Today was one of those days that reminds me why I love this..

76.  Sunny.  No clouds.  Winds perfectly down the runway.  Smooth air.  Perfect sunset setup.  That's what I got to fly in today =D
Started the day out with one of my friends, Bret, who started his license over the summer and finished about 6 weeks ago.  He hadn't been in a plane since and I've never ridden shotgun, so it was an experience for both of us.  He also had Tom as an instructor, so he was wondering if the two of us knuckleheads would be able to get the darn plane off the ground together.  After a super lengthy delay on trying to get fuel, a long hunt for a transponder switch that was MIA, and waiting to get into contact with the tower, we finally took off.  He helped teach me some VOR stuff and it was nice for me because hearing it from someone my age who just learned it all was a much better approach for me.  Got the VOR nailed down now and got to test it out later.  I managed to take some pictures, and I helped him get re-accustomed to flying the plane and logistics of communication with the tower and such.  All in all, it was a great flight and fun to catch up with him and share stories.  We managed to get the plane on the ground and Tom met us on the ramp, laughing his head off as we got out rambling to each other about stuff (we're both talkers and full of questions/ideas/etc.  interesting combo, especially in a plane).
He shipped off and I got to practice my VOR skills and flew out to Louisa airport, a small, un-towered airport about 15min away in a plane.  Bret showed me where exactly the VOR station is so I spent some time circling it, pretty interesting little thing on the ground.  I also spent some time trying to read the GPS, so between the VOR, GPS, and dead-reckoning, I'm really learning how to get around in the sky.  VOR worked great, great flight, and despite some logistical problems at the second airport, it was an awesome flight.  Perfect approach and landing upon return, looks like I've got flying in/out of C'ville down pat!

Next up: more night flying.  Woo.  I need some more TO/L practice at night and then I'll be making a night cross country to Richmond Int'l.  Nerves are a little wrecked over this but it's with Tom, so I should be fine.  Should be interesting too...

I'm having a current problem with my sinuses/ears.  Allergies have been bad down here recently so I think my head is full, despite a lack of a runny nose.  It's making clearing my ears difficult and it's becoming painful, so hopefully sudafed will help, but if not, flying might end for awhile.  The last thing I need is a busted eardrum or even just a sinus headache.  Rats...

Pictures coming!!