‘Twas the week before Oshkosh
‘Twas the week before Oshkosh, when all thro’ the house
Every creature was scurrying even the mouse;
The campers’ checklists were consulted and gear was piled high.
The tent and stakes, and clothes to stay dry.
Clothes for warm weather as well as for cold.
Because there are four seasons at Oshkosh we’re told.
Each of the piles was weighed and checked twice.
To be within CG would really be nice.
All in to the plane it was stacked very tall.
Two quarts of oil, tie downs and the tow-bar ‘neith all.
The signs VFR and G/VAC were printed big enough to see.
…Probably from the moon if you asked me.
The charts were laid out and a yellow line drawn
With checkpoints from Home base through Ripon.
‘Twas the day of departure and the thunder was near.
Will this airplane lift off with all of this gear?
All buckled in and belted down on the ramp with clearance in hand.
A bathroom break is the little one‘s demand.
Now back in the airplane all ready to go
And it is 10 degrees hotter than a half hour ago.
Down the runway we roll as the edge lights turn amber
Into the air we all clamor.
Our transponder to standby as the checkpoints pass under.
We watch the building cumulonimbus with “wonder”
We agree with our friend, since this seems the norm
The ‘definition of Midwest is thunder storm’.
With the NOTAM clenched in one sweaty fist
We fly over Ripon and watch traffic emerge from the mist.
As we follow the tracks at 90 knots and 1800 feet.
The Fisk controller. comes on; we rock or wings without a peep.
“Turn right for 36 Left then monitor twenty six point six…”
“Speed up, hit the yellow dot, then into the grass!”
We stop on the taxiway and clean up the plane
Carb heat and flaps, now where is that sign?
We sigh with relief, we made it again.
Make sure the sign isn’t written in pen.
The volunteer in orange has been patiently waiting.
Our aircraft and sign information relating.
To more volunteers on down the line
“My mags and master are off, this spot will be fine”.
We make sure to tie her down, tight
then put up our tent and bed down for the night.
To dream of doughnuts and breakfasts at Tall Pines.
Of meeting Bob Hoover and Aeromart finds.
Here’s to waking up to the sounds of a rooster’s call
Have a safe flight and “Happy AirVenture” to all!
