In 1966, as teenagers, Rinker Buck and his brother, Kern, made a journey from the East Coast to the West Coast in a 1949 Piper PA-11. Rinker later wrote a fascinating memoir detailing this trip titled, Flight of Passage.
Fast-forward 48 years: the same Cub now owned and fully restored by Chris Nesin again traveled across the United States, retracing the flight. The trip began from Sentimental Journey in Lock Haven, Pa. at the beloved annual gathering of Cub enthusiasts on June 22, 2014, and concluded June 30 in Riverside, Calif. This time the trip was flown by Nesin and his wife, April.
The Nesins enjoyed the flight, making many stops along the way, including a number in the Midwest. The projected flight path included stops in Columbus, Dayton, and Harrison, Ohio; Vevay, Hanover, and Tell City, Indiana; Metropolis, Illinois; and Sikeston and Hayti, Missouri. To retrace their journey, go to www.flightofpassage.com.
The Nesins’ journey also helped raise awareness for the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer, working to restore the spirit of children and families dealing with the effects of pediatric cancer (www.hatcherfoundation.org).
To support the efforts of pediatric cancer awareness and research, contact Dana Osmanski at 608-235-9696 or email danaosmanski@gmail.com.