September 17 – 21, 2014
It’s hard to believe that this was only the 6th International Cessna 195 Club annual fly-in that we have attended, because it really does feel like a family reunion. Over the past 6 years we have developed strong, life-long friendships with so many of the 195 Club members. The Cessna 195 truly does attract and bring together the most wonderful people!
We arrived in Harbor Springs, MI (KMGN) in the afternoon on Wednesday, September 17. Dinner that night was a traditional Uruguayan Paella cooked by Craig Layson on the airport ramp. It was absolutely delicious!
Thursday was the fly-out to ShangriLa airport (WS25) to spend some time at the nearby Four Seasons Island Resort. We enjoyed a relaxing lunch at the resort. Following lunch some of us went for a walk down to the Saloga’s beautiful log cottage. The ride to and from the resort to the airport in the Saloga’s military duece was fun. You had to hang on! Another Uruguayan tradition was shared by the Layson’s for dinner. Craig cooked up another storm on the airport ramp, this time in his asado. Pork tenderloin, sausages, german potatoes, beans… no one left hungry!
The next day, the “swarm” of 195’s made their way to Mackinac Island (KMCD) for a day of exploring the beautiful automobile-free island. A group of us rented bikes and did a leisurely lap around the island to work up a bit of an appetite for some fudge! The wind made the take-offs and landings at Mackinac Island Airport and at Harbor Springs Airport very challenging for everyone. Thankfully everyone made it to and from safely.
Saturday was the maintenance clinic, which was being held at nearby St. Ignace Airport (83D). The weather wasn’t conducive to flying so the guys were forced to drive to and fro. A group of the ladies went on a nearby house tour, followed by lunch and exploring the shoppes in downtown Petoskey. The annual banquet was held at Stafford’s Bay View Inn and fun was had by all.
The annual 195 Club breakfast meeting was the next morning. Several club items were covered during the meeting, including the announcement of the location of the 2015 fly-in, to be held in Chino, CA. Following the meeting everyone packed up, checked out of their hotel rooms and headed for the airport to figure out departure strategies. The weather was still playing a bit of “havoc” so all of the pilots were intently studying the forecasts. Slowly the small terminal at the Harbor Springs Airport emptied as everyone said their goodbyes and launched off for home.
It was another excellent fly-in in the books and we are really looking forward to next years!
