Chazd's (Charles Dowdell's) News Burps

I am back in Atlanta after being away for two weeks. Time flies when traveling. We got a lot done in England and France. And the week off in NY was definitely worthwhile. I had some nice Fois Gras in France, but of course it isn't that fancy when you are in France compared to the US. All the food is fancy in France. I am sure I am not alone when I say "I haven't had a bad meal in France." Even a simple cafeteria is special. I guess the personal highlight of the trip was going through the "chunnel" underneath the English channel. The train was about 28 train cars (double decker car carrying), and only fractionally full of cars. There is not much to do on the train. You can get out of the car and go the restrooms, but there isn't much more than that. The crossing took about 35 minutes. It was different.

I am in West Midlands England the first part of this week and near London and then in France for the end of the week. I am a bit concerned I may have to change my travel plans because of incoming volcanic ash from Iceland. I am thinking I may have to take a train to Italy or Spain to get back to the US. Certainly, I have not had to change my plans leaving from Paris Friday, yet. I had a good week off in NY. I spent time on the farm, went canoing and we made it up to Rochester for an overnight. My Brother was also in town. I met up with a very-very old friend. I don't know where all the time has gone. I hope it has gone somewhere good.

I put on a presentation yesterday at the EAA chapter 690 monthly meeting for about 50 or 60 people... "Aviation in Antarctica." They recorded the event and now it is the library of the chapter. They are a great organization. One of the attendees was a participant in "Operation Deep Freeze" in the early 60s. I was hoping I could bring back some of his memories. He said I did. That is what is all about. That and making people laugh is paramount. Looking at "You tubes." I find scores of interesting videos from Antarctica that are barely viewed. Definately, the best vids are not published. In June the speaker is an Astronaut from Atlanta. http://www.eaa690.org/ Here is a picture of "Princess." You may see a simple Cessna 172. I see some really awesome adventures in Georgia, Islands, Florida and elsewhere. I look at that plane and I see my blue Schwinn bicycle of many years ago. I will be in NY next week, then it it is off to England (Maiden