Back From Hiatus! (Or is it a 'fly-atus?)

Sarah here! After a longer than average hiatus from the blog and build, I'm happy to announce we're back on both. Nothing Earth shattering to report on the build front just yet, but here is a write up of what we've been up to since our last post.

On the flying front 

Since we last posted, I flew my first solo on August 26, 2016 in a Piper Warrior at C17.

 On June 2, 2017 Mike completed his RV-10 transition training in Vernonia, Oregon with Mike Seager. His parting words? "Finish building it, go fly it, and have some fun!" - A quote that we intend on living by! 

 As of 6/9/2018, Mike has flown 95 Young Eagles! 

FL Adventure 2017

It wouldn't have been right to start off 2017 in any other way than with an epic Tour de Florida in a 182 we rented from RexAir in Naples while we were down South visiting Mike's parents in Sanibel. Our official route was:  KARTR - KEYW - MTH - MNATE  JOMIN - CAHOO - VKZ - HIVUR - WOPDU - KSUA - KVRB - KISM - KVDF. 
    

A few notable stops from that adventure included staying the night in Key West (which had been on our list for a few years, but FL wx had always prevented the trip), flying along the Miami skyline, stopping for lunch in Stuart and having lunch with our dear friend Mandani, over night in Vero Beach, spending all day at Universal Studios, and an overnight in Tampa where we had the best dang ole steak at Council Oaks, a recommendation from fellow RV-10 builder and friend, Mike T.

We finally made it to KEYW so we just had to snap a selfie on the ramp.

  

While in Vero Beach, Mike received a one hour lesson in a motor glider, a gift that he got for Christmas.

 The morning we went to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Some of us were more excited than others. 

Oshkosh 2017!  

We flew into OSH17 in the Archer we've named Julie. We got set up in the North 40 and on Tuesday Mike flew to down Midway to pick up his folks and flew them in via the Fisk arrival. They really enjoyed their time in Oshkosh and we were so happy that they were finally able to see what we can never seem to stop talking about.

It wouldn't be a complete trip without the selfie in front of the Brown Arch. 

Oshkosh 2018!

In 2018, we ventured to Oshkosh in a different kind of Cherokee than in years past. We bought a camper in April and decided to bring that to Oshkosh instead of flying. Camp Scholler is a lot different than the North 40, but both have their charm (and bringing your house with you is definitely charming). That being said, we can't wait to fly the RV-10 into OSH!

Our home away from home for the week.  

Hanging out at S.O.S. with a few fellow builders. 

On Wednesday, we helped out with the Pedal Plane World Record attempt. It was super neat to see the crew of a C-5 Galaxy stop what they were doing to snap a few pics.  

2019

As I sit here and reflect on 2019 and try to wrap up this post, I can't help but to think what a crazy year it's been. In April we bought about 24 acres of land and have begun building on it. The first structure to go up was an 18'x42' shed that houses tools and building materials for the shouse (shop house) we will be erecting in 2020. We'll keep you all apprised of the progress on that building project as well the airplane which will be easier than ever now because mikeandsarahrv10 is on Instagram! Follow us here!

2019 brought us losses, broken bones (I was a natural at skiing until I wasn't...), curve balls, more building projects, another Oshkosh, incredible experiences with family and friends, and there was something else... oh yeah, we got married!

It's amazing how one minute you're skiing and the next you've met your deductible.

Our first selfie at the property. 

First concrete order! Pouring the footings for the shed.

An RV10 builder selfie at OSH19, callsigns "Squirrel", "Possum", "Conehead", and "Cupcake"

Here's the mock-up of the shed and the finished product. #NailedIt

 I ordered my 'something blue' from RadarContact and can attest to the phenomenal customer support! The left shoe is the New Orleans sectional (where I'm from) and the right is the New York sectional (where Mike's from).