PandA Povenmire & Associates Aviation Safety Consultants Training Design, Evaluation and Instruction

Both Sides Now

By Joni Mitchell (additional words King Povenmire) 
If Joni had been a glider pilot this song might have sounded like this.

Bows and flow of angel hair, and ice cream castles in the air
and faded canyons everywhere.  I've looked at clouds that way.
But now they mark the thermal's rise.  They lead the way to higher skies,
Up where the golden eagle flies - and I'll be there today. 

I've looked at clouds from both sides now,  from up and down and still somehow
It's cloud's illusions I recall.  I really don't know clouds - at all. 

The cold gray ceiling 'cross the sky that holds down every dream to fly.
It will get better bye and bye.  There'll be a brighter day.
But days and days drag on and on.  The rain is good for my front lawn.
That's how it is in Ore-GONE*.  The clouds get in the way.
          * I know, we in OR pronounce it Or'-y-gun - but it doesn't rhime.

I've looked clouds from both sides now,  from underneath  . . .  

Fair weather cu'es at seven thou' And cloudstreets to Yreka now.
I could make Salem anyhow - A silver distance day.
But all my friends are acting strange.  There's lennies on the Cascades range.
And Boggs is 280 and change.*  There's none like him today.
          * Oregon altitude record for gliders is 28,600 ft msl by Gary Boggs.

I've looked clouds from both sides now,   from win and lose . . .

Gary Boggs gaining altitude at 80 kts