Today was a little milestone for me. For the first time I took N8132Y over the divide, solo.
Of course I have been over many times, but always with somebody in the right seat. And Of course, what is the big deal anyway?
But when I learned to fly I was constantly admonished that flying in the mountains is tricky. I have known people who have died flying in the mountains. The winds can be difficult. I’ve had instruction from an accomplished mountain flyer, but still… every time I’ve gone up near the divide before there has been enough turbulence over the ridge that I’ve ended up turning back.
Today I went over. I was at 13,500ft, a comfortable margin over Rollins Pass. I flew on up to Granby, Colorado which is just over the ridge, landed, bought some expensive gas, and came back.
I’m very pleased.