Jellystoning Around The Guilt

A goal without a plan is just a wish.

Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900 -1944)

Brother Baker has been fussing about wanting to visit the Western North Carolina Air Museum in Hendersonville, North Carolina for quite some time.  In early May he announced his intentions to visit the museum on Wednesday May 14th.  Everyone was invited.  Brother Price, the Chief Pilot at Pond Branch Airfield, said he was up for the adventure---but that was about it.  Brother Barbeau had to send his regrets.  His services were needed at the UPS Store.  I had the time off, but was not sure I could swing the deal with my wife.  Our oldest daughter was getting married on Saturday the 17th.  Friends were scheduled to arrive on Thursday. It was my job to ensure the cow pasture at Casa La Cottom was presentable for out of town guests.  I told Brother Baker it would be a last minute decision.  Tuesday afternoon, with no clear direction from the Jellystoners, Brother Price decided he would play elsewhere.  If Hendersonville was going to happen, it would probably be a one airplane show. . .  Then Tuesday evening, after much cajoling, my wife relented.  "Go play with the guys at the airport."

The best laid schemes o' mice an' men (often go awry) . . .

Robert Burns, To a Mouse, 1786

I started feeling guilty about half way through the drive to the airport.  The museum opens at noon on Wednesdays.  Even if we were there when the doors opened; toss in time for lunch (because the Jellystoners are ALL about lunch) and, well . . . I could foresee problems for the Father of the Bride if the day went long.  I expressed my feelings of angst to Brother Baker as we were pulling the airplanes out of the hangar.  He said:  "Why don't we head over to Les' place."  (Unity Airfield near Lancaster, South Carolina---twenty-five miles southeast of Jellystone Air Park.)  "Benny (Zimmer) and Chas (Boswell) will be here shortly, I'm sure they won't mind the change in plans.  I've been meaning to introduce Chas to Unity anyway."  My guilty feelings began to subside. . .

The Boswell 170 lives two doors down from Jellystone Air Park.

The Zimmer 150 lives in Lancaster, South Carolina.

The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it.

Richard Bach

This view never gets old!

After briefing Plan B we launched for Unity Airfield.  But not before warning Les we were on our way.  We've made that mistake before!  There's nothing worse than showing up unannounced---especially if you are hoping to catch a ride to lunch with the airport manager.

Jellystone Air Park to Unity Airfield is an easy fifteen minute flight in the Hatz.  After departing the pattern to the east, follow the Catawba River until it makes a sharp turn to the south. When the river turns, hold your heading (about 120 degrees) and look for two white water tanks on top of a small ridge about five miles ahead.  Fly to the right of the tanks.  As you cross the ridge you will see JAARS - Townsend Airfield dead ahead.  2,600' Unity Airfield (SC76) is five miles southeast of JAARS.  Airport elevation is 640.'  If you call before you visit, the airport manager will take you out to lunch, usually.

Anyone who can look unmoved at an aeroplane after it has been a long run must indeed be insensitive to romance. . .  She is the symbol of conquest, the earnest of fresh conquests to be.

Wing Commander Roderic Hill, 1929

Transit Aircraft Parking, Unity Airfield

Oh by the way; the wedding was a huge success!