As I get close enough, I tell the attendant that I would like to get the airplanie filled with gas as soon as possible because I would like to get on up to Ekalaka, MT before dark. He tells me that it is doubtful that I will make the Montana border by night fall. He informs me that after the sun sets night fall comes quickly in the fall and winter months, and that it will probably be dark by about six or close thereafter.
The airplane is serviced. My bill fold is handy as he tells me the cost of the gas. I have the amount to the penny. During all of this, I have remained sitting in the airplane. Paying out the window. Sort of like being at a drive thru.
After I have paid, I ask if there is anything between the gas pit and the direction I'm pointed. I am going to start my take off at the gas pit. He looks at me funny and tells me, "It's all yours. Go for it!" I hollered out my thanks as he propped the plane. It started on the first try. I wave as I carefully line the plane up in a direction that is clear of any possible surface debris. I ease the throttle forward as Piper, continental, Champion and Lewis all come together in crescendo as the airplane begins it roll to the northeast.
In seconds the plane is airborne. About 15 degrees is the compass heading. Land marks are few and a shallow climb to get all the airspeed and ground speed available. I leveled off about fifty feet above the ground. A few minutes after leaving Gillette, the Powder River is under my left wing tip. I'm still in the short grass country. Occassionaly, I see deer or antelope and a few head of cattle scattered here and there. Flying so low I can see long shadows from the sage brush and can almost smell it as I near home. I suppose the attendant was right after all. It will be sun down long before I make the Wyoming Montana border. For sure, I won't make it on up to Ekalaka that day as it will be dark.
