I also met a very nice German couple that are the upper camp ground hosts at the hot springs, George and Ruanda, I think that that’s her name or at least close. I asked if there was anything that we could bring in for them, after some coaxing, they expressed interest in fresh vegetables and fruit; they insisted that they wanted to pay for them and explained that it is a three day journey to go shopping. So, if we want to make friends and here is an opportunity to do so.

172heavy wrote:I also met a very nice German couple that are the upper camp ground hosts at the hot springs, George and Ruanda, I think that that’s her name or at least close. I asked if there was anything that we could bring in for them, after some coaxing, they expressed interest in fresh vegetables and fruit; they insisted that they wanted to pay for them and explained that it is a three day journey to go shopping. So, if we want to make friends and here is an opportunity to do so.

I took buttermilk to Lee a couple of times. Do you know what kind of fruit they like? Will they over winter?

Thanks guys to everyone who busted their butts, kept on top of this, and busted up their vehicles getting in and out of this place.

Also thanks to the RAF.

Another strip is saved... for now. Thank you again.

172heavy wrote:I also met a very nice German couple that are the upper camp ground hosts at the hot springs, George and Ruanda, I think that that’s her name or at least close. I asked if there was anything that we could bring in for them, after some coaxing, they expressed interest in fresh vegetables and fruit; they insisted that they wanted to pay for them and explained that it is a three day journey to go shopping. So, if we want to make friends and here is an opportunity to do so.

Were they naked by chance

172heavy wrote:So, if we want to make friends and here is an opportunity to do so.

This comment, and Hammer's comments throughout this thread, should be taken very seriously. There is right now a GOLDEN window of opportunity for general aviation,a nd back country pilots/airplanes specifically, to be heroes and role models here. The scenario I psopose below is an every day occurrence in Alaska, and THAT, my friends, is why aviaiton is loved and protected in Alaska. Connect the dots.

Imagine this: Once or twice a week someone flies into this strip and asks Lee, or the park rangers, or the campers, or the visitors if there is anything that is needed. Bring the guy his buttermilk, or some medical supplies, or some drinking water. Bring the park rangers some aerial photographs of anything interesting they need to see (such as a meth lab trailer set up in a hidden canyon, or water damage on a road, or an abandoned vehicle, or evidence of illegal dumping, etc.).

NOW how quick would they be to close the strip, and have a zillion acre park become that much more isolated?

Offer help to any motorists or campers. Let them know that if they ever need a medevac, or tires, or repair parts brought in, a small airplane operating at THIS airstrip is the most affordable of all the "fast response" options. Thus, the Chicken Strip is something that can definitely save their life. How valuable would this strip be to them if they got hit by a Mojave Green and needed to get to a hospital? WE know that, but we need to make sure THEY know that. This is a PR job.

What needs to happen here IMHO is that the pilots and their airplanes need to become a free asset to the park, just like Lee is considered to be. We can be the Park Rangers', and/or Lee's eye in the sky. Free aerial surveillance from volunteer citizen pilots who pay for their own equipment to boot. Imagine how important we can make ourselves (100% legit and sincere BTW), as a no-cost asset to a cash-strapped and under-staffed NPS staff there?

Somebody make an arrangement with Lee or the NPS or the ranger to put up a small sign or posting at the hot springs letting the visitors know that the pilots using the airstrip for recreation are also willing to be volunteer emergency or urgent service providers just like any other "motorist" in the area. Also this poster or notice should remind everyone that an aircraft is the GREEN-est, most environmentally friendly access to the park, and results in the least disturbance, etc. as mentioned.

This is a huge opportunity IMHO for aviation to make itself as valuable a part of Saline and Death Valley as it is for the remote areas of AK. Opposite temperatures, but the same justification.

This forum has a place to post "needs". The problems occur during the winter if the roads are closed. In addition to parts, food etc. newspapers are popular.

http://www.salinepreservation.org/forum.htm

Quick update on status,

Just got back from wheeling in the Valley. Chicken Strip is still in good condition.
If anyone is going by vehicle the South Pass has minimal snow at the top of grapevine canyon, not an issue for 4WD.

A guy at the springs came in the North Pass via motorcycle and said the snow there is worse, he didn't crash but it made for quite the ride through.

Yesterday and Saturday the valley had almost no wind, seemed a perfect day for flying out there.

If you didn't please remember to post an update on Shortfield.com as well. If all goes well, I'll be down this weekend, camping on Saturday night at Chicken Strip...Friday night at Furnace. Anyone in the area, come on by!

The meeting with AKT didn't pan out so I stopped at Bishop for supplies. My little gas scooter made the trip to town easy.

Then after talking Maules with a Sonex pilot it was time for a splash of gas and off to The Chicken Strip. A little 10MPH tail wind made it interesting.

Walked over to the warm springs where I was greeted by naked old hippies. After a hour soak it was time to set up camp and have dinner.

It was a very warm night and no moon till around midnight, lots of stars before that.

I thought I was taking video but my Drift doesn't do the 16GB card, Damn

Drove out to the springs last weekend. Checked out the strip. It is in good condition but the windsock is a bit tattered. It was a great weekend out there.

OregonMaule wrote:The meeting with AKT didn't pan out so I stopped at Bishop for supplies. My little gas scooter made the trip to town easy.

Then after talking Maules with a Sonex pilot it was time for a splash of gas and off to The Chicken Strip. A little 10MPH tail wind made it interesting.

Walked over to the warm springs where I was greeted by naked old hippies. After a hour soak it was time to set up camp and have dinner.

It was a very warm night and no moon till around midnight, lots of stars before that.

I thought I was taking video but my Drift doesn't do the 16GB card, Damn

The best thing I see in the last picture is the JD and the Coke

Hey anybody that has room for a rake that is going up to CS here soon get a hold of me. Last time up I brought the hard rake with the broken handle back with me and replaced the handle. I need to get it out of my hangar I keep tripping over it.

Went via the land as usual weekend before Thanksgiving. Lots of people out there and more coming in. Not my type of thing when I go there. The strip looked good to go but I did not drive it.

I may be going again next weekend. Where is this rake that needs to end up at the Chicken Strip?

I had a weird idea. Does anyone know if a Republic Seabee could operate out of the Chicken Strip? I've seen lots of different types out there and a Seabee would be a very cool option if future funding would allow the purchase.

In my hangar

If I plan a trip to the springs I will contact you about the rake. I live in Orange County and can pick it up on the way out.

In other news-
Summary Report on the comments provided for the Saline Valley inquisition:

http://parkplanning.nps.gov/showFile...5FReport%2Epdf

Looks like a lot of aviation enthusiasts responded. I'm glad it got posted here and did get some attention.

ETAV8R wrote:If I plan a trip to the springs I will contact you about the rake. I live in Orange County and can pick it up on the way out.

In other news-
Summary Report on the comments provided for the Saline Valley inquisition:

http://parkplanning.nps.gov/showFile...5FReport%2Epdf

Looks like a lot of aviation enthusiasts responded. I'm glad it got posted here and did get some attention.

I plan on going there before spring

Pretty sure that is sarcasm...I too will visit the Springs before spring, many times before spring.