Tentative Plans for the upcoming year
When: December 2022
What: Scuba Diving with Manatees
Why; My wife will be turning 70. She is an extraordinary person/wife and friend. I wanted to do something memorable for her birthday and I thought since we would be in Florida for Christmas with my daughter, son-in-law and grandkids, that Scuba diving with Manatees would fill the bill.
How: We are certified open water scuba divers and we have arranged to rent the needed scuba gear from a local dive shop. We have identified locations where Manatees winter over and where it is legal to scuba dive when Manatees are present.
Challenges: Manatees can’t be scheduled, we can make a best guess but ultimately it may be a bust and just a nice scuba dive with no manatees. But if we fail we will always have the chance to try again.
When: February 2023
What: Pass my flight Exam to be able to take a passenger (my wife) in our Powered Parachute to explore the wilderness of Utah.
Why: Ever since our first intro flight in a powered parachute (PPC) and we were both in love with the experience. Since that time we both have worked to acquire a PPC of our own and have recently done so. We want to use it to explore from the sky places in the west we haven’t explored on foot. Some we hope to return to with backpacks and see from the ground.
How: Regular flight practice and studying for an oral exam and check ride with a flight examiner. Schedule Test for early February. Meet and prepare for exam with flight instructor
Challenges: Winter is a dang cold time to fly in an aircraft with no cockpit. With snow a weather getting colder it will be a challenge to get in the needed flight time. Then get a schedule time with the flight instructor to ensure I am ready for the test.
When: May & June of 2023
What: A 300 +/_ mile – month long hike in Great Britain and a month traveling to England/Scotland/Ireland/Iceland
Why: I attempted this hike with a group of young men as a 16 year old and as a group we failed. We weren’t realistic in our planning, preparation for equipment and personal training. We were attempting to hike it in 14 days. To wiggle room for problems and delays.
How: We are working on that
Challenges: Being physically ready in time, weather will always be a challenge in Great Britain, keep the trip on a budget.