October 16, 2011

Day 24...Flying, literally

This morning's pre-ride warm-up was a 30 minute flight, care of our new friend Allen Ross, in his Cessna 172 single engine, 4 passenger plane. We flew 1,000 feet over Kosciusko, MS on a beautiful morning, not a cloud in the sky.  Jim and I, the "little people", sat in the back and Kevin sat with Allen in the front.

The Gang, airborne 


We flew over Oprah Winfrey's church! Allen showed us the house he grew up in and we even saw an aerial view of the Mexican restaurant we ate at last night.  Too funny!

Oprah's Church + Runway
Allen (our pilot) and I


After the flight we said our goodbyes and hit the road. Back on The Natchez Trace Parkway, headed southwest. Another gorgeous day. But, dare I complain (as I know it's going to rain tomorrow), it was a wee bit too hot and VERY sunny.

Leaving Kosciusko, MI


My biking tan lines are getting darker each day, despite the use of high spf sunscreen...even have tan lines on my hands from my fingerless gloves (what?!). I can only imagine what they will look like by the time we get through TX, NM and AZ. I have a feeling they will be a statement at my dear friend's Steph's wedding which is at the beginning of December, in England. Ha! Sorry Steph! I definitely need to ask my sister, Hilary, if she can find me a dress that will cover all the obvious spots!

Ross Barnett Reservoir, Natchez Trace


Jim met us about 60 miles into the ride right where the parkway meets the Ross Barnett Reservoir. We enjoyed a rolling (and hot) ride back to the RV, another 19 miles, to Clinton, MS. Tomorrow it's back on the Natchez Trace!
Today's total: 79 miles.
Grand total to date: 1,666 miles!