As the fly-in approached and it became obvious that there was going to be a good turn out, I told Dee that we'd need to leave Friday morning as opposed to that afternoon in order to get a decent camping spot. So, Friday morning we were up early and on our way...on time for once with the kids, which doesn't happen that often. Our normal ride was still in the shop for its engine swap, so we had to take the backup. While I missed the XM radio and STOL, I was just glad to have a backup to take.
We had a beautiful flight down the Wasatch front over SLC, past Spanish Fork, on over to Price, and then on down to the Moab area...just under 2 hours. As we got closer, we could hear a bunch of guys out flying around Gateway. We landed at Caveman and were able to grab a good spot on the north side of the lodge. By the time that we got on the ground, it was time to feed the kids so we had to take care of that in the lodge before setting up camp. We weren't 2 minutes into setting up camp when we learned that our little girl has an affection for not only playing in the dirt, but eating it was well. It was on the warm side that afternoon, so the rest of the day was spent taking walks with Adam, trying to keep Sadie out of the dirt, and watching Disney dvds up at Paula's. It was so good to catch up with everyone that was already there, including Rod, Hunter, and Paula.
Later that afternoon, we found out that Rod and Paula were putting on a dinner for us that night, which was totally unexpected but much appreciated. Talk about a feast! Pork ribs with huge medallions of meat, baked beans, corn, salad, and cake. It was so good! Paula even brought down to different kinds of jello salads for the kids...just to make sure that they had something that they liked. Talk about incredible hosts. Final plans for the poker run were put in play and, after a little socializing, it was off to bed.
The next morning, we did a quick breakfast in camp and headed out on the poker run. Blu and I decided to pair up for the first few strips since I hadn't been there and they were the three that he still needed cards from. So, we headed off for Happy Canyon. What a beautiful airplane to fly a loose formation with. Happy Canyon was very cool and I look forward to getting back there. Next was Angel Point and then Horseshoe Canyon. Horseshoe was pretty soft for my 6.00s, but we made it work with some horsepower from some friends. It got pretty busy as more and more planes came in. We were having a hard time finding the bag with the cards, thus the reason why the traffic was starting to back up. Some gusty winds and weather were moving in from the south, so once we were off, we headed back to Caveman to wait it out.
At Caveman, we waited for the weather to blow through and had lunch in the lodge again. Once the winds calmed down, everyone that was there started to launch for Mack Mesa for the BBQ. Thanks again to the guys at Mack for putting that on. More good food and company.
Back at Caveman, we all met up to open our cards about the time it was getting dark. By this point, we all had our cards except for the last card...which was the card for Caveman. We all took turns opening our envelopes. When it was all said and done, there was one person with a straight (Jack high I think), and two of us that were one card away from a straight: Wendy needed a 7 and I needed a 10. Wendy opened her last envelope and low and behold, she got a 7, which completed her Queen high straight. Now it was my turn. I never win anything and at that point chalked it up to having a good time "almost" winning. I needed a 10 and, as I opened the envelope and unfolded the card in the dim light, all I could see were a bunch of black dots. As I turned the card towards the light, I couldn't believe it when I saw the 10 of clubs, which completed my ace high straight! I think I am more excited about being featured on next years t-shirt than the $185 kitty, but the gas money sure was nice too. Actually, I think that a new camera is in order since I think I used up my luck and have no hope in winning the Drift at JC.
Returning to my tent later that night, I found my wife sitting outside of the tent with my little boy. He was running a high fever and she was trying to get him cooled down. We only had adult medicine with us, but I knew that a smaller dose could be given to him. I just didn't know how much. Her sister is an RN and we are always calling her for advice. Luckily, at this fly-in we had another nurse in our midst. Matt, make sure Katie knows how much we really appreciated her help that night. I personally think that she should be an permanent item in your survival kit!
The next morning we let Gary feed us some great pancakes and sausage before heading home. After a quick fuel stop in Huntington, we made it back home really quickly with a 150 mph groundspeed most of the way. It was so nice to meet more of BCP crowd and to catch up with those that we already knew. Thanks again Gary for getting this together, and thanks to the Caveman gang for once again being such great hosts. It was a great way to start off the flying season!
Here is a video of the fly-in. As usual, please excuse the excessive pics of the kids, but this is going to the grandparents too.
