Hummel (W75) Airport's Wings, Wheels and Keels 2016 Fly-in, car and boat show was held this past weekend (September 24th) and we would have been hard-pressed to ask for more perfect weather for it. The day dawned warm and clear with a light breeze out of the north. Allen and I met up with eight Cubs (original and Legend) and a Kolb at Warrenton (KHWY) from Culpeper, Warrenton, the Airpark and surrounding areas at 9 AM to head down to Hummel in a "loose gaggle".
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| Part of our group ready to go at KHWY. |
Flying along the Rappahannock with the Cubs was both fun and challenging. As my Champ is about 20 mph faster than the Cubs, I had to slow down to stay in my place, especially when we slowed further for the guys in the back to catch up. There is little that can beat flying low and slow along the river on a beautiful fall day, especially with a gaggle of friends keeping you company off your wing and on the radio.
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| Just reaching the river. |
One Cub had decided to fly with us for just a little ways and then turn back, so we entered the pattern at Hummel as a flight of nine. We parked our planes in a row and went to check out the event.
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| Part of the row of Cubs. |
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| The opposing row of aircraft. |
This event had a mini-county fair feel to it, with lots of non-airplane events. Several local groups were there, such as the Sheriff, local vendors and the local chamber of commerce. There were plenty of food vendors, and even a craft fair.
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| Though billed as a plane/car/boat show, this caboose trailer with a model train town was a popular attraction. |
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| Part of the car show. |
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| Reedville Fishermen's Museum's reproduction fishing boat. |
After getting lunch, taking in the sights, and watching the model airplane show, we broke into smaller groups for the flight home. Despite some haze, the flight back along the river was beautiful.
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| Hazy return flight up the Rappahannock. |
When we arrived back in the pattern at Warrenton, we noticed the flight school's Champ in the grass next to the runway. Fortunately, nobody was hurt and they were able to recover the airplane with the help of some volunteers and a tractor. Hopefully they will have it flying again soon!
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| Recovery of the flight school Champ. |
After a fun and eventful day, we tucked Rudolph back in the hangar and decided that this is one event that is definitely worth going back to!
