In May of 2003 -- about a month after I got my private pilot's license, I took at solo trip in N3421E to CMX and Michigan Tech University in Houghton, Michigan.

I should have written a trip report at the time, but I didn't. Now I'm trying to remember. The weather was good, nice and clear VFR for both the trip up and back -- the day in between, when I gave my talks, was rainy. I flew V9 MSN-OSH-GRB-IMT-CMX in order to avoid the Big Bear MOA that is right over the UP on the Wisconsin border. I do remember that from IMT to CMX was very beautiful forest, but also very desolate. I more or less flew the airway (but I think I was a bit off the center-line), and cut the corner over Keweenaw Bay.

On the way up, I had flight following, and was impressed with all the commuter airline traffic into small airports along Lake Michigan and the UP. A commuter landed at CMX ahead of me. No one paid any attention to me at all when I landed -- I had to find a place to park, and then find the office to let them know I was there, wanted fuel, and intended to park it for a few nights.

The flight back was uneventful. Which is as it should be -- at the time, it was a very big trip for me.