The ski season is getting a slow start; that is not much snow in the forecast. Hopefully things will pick up. climbing has pretty much wound down, and the winter struggle to find time to get to the gym has officially started.

The last month (November) has been pretty hectic. We had some water damage in the main bathroom which spurred a three week remodel (will post pics), then the Cavalier was hit while it was parked on the road. My family was out for a visit, skiing started and we hosted a Thanksgiving Dinner. I suppose the climbing has been the casualty. On the other hand I have started venturing into the 5.12 lead in the gym. I hope to get strong for some 5.12 ascents this coming summer.

Anyway, the skiing pictures should start coming as soon as we get some snow. Carry on...

I passed my private pilot test today! The test went pretty well. The examiner was a really nice guy and pretty laid back. It was not nearly as bad as I was imagining. Lisa and I went up for a quick victory flight down to Provo and back. Huge load of my mind! Wanna go fly?

Well, I took the written test for my Private Pilot's license. This is a 60 question test taken from a bank of about 900 questions. I had been studying hard for several weeks. I managed to get a 100% on the test which from what my instructor told me is almost unheard of. This puts me in a good spot because the examiner is much more likely to ease up on the oral exam part of the check ride if you get a good score on the written test. Needless to say I was pleased.

I went up with my instructor yesterday and we are pretty confident that I will be in good shape. I have a sanity check scheduled with an instructor I have never flown with before scheduled for Friday (7/18), to get some objective criticism. After that I probably only have 2 more instruction flights and maybe one solo flight to do before the check ride. Just typing the words "check ride" is enough to make you nervous!

Anyway, getting past the written test was great, it should only be about 2 weeks now before I get my license... assuming I pass.

Today, I am going on a rather long dual cross country flight. It will be the longest flight I have flow yet. Heading up to Pocatello and back. Should be about a 3.5 hour trip. If all goes well I will be doing the same flight solo on Thursday. This is one of the last major experience requirements I need before taking the flight test. Now I just need to prep for the written test and get ready for my check ride. Hopefully I can get this done in July!

Somehow spring has sneaked up on me. A month ago I was skiing 3 times a week. Now I am climbing and flying instead. Actually I really have gotten the climbing bug this spring. I have been tromping through snow to get to the good rock! I am really looking forward to this summer, there are some exciting things to come!