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Flying Trip of a Lifetime: Anchorage to Johnson Creek and Home

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author fulfilled a lifelong dream by undertaking a challenging two-week flight in a custom Super Cub from Alaska to Illinois with his son, serving as a college graduation gift and a profound bonding experience.
  • Extensive preparation was crucial, including selecting a highly capable Super Cub, gaining specialized tailwheel and Alaskan bush flying endorsements, and learning to navigate dynamic backcountry weather and mountain terrain.
  • More than just an aviation adventure, the journey created an irreplaceable father-son connection, offered spectacular scenery, and forged friendships within the aviation community, becoming one of the author's most cherished life experiences.
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Like many, flying has always been my dream. By some miracle, I have been able to turn that dream into a successful career and hobby. As I passed midlife, suddenly realizing how valuable time is, I thought it time to fill that “bucket” that has loomed in the back of my head for so many years.

My college graduation gift to my son would be to fly a light aircraft from Alaska to Illinois as he was just beginning his career in aviation. That may sound like an awfully gracious gift, but in truth the gift was for me. To spend some 60 hours and two weeks with your 22-year-old son, one on one on a headset, was the blessing of a lifetime.

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