HAVE IT YOUR WAY

One of my longest flights ever was so easy I'm almost embarrassed to claim it, especially as I didn't do much of the actual stick and rudder. It was Abe's first real cross-country, with me smoothing scratchy spots, taking pictures and having a grand time.We turned two hundred miles out laughably quick, then halfway home our one speed bump forced the flight's only crucial decision. We had to climb before going further, but options nearby were not good. When I suggested retreat, Abe asked why not try one last puny wisp a mile ahead. I'd already considered that and discarded the idea. This cloud we were under looked better, and it wasn't working. Retreat from here might cost an hour and taking time to fail under his little cu would only lenghten that, further jeopardizing our finish. My bad angel lobbied hard for ignoring any low timer's advice. However, I thought, what if Abe's right? He is a friggin' scientist after all, and twice as smart as me in general. Dismissing his input without at least a nod would be real dumb. So..."Okay, let's give it a try."Not a boomer, but it kept us moving in the right direction and that's what mattered. The good angel did nothing but smile. Soon we were topped out and highballing again, home so early we could have blown right on by under a perfect cloud street for another fifty miles. Returning from there would make Abe's first cross-country a 500-miler! But we had already met his objective and he was numb from the eyes down. Privately thinking, 'Suck it up professor', I discreetly urged we roar on another half hour anyway just 'cause the lift was so stupid good. Abe wasn't buying. He was paying for the whole day though, and should have what he wanted and well deserved. Honors for the right idea at the perfect time go to Dr. A. himself. Credit me with simply respecting his opinion. That extra hundred miles wasn't lost, by the way. It never existed except as something more to do next time.