Well today I made my first cross country of 290 some miles. It took me 2 hours and 55 minutes and boy was I tired when I got back. We left the field at three minute intervals. Four planes took off every three minutes - there were two cross countries and there were two squadrons for each trip so one guy would start out one way while the other guy would start out the opposite way which allowed for the four planes take off at a time. It was a solo ride and the three minute intervals was just enough so you couldn't see the guy in front of you. Before we left we picked out check points on a map and figured the time it would take to go between them. Then we figured the true course and corrected for the magnetic heading which we corrected to the compass course after we got in the plane. To get the true course you connect the points with a line and measure the angle on the map. To get the magnetic heading you sub or add the variation and then for the compass heading you add or sub the deviation from the magnetic heading. Well, anyhow, instead of me flying from check point to check point I flew my compass course and just noted the check point as I passed. I hit Madera right on the nose so I called in and got my landing instructions and set her down. They didn't even let us get out of the planes. We just taxied back and took off again. Well from Madera we went to Bakersfield which I also hit on the nose. But here instead of taxing back they had me shoot a follow through landing. You set it down and after the three wheels touch you give it the gun and take off again. Bakersfield is right on the edge of our practice area so it was nothing getting home from there. It was fun seeing the countryside but it was boring and tiring as hell. You just sat there and flew straight and level. Our night cross country is over the same route - that ought to be fun. Oh, in case you don't know or can't find Madera it's just N.W. of Fresno. Well I guess we'll go on our second cross country tomorrow. We were supposed to start night flying tonight but it was postponed until tomorrow. Well that's how it was and it was fun. Well it's time for bed so I'll close.

Love,
Rae