October 27, 2003 Day 12 Cranes Reach Indiana Top: Launch. Bottom: Brooke leading #303. Photos OM/WCEP. Today the young cranes reached Benton County, Indiana! They flew 43.2 miles--for a grand total of 285.5 miles gone. All sixteen birds launched with Richard van Heuvelen's ultralight this morning at 6:58 central time. Minutes later, two cranes dropped back. Not to worry; Brooke moved in to lend them a wing, and the two (including #303) flew with Brooke the whole way. One hour and 8 minutes later they landed in the formation they held throughout the flight: fourteen off Richard's right wingtip, and two off Brooke's right wingtip. Go cranes! Last Fall This Fall Map the Migration Make your own map using the latest migration data Try This! Journaling Question Pilot Joe Duff, keeping an eye out for any dropouts, had only the camera to keep him company today. He said it seems to be much colder up there when you don't have any birds to keep your thoughts on. Why is it colder at high altitudes, which are closer to the sun? Journey North is pleased to feature this educational adventure made possible by the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP). Copyright 2003-2004 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form