Vanessa Jump Nelson and her J3 flight!

This was sent in by our very own, and totally cool, Vanessa Jump Nelson for your viewing & reading pleasure. Vanessa says, “I just have to share!”

Vanessa with her friend Linda M and her beautiful Cub “Tumbleweed”.

Independence in the truest sense of the word!  Since my first Cub solo several weeks ago I’ve been flying several times a week.  I took my Cub in to Aurora airport when “Nine o’ Nines” the B-17 was visiting, and I got to park next to it and get a photo.  My Cub ended up becoming, for a few hours at least, part of a display that included not just the B-17, but also a PT-22, and a P-51 Mustang.  My “Tumbleweed” fit right in.

I gave Linda a ride back to her home airport afterward, and she became my second passenger that I have ever given a ride to.  She and her husband are restoring a Waco biplane, and she soloed in a Cub many years ago, with her mother as her CFI.

Tumbleweed with the B-17, the P-5

That was a couple weeks ago.  I followed that adventure up with being able to say that “On Independence Day, I flew to Independence, Oregon, independently!”  Attached is a photo I took on the way back to Twin Oaks.

4th of July

I know it’s only a little more than 70 miles round trip when you use the AirNav calculator, but it felt like a big step for me, as it was the first time I’d been to Independence by myself.

Independence Day trip – on the way back flying with the door open, and Cascade mountain tops showing off their snow covered peaks.

I thought it was kind of fun to do it on Independence Day!  :0)

Vanessa Jump Nelson

Tumbleweed’s pilot

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2 Comments
  • Faith
    Posted at 11:36h, 15 July Reply

    That’s fantastic, Vanessa! I love flying to Independence State for the a good meal. I don’t live in the Willamette Valley anymore, but I was there last week for my wedding & dragged all the family up in my 172 (based at Aurora) & pointed out all the local airports including Twin Oaks & Flying M.

  • Elaine Kauh
    Posted at 14:33h, 13 July Reply

    Congratulations on the Independence trip, Vanessa! There’s nothing like taking pictures with the door or window open – breathtaking!
    I’m glad to see you are making the most of your Cub flying.

    Cheers,

    Elaine
    Wisconsin

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