Finally got a little air yesterday.

[Gary Ward]

Like a lot of us in the midwest, we have been under plenty of ice and snow with frigid weather in the last month.
I've haven't flown since Jan 7th 2026.
Yesterday we had a 60° day, first day above freezing for over a month.
It was great, the roads were like it was raining out with the snow melt.
The hangar does not have gutters so it was pouring water off the roof from the sun and snow melt.
That didn't bother me one bit.
After clearing some ice out in front of the hangar I pulled the plane out into the sun shine through the water running off the hangar door!
Flew it for about an hour in clear blue sky's. It was pretty bumpy and I was OK with that, just glad to be able to fly. 50°f at 3000', That's warm compared to what we had just the day before.
I hope I didn't jynx ourselves as I put the snow plow away into the back of the hangar while I had the plane out.
Wow did the snow melt fast at 60°
I think this is the beginning of the flying season for us around here!
Here's a picture from yesterday, the snow and ice is pouring off the roof of the hangar.

 

[Gary Ward]

 

[Gary Ward]

Got another hour in today in similar weather conditions (rough air) only much colder, higher alt.
The Ohio river was partly frozen the last couple weeks. The barges have been keeping a lane open.

Did some pattern work with and without flaps in a 9 kt direct X wind. I feel like I am back in the groove now.
These pictures was from last week when it was much cooler.