I’m the kind of person who gets attached. I’m loyal to people and things that are good to me. One of those is the Legend Cub, the little yellow airplane that started flying in Stuart in 2013.
As she began to fly over the St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon helping spot destruction from Lake Okeechobee discharges, she came to be known by those who saw her from the ground as the “River Warrior.” Over time, she became known far and wide to pilots, guests, reporters, home-owners, boaters, beach-goers, and children. She flew over multiple river rallies tipping wings side-to-side “waving” inspiring thousands of people.
She inspired me too.
When I was too afraid to get up in the air with my husband, it was she who gave me wings. I trusted her to help me tell our River Story and she did. She discovered algae water pouring through S-80 and the gigantic algae blooms documented in Lake Okeechobee…
Looking back on the thousands of photos Ed and I took from her open cockpit, these photos starting with the Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments, were shared and published~during that changing “Lost Summer,” of 2013, and then 2016, and now, 2018.
The River Warrior’s distinctive yellow strutted aerials have been instrumental in gaining statewide and national attention of the government sponsored destruction of our St Lucie River. The little plane gave us our first look from above and she woke us to action, yes, she did.
~Never a stutter and always with a singing engine she flew…
Since 2013, there have been more “Lost Summers,” now complete with disappeared seagrasses, and toxic blue-green algae to boot. She has seen it all. And today, there are now a total of five Cubs in Martin and Lee Counties. Indeed, being so cute and reliable, she stared a trend.
Nonetheless, next week, she is being sold and replaced with a “better” model. For me, there is no better model. She has changed the game; she gave me confidence to fly when I had none; she shall be missed and remembered forever. So if you see her this final week please wave “goodbye” and wish her well.
Farewell and thank you River Warrior plane. May your next adventure be as touching to those around you, as you have been to me. You are, and alway will be, the soul and heart of our river movement legend.
Love,
Jacqui
Photos from 2013
One of many algae blooms on Lake O:
One of many river rallies:
Awe…..precious Can’t wait to see new plane!
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Love to you may River Warrior friend now elected official! 🙂
Awesome pics…I think you meant it to say Farewell….I’m sure the context of blog makes that clear but I’m such a stickler about spelling and grammar…ask my girls. LOL! Keep up the great work educating us here in MC! Thanks Caryn and Willow
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Yes what a goofball. Saw it 20 times and then realized I pushed to button with wrong word in title. A bit emotional today! Thank you Caryn
I totally get it. You and Ed are forever connected to everything you do. The history of this struggle will not forgotten due in large part to your pictures. Thank you!
Thank yo Erza my dear dear friend.
Always enjoy the awesome pics Jacqui & Ed! You never forget your first experience in a GA airplane, especially if it’s a Cub. Look forward to seeing the new plane when she arrives.
Thank you Shaun. Me too although it might take me a bit to warm up. 🙂
Sweet story and memories to last a lifetime!
Thank you so much Janet!
So sad to say good by to the River Warrior. I am sure she will go to a deserving home. We thank you all for efforts and keeping us all informed on conditions of our Rivers. We look forward to your new akdventures from the sky… Marsha and Bob Mark
Many many thanks. Yes new and hopefully cleaner adventures!
Thank you to both you and Ed. And your yellow plane. The documentation from the air has been a major difference in the clean water fight. Your photos have been a loud voice for our waters. Thank you. Solidarity ya’ll!
So appreciate you Mike.
Blessings to you, your husband , and the plane , a living tool . Ed Jeffrey
On Sat, Jul 28, 2018 at 10:24 AM, Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch wrote:
> Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch posted: ” I’m the kind of person who gets > attached. I’m loyal to people and things that are good to me. One of those > is the Legend Cub, the little yellow airplane that started flying in Stuart > in 2013. As she began to fly over the St Lucie River/Indian River” >
Thank you!