The restorer and I got away from Ohio for a bit of slightly warmer weather in Florida.
Most of our time was spent with his family, but in true aviation fashion, that still meant time at the airport. One of his cousins flies, and we finally got to see his home airport, which also happens to be where another aviation friend keeps their airplane. Ironically, they’ve had hangars across the ramp from one another for quite some time and have yet to meet.
We had heard about Taco Tuesdays at Arcadia Airport (X06) from both of them, so we made a point to stop by.
It was everything a small airport gathering should be.
There was a Mexican food truck and a barbecue food truck set up for the evening, picnic tables scattered under the trees, and both grass and paved tie-downs filled with airplanes that had flown in for dinner. A guitar player and singer provided live music, adding just enough background to make the whole place feel like something out of another time.
Airplanes came and went while we were there, including a group from an aviation-themed high school in Lakeland that flew in with three Piper Cubs for lunch.
The ultimate “will fly for food” mission.
The restorer’s cousin mentioned that the local EAA chapter hosts pancake breakfasts there regularly through the cooler months. Living in Ohio, it took me a moment to process the idea of a “flying season” that doesn’t shut down for winter; it expands.
What struck me most was the ease of it all.
The trees, the swings, the picnic tables, and the steady hum of arrivals and departures created a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that only a small airport can offer. It’s a kind of charm that doesn’t need to try too hard.
Moments like that are a reminder that life happens while you’re making plans.
The time away was needed more than I realized.
The Gee Bee project at the restoration shop has been a labor of love for everyone involved. It’s required a level of focus and energy that has quietly shaped our days since last fall.
There is an end in sight, but getting there has taken more out of both of us than expected.
Stepping away, even briefly, gave me the chance to look at where we are now compared to where we thought we would be. Life rarely follows the path we imagine, and this season is no exception.
But it also reminded me why we do any of this in the first place.
During our time in Florida, we also spent a day near Sarasota visiting the first art museum the restorer remembers going to as a kid with his grandfather. This time, we were there with friends from the airport, enjoying sunshine, time near the water, and a different kind of inspiration.
It was a different pace.
A needed one.
We also reconnected with friends who recently made a big life change, moving from Ohio after more than 60 years in the same home. Before their move, we helped them sort through a lifetime of books. Some made their way into the library at the restoration shop, others into new homes.
The husband is a voracious reader, and their collection reflected a lifetime of curiosity.
Years ago, they rebuilt an Aeronca Chief together. While we were helping with the books, his wife shared memories of working on wing ribs during the day after the kids went to school, fitting in small pieces of progress before dinner and the rhythm of everyday life resumed.
It felt familiar.
Not because our situation is the same, but because the balance of life and long-term projects is something anyone working toward something meaningful understands.
You don’t do it all at once.
You do it in pieces.
The airport at Arcadia reminded me of another place we’ve been, a small airport in Mississippi that carries the same easygoing spirit. Places like that feel like stepping into another world, one where time slows down just enough to remind you what matters.
The people met along the way because of a shared passion become the reason for the journey.
Reconnecting with the fun side of general aviation was a much-needed reset.
For both of us.
And if I’m being honest, probably not the last one we’ll need.
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