Sun N Fun '07 Redux

"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
oups.com...
Mary and I just returned from 6 glorious days at Sun N Fun in
Lakeland, FL.

Me too, but only 4 days. In addition to the airshows and static displays, I
took in a couple of workshops where I learned a little about metal shaping
and welding. Also, I visited the Aircraft Spruce display and had 'em ship
me about $200 in aviation odds and ends - filters, plugs, wrenches, etc.

I have a buddy who drives to the show and provides ground transportation.
It is great to have "wheels", because there are plenty of restaurants within
a 10 minute drive of the grounds, and the wait times are nonexistent. We
left the show at lunchtime a couple of days and were back in an hour or
so... There are several grocery close by as well. The local Publix has a
Kitfox on display as you walk into the store. And they have steamed shrimp.
Campers at adjacent campsites were very jealous... Shrimp and beer...mmmm

I had a couple of brushes with the media at the show. In one case, I'd just
had my buddy take my picture with the "Zoom Free Zone" sign at the CGS booth
in the ultralight area. Walking back through the antique area, I gave my
buddy the rundown on the business practices and ethics of Jim Campbell, and
how (and why) he is banned from SnF. As I finished the story, a guy who'd
been sort of walking along with us introduced himself as a writer/reporter
from Avweb. He said he didn't dare to comment on Jim Campbell or ANN, but
was just happy that I wasn't giving Avweb the same "treatment". I commented
to him that I appreciate Avweb, but that I'd love to see Avweb add some of
the irreverence (his word was snarkyness) back to its writing. He indicated
that they had to be careful, but that they do plan to add back some of that
content.

Later, we were in the Flying Magazine booth and someone asked if I was a
subscriber (not anymore - dropped the subscription recently) and would I
care to resubscribe. I told him "No thanks, the magazine's focus has moved
way, way upscale. Today's content is all jets and $100,000 instrument
panels" Then I pointed to the array of recent issues spread out on the table
for review - every one of 'em had a corporate jet on the cover... Of
course, I was probably talking to a hired gun for the airshow, but it would
be really nice if the folks who run Flying would throw the $100,000 (and
sub - $50,000) airplane crowd a few bones in each issue...

Completing a nice 4 day vacation, there was a 10 or 15 knot tailwind for my
trip home in nice blue skies (other than the smoke in South Georgia).

KB

It is great to have "wheels", because there are plenty of restaurants within
a 10 minute drive of the grounds, and the wait times are nonexistent.

Yeah, we were lucky to have (occasional) wheels, too, thanks to our
buds at Flying Colors Glass. We ate off-site several times, and hit
the local Winn-Dixie grocery store once. But it sure would have been
nice if that danged camp store had been open more, mostly for ice and
beverages.

Later, we were in the Flying Magazine booth and someone asked if I was a
subscriber (not anymore - dropped the subscription recently) and would I
care to resubscribe. I told him "No thanks, the magazine's focus has moved
way, way upscale. Today's content is all jets and $100,000 instrument
panels"

They tried to get me to extend, to which I replied that I was already
receiving TWO subscriptions, thanks to the LAST time I "extended" my
subscription at their tent at OSH. That's right, instead of extending
your current subscription, they will start another one, just to pad
their numbers.

And woe to anyone who actually tries to call "Flying" mag's
circulation department to get the situation corrected! It's been
totally farmed out to the same bozos that are selling subs at SNF and
OSH, and they rarely answer.

Completing a nice 4 day vacation, there was a 10 or 15 knot tailwind for my
trip home in nice blue skies (other than the smoke in South Georgia).

We saw a bit of those fires on our way through. Up at 8500 feet it
didn't matter, but it sure looked hazy down lower...

Great show! I wish I never had to leave...
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"