A request to a friend.

[murph]

I think we're missing some good flying stories from a very low-key, humble individual in our midst. This is just a request and if you aren't comfortable with telling your story, we'll understand.

We hear lots of stories of heroism and bravery from Alaska and cold climes. How about sharing your stories from the Amazon region, Gerald. You must have lots of stories of your humanitarian work over your career. You probably have some nice pictures that we'd enjoy also. I don't mean to put you on the spot, so if I'm out-of-line, just say so.

So, what'ya say Gerald Dafoe?

We all admire folks that give a part of their lives for others.

murph

[SJ]

I second that!

I third it also!

sj

[gdafoe]

Now I'm in a heap o'trouble. The problem Murph is that I have lived longer than my memory has lasted. All that fun happened quite a few years ago.

I sure have been enjoying reading all the stories from our friends out west and up in the north. I just have to get me and the Cub out to Idaho and up to Alaska. I'm really a Cessna pilot who has switched to a Super Cub and still havn't got the Cub wing all figured out yet. I can (or could) do about anything I wanted with a Cessna wing and a Robertson conversion, whether attached to a 210, 206, 185, or a 182.

I do have some interesting pictures I should bring to one of our cub gatherings. They are mostly in the form of 35mm slides some of which got a little moldy down in the tropics. Should see if I can get prints made out of them of any quality. I probably wouldn't do to well trying write up any stories but when we're together sometime if you get me going you might wish you hadn't.

Thanks for asking-----------maybe next spring on our Texas tour. I sure am counting on that working out.

Gerald

[PA12driver]

gdafoe! Never to old to act and feel young! I have enjoyed a great deal the folks that I have met on this sight as well. My wife doesn't quite understand how much pleasure it is to converse with friends with such a common interest! There is nothing like flying experiences in anything else? I have so far personally met face to face 13 individuals that I met for the first time on this site! All of which we now stay in personal contact with. Matter of fact I am meeting up with a young student pilot to take for (what I think to be) his first cub ride tomorrow! It promises to be a beautifule day, hopefully some favorable wind! I plan on showing him some beach landings, and getting him permenantly hooked on the best fun around!

I agree you should make it to Alaska! I am still planning to go back and play this upcoming summer! I will most likely take as many as want to tag along, for the trip from Washington State, through Canada to Anchorage. From there it will most likely be just a few "experienced cub pilots" going to some of the remote areas that I want to revisit? There is however, what most would consider endless opportunity to land safely off airport all around the state.

I respect very much those that truly know how to fly a Cessna 180 series as well as the 200 series planes! Having had both the 1953 180, 56-180 and then the workhorse 77-185 I can agree you can take those great machines into most places a cub can go as long as the ground is hard enough to handle the weight!

The problem I had is they were becoming so valuable I hated the abuse I was putting on them, specially the tail surfaces and the underside of the belly!

Keep flying and have the time of your life with the cub!

Tim

PS: If SJ or anyone else has a Photo scanner? they are capable of scanning Slides! Digital archives are so great compared to trying to preserve old film, prints, slides and movies.

Heck you can probably find a grandkid to do it for you?? there is a silver lining in getting mature in age!

[SJ]

I can scan slides...

[gdafoe]

SJ, is it a big deal to scan slides? If not and you have the time and inclination maybe one of these days I could look thru a few hundred I have and pick out a few. Everybody always asked why I took so many of airplanes and airstrips. Some folks just don't understand do they.
Gerald

[SJ]

Gerald,

I believe I posess the necessary gadgety to scan slides. As an aside, so do most of the photo stores, walmart, and they like. They have a machine that will scan slides and put them on a CD for you.

sj

[PA12driver]

I can attest to the value at Walmart! I can't print on my photo printer as cheap as they do!

The scan to disc is a great service too, (I am told)?

Tim

[SJ]

I will refer my "feelings" about Walmart to the rant and rave section, which will not include much "value". However, they do posses the equipment.

sj

[murph]

Gerald:

We will be patiently waiting to see your pictures and maybe hear a story or two. The request stands as long as you don't give a definite "no".

