As always, we had a great time at Mack. Thanks to Steve, Lexi, Ladd, and Rob for putting on a hell of a party. I look forward to this one every year.
Unfortunately, the Wx kept a lot of people away, but the hearty souls who did show up were a bunch of really good eggs. BTV came up from Texas, Pops from Nevada, Rezrider from New Mexico, Mountain Matt and Soy came over from the front range, Blu was there with his new SuperSTOL, and numerous other good folks showed up as well. Here's a little trip report of the goings-on.
Leaving Wyoming, the clouds looked a little ominous, but it was going to take more than that to keep me from getting to fly the SQ in the backcountry all weekend!
Hanging out with Pops made it worth the trip, even if we had ended up stuck inside the whole time.
Friday started cloudy, but shaped up beautifully.
We used the opportunity to go do some playing in Utah.
Mineral Canyon had a muddy spot in the middle of the strip, but we were able to land and taxi around it.
We didn't have any fun at all...
Next we headed over to Mexican Mountain. Anybody traveling near Green River, UT needs to make sure and put this one on your list. Spectacular!
Pizza in Fruita Friday night, followed by tunes around the campfire provided by Pops and Soy. Doesn't get much better than that.
Saturday started cloudy, but cleared for the spot landing contest.
We also enjoyed the occasional fly-by.
Next we headed out for the poker run. Flew with a fun crew of guys to Dolores, Hubbard, and Steamboat.
Three of my favorite guys to be with in the backcountry.
Dolores was in beautiful shape.
A happy, motley crew.
A happy idiot with his borrowed toy.
Soy at Dolores.
Hubbard was next.
It's as pretty at one end as it is at the other.
Steamboat was next, with some great views.
BBQ dinner when we got back, then we set to work building a small little campfire.
We had entertainment of the percussive variety, with bowling balls flying approximately 1 mile. With the right bowling ball, this guy has cut a railroad tie in half at a half mile!!!
We also had great tunes, and the band played late into the night.
Some adult beverages were consumed, but everybody survived the night...more or less.
Here's a cool river confluence I saw on the way home. The small tributary coming into the main current is enough to turn the entire Green River completely muddy from that point down!
I captured more than 60 GB of video for the weekend, and still managed to miss some of the very best shots! Stay tuned for a video at some point.
Another great fly-in in the books. Thanks again to all who put it on, and to all who showed up and made it so special.
