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I am very lucky my work lets me fly my plane instead of flying commercially. This weekend is the Travers Stakes - the biggest day of the race meet for the Saratoga Race Course in NY. It was a straight 1.5 hour shot up there with a few storms along the way.  My good friend Julia decided to join me for the weekend trip. Free hotel, comped meals, weekend in Saratoga Springs, NY. I wish I was as lucky and could enjoy this amazing town without needing to work.  We climbed high to avoid all of the weather ahead. We started at 7,500' and eventually ended up at 11,500' to clear all of the clouds. It was an incredible day to fly.  We lucked out and had a nice wide-lane to pass between two storms cells.  Looking to the west for the next wave.  Winds at 11.5 were appealing with 20 kts on the tail.  Not a bad GS at 185kts.  It's beautiful country up here in Mid-state NY. Lots of green and lakes.  My fun facts of aeronautical knowledge must not of been all that exciting as my passenger was quick to pass out. I blame the altitude and not the lack of excitement of all of the incredible facts I was spatting off.....    We flew by our destination, Saratoga County Airport (5B2) as we headed to overfly downtown to get an aerial tour of the area.  My work destination for the weekend- Saratoga Racecourse. Opened in 1863, it's considered to be the oldest major sporting venue of any kind in the country. I've been to nearly every race course in the continental US, and this by far is my favorite.  Our GPS arrival path into 5B2 over downtown and over Saratoga Race Course.  The staff at North American Flight Services really rolled out the red carpet for us. We got front row parking at the FBO and they really went out of their way to remedy a rental car issue beyond their control. I can't recommend their hospitality enough.  Tucked out and all tied down for the weekend. The weather upon landing was amazing - 10 degrees lower than when we took off, and the weekend forecast was for in the 70's. Incredible weather for the end of August. Even though the forecast was for amazing conditions, this guy always ties his airplane down to survive a hurricane.  While some of us worked in a nondescript datacenter room within the bowels of the track, some guests got to enjoy what the track really had to offer int he Clubhouse. Take a look at the construction of the roof at Saratoga - so much wood - this place really has character.  The Apron also has amazing views of one of the best premier tracks in the world. Once again, something I wish I could fully enjoy instead of working!  Fast forward 4 days and it's time to head home. The weekend had amazing weather - take a look at the high pressure on the altimeter for the trip home - 30.37"  Another spectacular day to fly.  Tailwind heading Southwest?? To the tune of 16 kts?? Truly am amazing trip!  She lives and is awake!  But not for long! A quick 1.6 hours on the trip home. It was a perfect work weekend to the amazing town of Saratoga Springs, NY. I highly suggest anyone with an RV to check this town out and the history filled track. You will certainly not regret it. 
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Last Modified: August 13, 2023 |