It was beautiful on the pond yesterday--the geese and swans quietly drifting about, and the sunlight dancing on the nearly still water was almost mesmerizing. The old oak trees kept watch over the fishermen, and the presence of Ned was there, keeping watch over everything. It was a painting, worthy of a museum, but even Monet could not have rendered it with any justice.
Following a short preflight, and some dialogue of the ensuing flight, we (Terry & I), cast off, and drifted from the shoreline. Mixture rich, flaps set, water rudders down, and with a twist of the mag key, the engine sputtered to life. The nearby waterfowl didn't flinch, as the floatplane moved forward across the liquid runway. It was almost as though an old friend had come to revisit them, and the unity was perfect. Following an engine run-up, and some observations of the surroundings, full power was applied, and the aircraft gently transitioned from the water to its second residence in the sky.
The next few hours were spent splashing and soaring, flying and sailing, and Ned's vision had been made perfectly clear once again--I understood exactly why he wanted to do this.
I left the airport that afternoon with a freshly minted seaplane rating, and a real sense that Ned was watching over us--smiling with approval, and giddy that his life's dream had not been abandoned. I'd like to thank Ray & Terry, Mike, the folks at Bigfoot Aviation, (the new operators of Norcal); all the friends and family who continue to support the cause, and especially Vicky, (the most devoted Wife and partner I've ever known). But more than anything, I want to thank Ned, for being the inspiration behind all this, and the best friend a guy could ever have--this was for you Bago. Logan.
