As I rounded the corner into Garden Valley, I was dissapointed… lots of fog on the ground and I thought the airstrip may be fogged in for a while since it is close to the river. Fortunately, a mile later the fog was gone and I could make out the strip in the distance.
Time for my first non-hard surface landing. Worked out just fine. I got out and tied down the Tri-Pacer and patted her on the nose. I think it looks at home here in the mountains and a nice grass strip.
20130615_071104 by scottf, on Flickr
I then met up with an experienced backcountry pilot, Wayne, and his wife Linda. After I bought my Tri-Pacer, my aunt gave me his contact info a few weeks ago and through our coversations I was invited to tag along on their way up to Big Creek for a breakfast fly-in which of course I could not pass up. Wayne gave me a quick tour of the Garden Valley facilities, then it was off in his beautiful polished Cessna 180 to Big Creek for breakfast.
20130615_071031 by scottf, on Flickr
We followed various canyons, flying over numerous high mountain lakes, passing still-snow-covered peaks a few hundred yards off the right wing. About 55 minutes later we were landing at Big Creek and parked among about 20 other planes that were already there.
20130615_095105 by scottf, on Flickr
A handsome Cessna 195. You don’t see many of these around.
20130615_095824 by scottf, on Flickr
After meeting a bunch of people and drinking some coffee, we grabbed some breakfast and ate outdoors where the lodge once stood The lodge unfortunately burned down in 2008 and there is an effort underway to raise enough funding to build a new lodge. I can see why as it is an amazing spot. Another 20+ planes circled and landed in search of breakfast as we were finishing our meal.
20130615_083010 by scottf, on Flickr
20130615_092755 by scottf, on Flickr
After breakfast and visiting, it was time to head out. We slowly headed back to the airplane and took off, enjoying the scenery all way back to Garden Valley.
20130615_101949 by scottf, on Flickr
I realized it is weird to photograph under a mirror-like polished wing. This was a small mountain lake we passed by.
20130615_101852 by scottf, on Flickr
And finally we made it back to Garden Valley where I found the Tripacer waiting patiently for me, and we set off for home. A great way to start the day!
20130615_071043 by scottf, on Flickr
