Page 10 - Will my little airplane traverse those mountains???

     Landing at Lucin, Utah, it would be an experience landing on the salt flats. I had a five gallon can of gas and would have to fuel the plane myself and crank it ( carefully, remembering my experience in San Mateo ).
     The airplane refueled and cranked, I'm on my way to Ogdon, Utah. I had barely taken off when I would see a railroad section house on the flats of the west side of Salt Lake. I would see a girl walking to an out door toilet. I circled and circled around the toilet till the girl came out and waved. Then, again, I was back on course following the railroad track across the Salt Lake. I see a train in front of me, so lonesome to see people and create a little excitement, I flew close to the passenger train and would wave at the passengers on the train as I flew  by.
     The Salt Lake is a sight to see as Odgon looms in the distant east. There is a mountain range east of Ogdon. All of this is new to me. Will my little airplane traverse those mountains???
     Landing at Odgon was quite routine. I was able to have a good nights rest, but in the morning, I stare at this awesome ridge of mountains that are between me and my next stop, Fort Bridger, Wyoming.
     Landing at Fort Bridger would be a new experience for me. No one taught me anything about mountain flying or aircraft performance in the mountains.
     I was on a flight plan from Ogdon to Fort Bridger. Before I had taken off from Odgon I asked one of the attendants at the airport about how I would negotiate crossing the mountain range in front of me on the way up to Fort Bridger. The attendant told me to head the plane for a letter that was on the side of the mountain and on my flight path and the up drafts from the winds off the Salt Lake would give me a boost up over the mountain range.
     I depart and headed into the mountain range and there is the letter on the mountain side. I head for it as all the sudden the airplane is climbing at a rate that I could not believe. All the sudden, I have extra power and the climb is exhilarating!