Nearly tied for farthest I've flown so far today I flew from Appleton, WI (KATW) to Prairie du Chien, WI (KPDC). It was very hazy out from fire smoke so going IFR was a good idea in my opinion. Ended up doing a GPS approach which has the great benefit of lining me up to land with no issues.
The terrain around the airport was neat with various glacial features, hills, valleys, and stuff a flat lander like me usually doesn't see. There was a courtesy car available at the airport for use and so my partner, child, and I went to Pete's Hamburger stand. It had a long line and people raving about the burgers and after waiting for quite a long time we got some burgers. I'd say the burgers were pretty good but perhaps not worth the hype people were giving them as they were unseasoned burgers. Mine had caramelized onions all over it which was a good choice.
I wasn't sure how the haze would be for the return trip and I filed IFR and went to fuel the aircraft for the return route. Another kid showed up about my kids age and they became instant best friends so when I got back they were all over the place having a blast. Despite this I managed to convince him that it was time to leave, picked up our clearance on the phone, and departed IFR back. The visibility was better heading back so it probably wasn't strictly needed but I did time a descent I was given at pilot's discretion so I'd go through a cloud. Got that 0.05 actual!
My kid fell asleep pretty soon after we departed and just snuggled on my partner for the flight back. It was smooth going both ways and it was a perfect Saturday activity.
Also I saw that pink plane and I'm low-key kinda jealous.
