News Photo by William Kelley William Kelley’s Cessna 140 is seen at home at his family farm in Herron after his cross-country trek to Alaska in July 1971.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is the 51st in a series of stories adapted from William Kelley’s book, “Wind Socks, Grass Strips, and Tail-Draggers,” which is available for purchase at The News, 130 Park Place in downtown Alpena. Last week, Kelley flew into some low clouds near Bloomington, Indiana before embarking again toward Grand Rapids.

It was good to see a familiar airport again.

When I landed, I called my sister, Kay. She told me that Bud had been at the airport since 10 a.m.

I’d called them from Jacksonville to tell him that’s when I expected to arrive. However, the weather had played havoc with my schedule.

He found me and drove to their home. It was good to see them.

We discussed Alaska, the place, trip, experiences, and general flying for the rest of the day and into the evening. We had a great deal of information to share.

The next morning, Bud had a six-month proficiency check ride. When I taxied to the runway to do my runup, he sat in the pilot’s seat of the D-18 twin-Beech with the FAA check pilot right in front of me. When two-six Quebec left the ground, the tower called me.

“Cessna one-one-eight. Taxi into position and hold.”

“Roger.”

“One-one-eight. Cleared for takeoff. Straight out approved.”

“Roger, Grand Rapids. One-one-eight. Over.”

Many ideas and thoughts raced through my mind as I flew the northeast heading toward Alpena.

The day was clear, the air quite smooth.

All I had to do was watch for other traffic and use the rudder a bit to keep it straight. That gave me time to reflect on the trip.

Prior to and in the beginning of a major trip like that, the mind is occupied with all the details for a successful flight. When the trip is over or near the end, that time is not filled with all the anticipation. There is time to reflect on what occurred, people met, ideas shared.

As was usually the case when visiting Bud and Kay and family, I slept on the living room floor. It had become a custom. Sometimes, Midnight, the cat, would entertain me for much of the night by running full length of me in its quest of imaginary mice or bats. That, too, was part of the ritual.

As I neared home, I thought about vacations and expectations. People make a mistake when they go on a vacation. They plan to go someplace better than home. When they get home, they are still dissatisfied.

They should get back in the woods.

Then, when they get home, they would appreciate what they have, and it would be special.

The numerous airports along my route or close to it made me realize how numerous are the landing possibilities when flying in the Lower 48.

When flying in Alaska and northern Canada, especially in the mountains, there are no landing spots — at least not safe ones — in much of the terrain.

That was one of the ideas I pondered as I approached the end of the trip.

Two hours and 15 minutes after liftoff from Grand Rapids, I was on the ground at Alpena.

I never realized any place could look so good.

A few minutes later, I was home on the farm.

I knew no place ever looked so good.

Check The News next week for the next installment. William Kelley was a teacher for 32 years and has been a pilot since 1966. He lives in Herron on the family farm where he was born and raised.