enjoyed every minute of it.
Keep pounding those rivets...



 
Ah Vlad, you finally screwed up. We can see the image of who is certainly not Santa in the reflection on your plane taking your picture.
Glad you're fun.
 
Hey, that is one cool handle you have there! Don't the other reindeer freak out seeing their cousin's antler in your rig!
 
Ron, I'm guessing the reflection in RV is like a funhouse mirror - makes Santa look tall and thin. Vlad would never tell a tall tale. ;)
 
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Vlad

Silly Russian, imaginative, entertaining, elusive, and an excellent storyteller.
( I'll bet he's related to Tolstoy):D
 
Hey no fair flying on Dec 25. I've been wanting to do that for years but kids and grandkids insist on seeing "papa", even on iPad. :)

Well, I'll be flying on Russian Christmas (Jan 7 this year) if I get my condition inspection done.

Good story buddy, as always. Stay safe.
 
My five year-old said you need to fly to the North Poll to find Santa. He thought you should know.

He also said you need to build a bigger hangar if you are going to keep the whale bones.
 
He is right there by the control tower.

Lots of edibles and other good things. A doohickey direct KGB-CIA via NSA love the cute thingy already put to work. Also some other higher security and spy things. And of course a Vans Calendar with Santa sleigh at the very last page :D

Heavy transport back home to NJ.

Hey Vlad......i am sure it was heavy......thats how COAL is!!!! :D
 
Cant fool me.....i know what was in the stocking!

He is right there by the control tower.
Lots of edibles and other good things. A doohickey direct KGB-CIA via NSA love the cute thingy already put to work. Also some other higher security and spy things. And of course a Vans Calendar with Santa sleigh at the very last page :D

Heavy transport back home to .

Cant fool me Vlad......stocking full of coal....very heavy:D:D
 
Vlad,

Great story!

Emma is jealous and says hello!

:). CJ

My best regards to aspiring actress! I plan to be in your woods on Sunday around noon. If I can get out of Cape May of course. BTW do you see what's going on here and here ? Soon ice will be thick enough to support an RV :)
 
Good!

We have people awaiting your arrival!

Let us hope for good weather.

Wintah is what is going on theyah!

Soon brutha... Soon!

:D. CJ
 
Another!

Thanks Vlad for another great trip write-up! I enjoy the blend of words and pictures. Glad you had a Merry Christmas, and have a Happy New Year. When you come through Southeast Texas you know there are many friends waiting to host you!

Carl
 
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