After weeks of bitter cold, today was one of those rare January flying days
in the upper Midwest that literally convinced everyone to go flying. I
haven't seen (and heard) this much GA traffic since last summer.

Usually, when we get a warm day in January, the wind howls out of the south.
Today, not a wisp of wind fluttered the flags -- and the calm covered a huge
area. Further, because of the extensive snow cover, a temperature inversion
formed, with 47 degree air at 3500 feet, and 33 degree air at the surface.
When this happens, usually fog or clouds form -- but today was CAVU, with
stunning visibility.

We flew from Iowa City to Prairie du Chein, WI, and saw nary a cloud, and
felt nary a bump, despite all weather circumstances pointing to the
development of such conditions.

Just goes to show you that weather is still as much a mystery than a
science. But after such an unusually harsh winter, we'll gladly take the
occasional pleasant surprise...
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"