Couldn't make it to the breakfast so my son and I opted for a quick trip over the hill to Bridgeport (O57) for lunch. 58 miles via GPS direct but it's straight up and straight down,,, sorta'. A few bumps headed east but nothing too bad. Wind was outta' the north so an approach from over town headed toward the lake was the order of the day. We tied down next to the only other plane on the ramp and made the quick 1/4 mile walk into town. It's been a few years since I had been to Bridgeport so I wasn't sure which place had the best burger. Guess what,,, I still don't know. We ate at pops and the food was so so. Checked out the lunkers on ice at Ken's market, including a 6lb rainbow wrestled from the lake at the end of runway 34. Back to the plane to find another plane had come in while we were in town. Three planes is getting a bit crowded so we departed 34 and climbed out over the lake to head back to Columbia. I have to relate the story that always comes to mind departing O57. My grandad, an avid fisherman was trolling and observed a cub that had just enough horsepower to climb outta' ground effect from the 6,500 foot elevation airport and clear the fence only to settle back down on the other side, into the lake. Of couse the cub wound up on it's back and the pilot was relieved when my grandad motored over and pulled him into his boat. I want to say it was back in the 50's but it's been awhile since I heard the story. Anyway, it always reminds me to verify density altitude when it gets hot there. Our climb out over the marine base and through Sonora pass was uneventful and although the wind had come up a bit, we only tested the shoulder harness's a couple of times.

I would really like to hear from anyone else about the best food at Bridgeport. There are 6 - 8 places all within walking distance. Keep in mind, fuel is only available during limited hours (100ll only) unless you want to pay the 20.00 fee for after hours. Also, no camping near the airport and it's high desert so if ya' want to spend the night I would suggest walking over to the Best Western. If you like to fish, you might want to check it out.

The first "official" backcountrypilot.org breakfast was at O57 earlier this year. Only a few of us showed, the lake was frozen over and covered in snow, but it was a beautiful day. We ate at...damn i can't remember. jmtgt??

z

Zane,

I'll bet the Cub driver my Grandad fished out of the lake wished it was frozen then...



Mark

Ok, this one deserved a bit o' research. I flew to O24 Lee Vining (see new post same forum) to visit my cousin. He has a couple of retail stores in Lee Vining as well as one in Bridgeport and Mammoth Lakes. According to him (he was once a chef) the best place in Bridgeport is the Burger Barn run by Lee and Cheryl McCoy. He also stated the place has a great breakfast and if you're really hungry ask for the Tom's Special (my cousin's creation) but he said to bring an appetite.

jmtgt wrote:So when are we going?

Next weekend I'm in Las Vegas but weather permitting I'm up for 11/5 or 11/6...