C-150, N60614
KPTS > K33 > PTS Hobbs: 3.8 hours

Remarks, Procedures, Maneuvers:
Cross country, GPS, Pilotage, VOR
1 passsenger (daughter) to Visual Manna Art Camp, Salem Missouri

Comments:
PTS > PYLER > MAP > K33
Density Altitude was very high (about 4000), performance was sluggish
Opened flight plan with Wichita Radio on 122.15

The trip went well.
Climbed to 5500 ASL, though as Jesse (owner) suggested, we were nearly to Springfield, MO before we leveled off. It was definitely more comfortable up there (~80 F) than on the ground (~100 F).

We came down to 3500 ASL as we encountered clouds closer to K33
I become a little disoriented as we approached MAP VOR, though I was mostly second guessing myself, and I was overly concerned about busting a restricted air space to the north. I finally dialed in the MAP VOR and followed the airway, and discarded the idea of cross checking location with the VOR.

We flew through Cannon A MOA, being Sunday it was inactive.
Closed flight plan on the ground via phone.

Delivered my passenger to ride waiting to pick her up.

Refuelled at K33, with the assistance of an aviator based there (Jim).
Aviators have their own fraternity, so to speak, and I am glad to be among them. They are a friendly lot. Thanks, Jim.

K33 > MAP > PYLER > PTS
Opened flight plan for return trip on the ground just before taxiing to runway 17.
I was going to climb to 6500 ASL, however, at 5000 ASL haze prevented me from adequately seeing the ground. I settled for 4500 ASL on the westward leg of my journey.

I was rather uptight going to K33, being the first solo 'long' x-ctry since 9/07/06.
I finally relaxed on the return trip.
I realized that constant pressure on both rudder pedals in cruise was not necessary. Yes, they needed to be in place, but I had been unconsciously putting pressure on both pedals before and it was exhausting me.

I closed the return flight plan with Wichita Radio (122.15) on approach to PTS.

In all, I would say the trip was a success.

If the weather holds out, I will repeat the trip in reverse, retrieving my daughter Friday.

Things to work on:
I got fixated on the numbers when landing, which made landings a little bumpy. I need to look down the runway as I level off.

Total Hours: 6 hours back to Lamar