Looking forward to seeing you in TX in the Spring.

murph

[cubdrvr]

sj........if memory serves, I recall a post you made a while back about not having enuf time to mess with the rant and rave section. This had me a bit concerned........now comes the Wal-Mart post.........thank God, you are a real cub pilot.

[SJ]

We are an opinionated lot, arent' we?

[PA12driver]

Knawwwww! Little humor to lighten you up a little Steve! This made me think of You too Murph,

In a crowded city at a crowded bus stop, a beautiful young woman was
> >waiting
> >for the bus.
> > She was decked out in a tight leather mini skirt with matching tight
> >leather
> >boots and jacket.
> >
> > As the bus rolled up and it became her turn to get on the bus, she
became
> >aware that her skirt was too tight to allow her leg to come up to the
> >height
> >of the bus' first step.
> > Slightly embarrassed, and with a quick smile to the bus driver, she
> >reached
> >behind her and unzipped her skirt a little.
> > Thinking that this would give her enough slack to raise her leg, again
> >she
> >tried to make the step onto the bus to discover she still
> > could not make the step.
> > A little more embarrassed, she once again reached behind her and
unzipped
> >her skirt a little more.
> > For a second time, she attempted the step and once again, much to her
> >chagrin, she could not raise her leg because of the tight skirt.
> > With a coy little smile to the driver, she again unzipped the
offending
> >skirt to give a little more slack, and again was unable to make the
step.
> >
> > About this time, a big Texan who was behind her in the line, picked
her
> >up
> >easily from the waist and placed her lightly on the step of the bus.
> >
> > Well!!!...
> >
> > She went ballistic and turned on the would-be hero, screeching at him,
> >
> > "How dare you touch my body!! I don't even know who you are!!"
> >
> > At this the Texan drawled,
> >
> > "Well ma'am, normally I would agree with you, but after you unzipped
my
> >fly
> >three times, I kinda figured that we was friends."

[murph]

Tim:

Thanks for thinking about me in such a favorable light. At least she didn't slap me! :P

murph

[PA12driver]

Murph, How's business been? I am so looking forward to Alaska Next summer!

My flying partner just got back from Alaska, flying a Super Cub for a Guide, I will scan and post some pictures in the next week or so (just to wet the appetite!

Got those tires yet?

Tim

[murph]

Tim:
We've been real busy with 4 planes running about all we can run.

You sure have me wanting to go to Alaska and I haven't even seen the pics yet.

You telling me that my 26" Goodyears won't "cut the mustard" where we're going? I put them in some pretty tough spots, but I know they won't handle what the Streaks will. If not, I'd better get to shopping for some tires.

By the way, how are going to find our way around since you didn't win the 196?

murph

[PA12driver]

Not to worry, I will follow you? What makes you think I got a clue as to where to go, Alaska is a big State (remember!)
Heck! I figure that the winner would have pity on my and send me the 196 just to insure I don't get lost! Otherwise I will have to get a map or something?

Glad you are busy, If I had more time I would come down and fly for you for the fun of it!

As for tires, Truthfully if you are happy with the Goodyears, not to worry, I just like to have the softness of the real tundra tires, (considerably less wear and tear on the plane!

Tim

[cubdrvr]

Murph.........don't go to AK without me.

[RedBaron]

Hey Tim and Murph!

Back again...
Y'all can just follow me round up here in AK if you do get lost...anyway my 295 works pretty well for me, saved my life a few times already...
Tim, who is your partner that flys for the Guide up here and who does he fly for? Probably know him...
Lookin forward to having you fellas up here, should be alot a good times!
Andy

[murph]

Hey Andy:

We're lookin' forward to it too. Can't wait!

Dave, Sorry I had missed your comment. We've gotta do TX and then AK.

I hope someone comes along to make me a living this year. Looks like I'll just be playing.

murph

[RedBaron]

murph,

Glad ya'll are coming up to the greatest State in the World...
Just one thing tho,
If You're Playin, then you ARE Living!!!
Andy