Private rating in 1968, Commercial Land and Sea in 1969. Bush Pilot in Alaska for 3 years in Super Cubs, Cessna 180s and 185s (floats and wheels). Later was a Parachute Jumper Pilot for a couple of years. Became a LEO fixed wing pilot for 10 years. Also along the way became a commercial glider pilot and commercial tow plane-glider pilot. I have owned a Piper PA 12, a Piper PA 18, a 1957 Cessna 180 and then a 1976 Cessna 180 which I owned and flew for 22 years. I have landed on a beach off of the Atlantic, the Pacific, the Gulf of Mexico, Prince William Sound and the Gulf of California. One of my fondest memories was of soaring in the same thermal with a Bald Eagle. When I eased up on his '6' he looked me over and then pealed off out of the thermal. I sold my last 180 in 1997 and quit flying. I missed it sorely for the first year, but now I just look up and see what just flew over then I am back to shooting. .......... Big Cholla