Continuing my IFR training, logged my first 0.5h of actual IMC. I quite enjoyed the experience until we saw a lightning flash a couple or three miles out. Immediately requested lower and were able to get down enough to get to the bases. I need 14.8 more hours of simulated or actual IMC and a flight test for my rating, aiming to be done in 4 weeks before departing for the east coast.
I've been training in the Edmonton, AB airspace for the past week. Busy environment makes it a lot more effective learning experience. This last flight was my required 100 NM flight with 2 approaches, it was more like 260 NM and I did an ILS and a VOR with a procedure turn.
It's been a week for gusty crosswind landings, set a new personal record (not that I'm tracking it, it wasn't even close) on Tuesday with a 27 knot direct crosswind. Spent a seemingly long time on one wheel on that one. Great challenge and it turned out well, but I'll avoid those every chance I can.
The picture is my phone peeking out at downtown Edmonton during my flight on Friday. Lots of smoke in the area.