Jay,

Hope you can make it this way, but the wx isn't looking good. Some
years ago after several nasty experiences with ice around the Great
Lakes over the Thanksgiving holiday, I quit flying during that time.
(For 25 years, until 3 years ago, lower Michigan got freezing rain at
least one of the holiday days - Wed through Sunday). The last three
years it has been better, and I'm going to try a flight to Iowa, hoping
I can fly instead of drive.

Jay, when one lives downwind of the Great Lakes, it is essential to
have an instrument rating if you wish to travel by little airplane with
any hope of making it even close the schedule you desire (that is,
within about 3 days). Only place I've ever lived where I could keep my
rating current with the normal flying I do, there is enough actual.
However, I do keep in mind that there have been a lot of winter days
when the instrument rating didn't help, because there was too much ice.
If what we are going to get is just lake-effect snow, it's not
possible VFR, but is no big deal IFR as the tops are low and there's
seldom much ice.

Have a great trip, no matter where you go, and enjoy the time with
family and friends.

Warmest regards,
Rick

Jay Honeck wrote:
We're supposedly heading for Lansing, MI, so spend a few days with my
sister. Given the wonderful weather on the lee-side of Lake Michigan at
this time of year, our fall-back trip is to Minneapolis, to visit Mr. and
Mrs. Montblack for a day or two.

If the weather *really* sucks, we'll hole up in the house and eat turkey
till we pop.

Anyone going anywhere cool?
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"