Louise Hose
Well Known Member
Our first year of marriage rushed past us so fast that we didn?t even think about anniversary plans until two weeks ago. Burned out by an extremely hectic summer, we chose to stay relatively close to home and reserved a room at the Hanger Hotel at the Gillespie County (T82), Texas, airport. Which plane to take? Mikey (my RV-6) won the coin toss. We leisurely departed our home at Polly Ranch about 11 am on Saturday.
Right turnout from Polly Ranch Airpark
One reason we chose Mikey (over the RV-8) was a new feature in his baggage areas?..an RV Coolbox. (See my product review at: http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=47715.) With temperatures in the 90s (F) and the first 20 minutes under the Class B airspace, air conditioning seemed the way to go. In addition to keeping the cabin air temperature comfortable, the Coolbox would keep our snacks and drinks cool, too.
Paul took the first leg as we flew to Fredericksburg.
Paul and Bear at the controls
Sneaking through a corridor under severe clear conditions
Visibility dropped as we approached the Texas "Hill Country"
Seeing an opportunity to log an IFR approach, Paul donned the foggles for the descent.
The Hanger Hotel is an upscale but relaxed hotel done with a 1940s, WWII theme. We checked in, grabbed a couple of sodas and snacks, and relaxed teak chairs on the porch-balcony overlooking the ramp for awhile.
Hanger Hotel lobby
Soon, I convinced Paul to act as my safety pilot and we went up for some more practice approaches. The air conditioning needed a recharge but it made the low approach-and-pattern work pleasant.
Louise working on IFR currency
The Hanger Hotel is very comfortable but a bit sketchy on modern amenities. Discovering that the room lacked a fridge, we brought the Coolbox into the room as an ice chest.
Now's its an ice chest!
In the late afternoon, we took a cab (for $3 each) into town to cruise the main street of Fredericksburg. It was a classic tourist strip with the same sort of shops you would find in Gatlinburg or Balboa Island or Estes Park. It didn?t take long to get our fill and head into one of the German-style restaurants, Altdorf. The meal made up for the rather pedestrian shops.
Dinner in town at Altdorf
We returned to the hotel for a pleasant evening on the balcony overlooking the ramp?.chatting with other pilots, sipping on some wine, and playing chess.
Playing an evening game of chess. Can you think of a more romantic way to spend an anniversary?
Right turnout from Polly Ranch Airpark
One reason we chose Mikey (over the RV-8) was a new feature in his baggage areas?..an RV Coolbox. (See my product review at: http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=47715.) With temperatures in the 90s (F) and the first 20 minutes under the Class B airspace, air conditioning seemed the way to go. In addition to keeping the cabin air temperature comfortable, the Coolbox would keep our snacks and drinks cool, too.
Paul took the first leg as we flew to Fredericksburg.
Paul and Bear at the controls
Sneaking through a corridor under severe clear conditions
Visibility dropped as we approached the Texas "Hill Country"
Seeing an opportunity to log an IFR approach, Paul donned the foggles for the descent.
The Hanger Hotel is an upscale but relaxed hotel done with a 1940s, WWII theme. We checked in, grabbed a couple of sodas and snacks, and relaxed teak chairs on the porch-balcony overlooking the ramp for awhile.
Hanger Hotel lobby
Soon, I convinced Paul to act as my safety pilot and we went up for some more practice approaches. The air conditioning needed a recharge but it made the low approach-and-pattern work pleasant.
Louise working on IFR currency
The Hanger Hotel is very comfortable but a bit sketchy on modern amenities. Discovering that the room lacked a fridge, we brought the Coolbox into the room as an ice chest.
Now's its an ice chest!
In the late afternoon, we took a cab (for $3 each) into town to cruise the main street of Fredericksburg. It was a classic tourist strip with the same sort of shops you would find in Gatlinburg or Balboa Island or Estes Park. It didn?t take long to get our fill and head into one of the German-style restaurants, Altdorf. The meal made up for the rather pedestrian shops.
Dinner in town at Altdorf
We returned to the hotel for a pleasant evening on the balcony overlooking the ramp?.chatting with other pilots, sipping on some wine, and playing chess.
Playing an evening game of chess. Can you think of a more romantic way to spend an anniversary?
