Flying into La Crosse, Wisconsin for Starting the B2OSH Adventure

After departing Rawlins Municipal Airport (RWL) at 11:45 AM MDT on July 19, 2024, we touched down at La Crosse Regional Airport (LSE) at 4:43 PM CDT. This leg of our journey, lasting 3 hours and 58 minutes, brought us to La Crosse, Wisconsin, the starting point of our much-anticipated B2OSH adventure.

Fly-by of a Glasair Sportsman (N224BL) Over Laramie Mountains, Wyoming

On Friday, July 19th, in our Beechcraft Bonanza A36 from Rawlins Municipal Airport (RWL), Wyoming, to La Crosse, Wisconsin, we had the opportunity to do a fly-by of a friend's Glasair Sportsman (N224BL) near Casper, Wyoming. The sight of the Glasair Sportsman soaring through the skies was a testament to the freedom and adventure that aviation offers.

This is the true spirit of flying, where it becomes more than just a means of transportation; it becomes an adventure and a learning experience. Performing a fly-by, which involves flying in close proximity to another aircraft, requires skill and coordination—qualities that come from experience and training. It's these moments of camaraderie and shared passion that make flying so special.

The Glasair Sportsman 2+2 is a single-engine, four-seat, high-wing, homebuilt kit aircraft, equipped with a Lycoming O-360 engine. It is known for its versatility and performance, making it a favorite among aviation enthusiasts who enjoy building and customizing their aircraft.

Flying over the majestic Laramie Mountains in Wyoming added to the excitement of our journey. The Laramie Mountains, part of the larger Rocky Mountains, extend from southeastern Wyoming into northern Colorado. Rich in history and natural beauty, the range has been a vital corridor for wildlife and humans for centuries. The mountains are characterized by rugged terrain, dense forests, and stunning vistas, providing a breathtaking backdrop for our aerial adventure. This region, with its unique geological formations and diverse ecosystems, showcases the natural splendor that makes flying over such landscapes an unforgettable experience.

Arriving at Rawlins Municipal Airport (RWL)

Our first fuel stop on Friday, July 19th, was at Rawlins Municipal Airport (RWL) in Carbon County, Wyoming. Departing from San Carlos Airport (SQL) at 6:00 AM PDT, we arrived at RWL at 11:20 AM MDT, completing a 4-hour and 20-minute flight. This efficient journey highlighted the speed and reliability of our Beechcraft Bonanza A36, allowing us to reach our destination with ample time to refuel and prepare for the next leg of our trip.

Rawlins, Wyoming, is a small, welcoming city rich in history and natural beauty. It was named after General John Aaron Rawlins, a Union Army officer in the American Civil War and later the U.S. Secretary of War. The city has a storied past tied to the Union Pacific Railroad and served as an essential hub during the westward expansion of the United States.

Rawlins Municipal Airport (RWL) has been serving the area since the early 1930s and has a vital role in connecting this remote region to larger cities. The airport is equipped with two runways and provides facilities for general aviation and charter services, making it a convenient stopover for cross-country flights. Its location amidst the vast landscapes of Wyoming offers breathtaking views, making it a favorite among aviators. Our stop at RWL allowed us to appreciate the area's rugged beauty and rich history before continuing our journey to Oshkosh.

Flying Over Marlette Lake Near Lake Tahoe On the Way from SQL to RWL

On July 19th, during our journey from San Carlos Airport (SQL) to Rawlins Municipal Airport (RWL), we flew over Marlette Lake, a hidden gem nestled near Lake Tahoe. This picturesque body of water, surrounded by the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

Marlette Lake was created in the late 19th century to serve as a water source for the burgeoning mining towns of Virginia City and Gold Hill. Constructed in 1873, the Marlette Water System was an engineering marvel of its time, using a series of wooden flumes and pipelines to transport water across the rugged terrain of Nevada. The lake remains an integral part of the region's water supply, managed today as part of the Marlette-Hobart Water System, which continues to provide water to Virginia City and Carson City.

This pristine, high-altitude lake is surrounded by lush forests and is part of the Marlette Lake Water System's protected watershed. It is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation. Marlette Lake is known for its pristine waters and is a habitat for native species like the Lahontan cutthroat trout, which has been successfully reintroduced to the lake as part of conservation efforts.

Flying over Marlette Lake provided us with a breathtaking view of this remarkable area, showcasing the intersection of nature's beauty and human ingenuity. This moment highlighted the diverse landscapes and rich histories that are an integral part of our cross-country journey to Oshkosh.

AI Demo Day III Adventures: Departing San Carlos Airport (SQL) for Our AI Demo Day III at Oshkosh, WI

In 2024, for our AI Demo Day III at Oshkosh AirVenture 2024, held from July 22 to 28, our focus is on artificial general intelligence (AGI) and the generative native world. Our North Star has never been to build super intelligent artificial intelligence at scale but to build general intelligence that enables artificial life with the ability to feel and have consciousness. With this vision, we are back at Oshkosh for our AI Demo Day, showcasing the advancements we have made over the past few years in AGI and generative AI for general aviation.

This year, our journey to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, begins on July 19, 2024 from San Carlos Airport (SQL) for a long cross-country flight to AI Demo Day III. Departing early in the morning at 6 AM gives us ample time to reach our first fuel stop before weather conditions deteriorate. Last year, we made this journey in a Cessna 182T, flying at an average altitude of 6,000 feet at 100 knots, taking 30.5 hours to reach Oshkosh. This year, we are elevating our experience by flying a Beechcraft Bonanza A36, cruising at 15,000 feet and 200 knots. The increased speed and altitude will significantly reduce our travel time and highlight the impressive capabilities of the Bonanza A36.

AI Demo Day III Adventures:  Hangar 2 at SQL (San Carlos Airport, California)

Hangar 2 at SQL (San Carlos Airport, California) at 6 AM on July 19, 2024, right before leaving for our long cross-country trip (20.4 hours total flying time) to OSH (Wittman Regional Airport – Oshkosh, WI) — a hub of activity for pilots and passengers alike. ✈️ If you look closely at the photo we took, you'll see why Hangar 2 is such an important and central hub for both pilots and their passengers.

"To most people, the sky is the limit. To those who love aviation, the sky is home." 

— Jerry Crawford

Jerry Crawford is a seasoned aviator known for his extensive career in aviation and his passion for flying. With over 10,000 flight hours, he has flown a variety of aircraft, ranging from small single-engine planes to larger commercial jets. Crawford has also been an advocate for general aviation, promoting pilot safety and innovation in the industry. His contributions have earned him recognition as a respected figure among aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike.