Unless you’ve been living under a rock in the land of the Haboob, you have no doubt followed the flight of the solar airplane across the Pacific. It was an amazing feat. One pilot in an unpressurized, unheated cabin for five days. Flying below 8,500 feet at a speed of about 54 km/hr.

Top speed of about 54 kilometers per hour. Ceiling of 8,500 feet. Low and slow. Photo from Pacific Business News
Today Max and I went to look at the plane at an open house held at Kalaeloa Airport,the landing site for the Solar Impulse 2. There was a good turnout to view a great series of displays and informative materials, chat with the pilot, back-up and flight crew and support personnel.

There was a very good turn out to view the plane and greet the people connected with the historic flight.
We were not sure if dogs would be allowed so we simply marched in with Max in his carrying bag (the pooch-pouch) as if we owned the place. Security looked askance but never challenged us so Max got to see the record breaking airplane up close and personal too. It was quite a plane.

Imagine 5 days flying solo in that little cabin. Sleep only for 20 minute intervals. The toilet built into the seat itself. No heat. No movement.
The wing span is as wide as a 747 jumbo but the aircraft weighs less than most cars. The materials used in the plane are so light it looks as if it is assembled as a child’s toy. The crammed cockpit must have strained the pilot’s endurance. Afterwards, it was off to the harbor area for some crab and artichoke dip, beer and stories. Then the dreaded bath.
Categories: Max's Stories
What an adventure for little Max! Give him an extra cuddle,from me ok?
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Extra hugs all around!
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Truly pawsome! Maybe you can give them the scoop on $1K toilets for the next trip so there’ll be a bit of comfort. 🙂
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Hey! That’s a great idea! I could have gotten the franchise for the next leg of the flight which goes to Phoenix. The pulsating massage water feature might have to be disabled though.
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What a great experience for you guys! Seeing where the pilot sat makes you think seats in coach aren’t so bad… Okay, no, they’re really bad but it could be worse.
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Still better seating than United. Food service was better, too.
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Get that thing here and it would go a lot faster in the Arizona sun in July.
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Ah yes, the eternal sunshine in the Land of the Haboob.
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Max, I see you took your human for a walk. Good to see the two of you together.
I’d love to see the solar plane. thanks for the photos.
Phyllis
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Max sort of likes crowds. He thinks the potential for cookies and treats increases with the number of humans.
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I see the something on walking trail.s Dogs and puppies always want attention and loving, even from strangers. I usually give it to them.
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Max is adorable! Who’s going to turn him away? Look at the patient look on his face as he waits for…beer.
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Sadly, Max has never developed a taste for the brewskis. When presented with beer he curls his upper lip and tries to avoid the stuff. It’s a major disappointment for me.
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Not to worry. I’ll take the little guy out and we will sip wine. He’s such a classy little one! 🙂
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He usually demands Chateau Petrus but has been known to settle for a Lafite-Rothschilds if of proper vintage.
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That ‘plane is stunning…you lucky devil to have had the chance to see it and talk to the people involved in the flight!
Who, even security, could turn Max away….I note he was using his ‘i’m a dear little chap aren’t I’ look instead of the death glare. I expect that came later, at bath time.
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After all the media coverage I just had to go to the hangar and lay the Mark 1 Eyeball on that airplane. It did not disappoint. I was particularly impressed at just how fragile the aircraft was. It reminded me of dragonflies with huge wingspans, delicate wings and the ability to float on the wind.
Max is an easy dog to smuggle in since he will happily settle into the pooch pouch and get whisked undetected past the unobservant. He’s quiet and good-natured so folks don’t object to his presence once he has been outted. His death glare is reserved for me and yes, it appeared at bath time, as usual.
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That’s what strutting in with confidence will do.
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Yup. Walked in like a Boss. Max showed off his Uptown Funk moves.
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Girls, hit your hallelujah.
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