Log Book:
As Bill turned the ship’s nose around, Gower began pulling his flying suit from the bag. His shoes and a small personal package were all he had in addition. Slim called for a boat from the tug and G. bade us adieu very quietly. I didn’t want him to go, but of course realized he was the only one to leave and a sacrifice of something was necessary to be able to get off. He is a dependable person, a true sport who appreciates a situation very quickly, and an excellent pilot. As soon as the little boat came from the tug with R. E. and G. P. P. aboard, Gower left us.
For the first time then I felt the Friendship really lighten on the water and knew the difference of a few pounds had made her a bird.
67 seconds to get off. We bank, swoop down and with gathering speed zoom over the tug. I hope the cameras [those on the tug] registered, for the ship looks beautiful in flight.
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All that was written in the first part of the journey after leaving Boston. It was less than an hour out when the next entry in the diary is recorded.
* * * *
Log Book:
I can see fifteen little fishing vessels. Probably they can’t see each other.
96 miles out (1 hour). 7:30. 2500 ft. Bill shows me on the map that we are near Cash’s Ledge. We cannot see anything (if there is anything to see), as the haze makes visibility poor. The sun is blinding in the cockpit and will be, for a couple of hours. Bill is crouching by the hatchway, taking sights.