ONE DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PILOT

RESUMING THE STORY ---- Tor's first moment of freedom---managed to catch this pict---she escaped from her cage--Joyce worried---it cannot survive here---wrong environment for a scrub jay. It flew excitedly about from tree to tree for 2 hours or so---refusing our calls---and then got hungry--returned--begging for food. A visitor, not knowing the situation, was stunned to see a "wild" bird land on Joyce's arm. Wished I had caught his surprised look on camera.

A terrific, all night, rain deluged us and we woke to this scene. We mobilized our survival skills to make a fire--even with wet wood. The low clouds meant we could not safely take off. Who knows when they will clear.

And then the sun came out--Joyce performed the sun dance--familiar I guess to all pilots.

This strange man emerged from the woods---carrying soft drinks and charming Joyce into a hug. Is that not a classic cowboy face and body. His belt buckle also worthy of note--made of elk antler horn base.

Holes opened up in the sky ---we pack and prepare to leave.

Is it superstition or nostalgia that motivates her to turn the prop by hand a few times? The battery works just fine.

And we're off ---confident all is well.

That's hungry horse reservoir---one of many in Montana. This state is certainly on top of its water situation.

Back over the Swan mountains, we decide to drop in on Kalispell, Mt.

Landed-took a walk--and bought some cold flathead cherries from a cheerful vendor.

Joyce opts to purchase fuel from another airport across the lake--Rohan--here we are landing. Landings are more "thrilling" to me than takeoffs. Pilots call scary moments "pucker moments."

Fuel cost $4.25 a gallon.

Back at Thompson Falls--she tilts right for this photo--showing the now-dammed-up fall site.

And back to our starting point. The mouth of that valley ahead is the site of numerous Indian wars--a choke point for tribal disputes and ambush.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: I'm struck by the speed up of life that airplanes make possible---by the extended range and richness they facilitate. In a single day we experienced weeks worth of change and sensation. I'm moved to poetry---redacting bits from two of my poems--I will call this rhythmic collage: AIRPLANE PEOPLE CONDENSING TIME

Their moments, like our moments will--

brush them by and over the hill.

they let them go without delay--

knowing millions more are on the way.

With relaxed intent, they glide through events

on wings like a fast-moving knife;

So these air pioneers live three hundred years

in the span of a single life.