BACK IN THE USA...

Nomad, my key to freedom on this day.

The buffeting from the prop wash made the aircraft shake in rhythm with the fast moving air. The opacity properties of the bubble canopy let the super bright and hot California sun rays penetrate the comfort zone within it, whilst opaque to ultraviolet. The shaking became worse just as the instructor gave the order, "Pull the release knob," I did, the tow line disengaged and the whole world changed. The ride went totally smooth with a silence that brought peace to a once violent world above. Our sailplane was now free to ride the wind; such a feeling of freedom is beyond the imagination of those without personal experience … one must do it. This was back in my Navy days (circa 1970) when I was single and in a pre-marriage lifestyle, not much different than on this day, Sunday, August 24, 2008.

Today, I finally got to get my Harley Low-rider out and on the American roads again after a long six weeks in Peru. I was on the Historical National Highway... Hwy 40, between Brownsville and Washington Pa. When I was riding the crest of Scenery Hill, I saw a sailplane in tow working the rising currents in the rare cobalt blue sky. I watched it until it released itself from the tow confines of the powered plane ahead of it. To honor the now free flying aviator above, I saluted he or she as we were now brothers in the wind; this was one of the most defining moments of my summer, of a boy a of summer. To feel and to appreciate the American roads, especially western Pennsylvania roads, is totally enhanced when returning from out of country from anywhere else in the world. The light traffic on this clear-blue-sky and sunny day made for the perfect ride. It was a break out day for one who has been in a country where traffic is a buzz saw without an off switch.

I was happy to be home and happy to soar like an eagle once again. The old cliché, America the Beautiful, rings with truth only when one sees her from the outside. It is easy to love the only thing that you have ever known, but to love her after seeing other places is a whole new level of love; this you will discover when you first walk again within the scope of her freedom. Come home safely and see for yourself.

This column will now start to get back on track with information, events and news for all of you over there. Believe me when I tell you ... you will appreciate the ride when you return like no one who never leaves, ever could! It is wonderful!!!

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania