Damn, that is one lucky shot - I bet you circled for ½ hr to get that one!
I did get lucky! Did a full 360 then began wondering how often it goes off...upon further inspection I could see a huge crowd around the viewing area, started thinking it might be going off soon....boom there it goes!! Only two circles.
Day 3 is in the bag!
Took off from Beautiful Jackson Hole, Wy on a Northbound route to see Glacier National Park, before skirting the Canadian boarder toward Seattle. Sadly the turbulence near the park was pretty rough at all altitudes below 10,000ft. At one point I went way down to 1000ft agl looking for better air (and scenery) but after a canopy headshot, gave it up.
Climbed back up high, which provided it's own unique view of the park, then headed over to Glacier Airport to refuel. While taxiing up to the ramp, I spotted another TwinStar! Walked over to introduce myself and the guy already knew my name! What the?!?! Ken is an Canadian DA42 flyer, and Diamond Forum lurker, who apparently had read this thread and knew I was in the vicinity. Very cool getting to meet with him!
I then made a beeline West toward Seattle, wound up landing North of the city in Bellingham. After resting for an hour, studying the maps and what my options where, I made a change of plans! Took off SW out over the water, VFR at 3500, squeezed between Seattle and the Canadian boarder NORDO
, then out to the furthest Western most point, the TOU VORTAC before turning South and following the Coastline to Oregon. Sadly the fog was up against the shoreline, so I didn't get to see too much of the rugged coast, but the air was so cool and smooth and finally, after over 2000nm, I had a tailwind!
About halfway down the Oregon Coast, after passing Portland, I then turned inland straight for Mt. Hood. Climbed back up to 13,500' and was in awe. Clear air everywhere and I could see Volcanoes 100 miles+ in the distance, truly unbelievable for a NC pilot! Circled Mt. Hood twice without as much as a single bump, smoothest air I could imagine.
Finally, I flew South around Mt. Bachelor then landed in Bend, OR. Grabbed dinner and then slept for 9 hours! SF next up...