Beautiful pictures Alex.

You should be ashamed of yourself, posting all these crystal-clear amazing landscape captures.

Thanks for the compliment but I think they look slightly more clear here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/30167366@N03/

I’ve been pretty much a lurker the last four years here at BCP. In that time, starting at 60 years old, and a zero time pilot, I had the opportunity to build a Highlander with my Son in Law, and earn my PPL. This week I realized how lucky I really am when I was able to take my youngest daughter on her first flight here Central Oregon.



Crater Lake



Beaver Marsh

Flying up the Bitterroot Valley

Better shot of flying up the Bitterroot Valley the other day...

Fish Lake needs a few more months unless you have ski's!



The Selway is beautiful any time of year!

Still messing with the gopro footage, but did some slow flight and short field take off and landings today at Monterey and Marina. Couldn't get the plane until 1500, and clouds were moving in pretty quickly, so didn't get as much flying as I'd hoped.

Not nearly as exciting as the incredible pics and scenery that ya'll post, but a good time nonetheless.

TW instructor out of town, so didn't get any TW time. The old Cessna 172 seems a bit underwhelming compared to the 7KCAB.

Jim 541 wrote:I’ve been pretty much a lurker the last four years here at BCP. In that time, starting at 60 years old, and a zero time pilot, I had the opportunity to build a Highlander with my Son in Law, and earn my PPL. This week I realized how lucky I really am when I was able to take my youngest daughter on her first flight here Central Oregon.



Crater Lake



Beaver Marsh

Great looking photographs! I know the area and really enjoy seeing it again.

Jim 541 wrote:I’ve been pretty much a lurker the last four years here at BCP. In that time, starting at 60 years old, and a zero time pilot, I had the opportunity to build a Highlander with my Son in Law, and earn my PPL. This week I realized how lucky I really am when I was able to take my youngest daughter on her first flight here Central Oregon.

Jim, terrific photos and that is a beautiful Highlander. Congratulations on your success over the last 4 years and also on sharing it with family so well. I certainly look forward to more trip reports of your adventures in the highlander.

Brett

My two favorite backcountry transport units ready to launch a beautiful western Montana day!

Johnson Creek is cold but pretty much clear of snow. Last person to sign the guest book said there was enough snow for skis. Certainly wasn't the case on Sunday.

Awesome, Swindler!

Saw several guys on FB landing the Middle Fork strips over the weekend too. Looks like an early start to the season!

DBI wrote:My two favorite backcountry transport units ready to launch a beautiful western Montana day!

Nice FZJ80. I currently own a 94 look alike (w/factory lockers).

Hi Matt-

Yep mine is a 94 FZJ- 80 w/ factory lockers and 136k miles. I am flying a 55 y/o airplane and my primary vehicle is a 21 y/o SUV. I don't think I will ever sell either. Getting ready to call Slee up and hang some "boy jewelry" on the cruiser next month. Stop the madness!!!!!!!!

Drop me a line if you get up to Stevensville.

Fly Safe

It just struck me....most of the members here have something in common...besides airplanes. We know things don't wear out...other people just get tired of fixing them...

Count me as one of those who get tired of fixing cars. I bought a new SUV a couple years ago and plan on replacing it when it starts losing it's sparkle-- probably about the time the warranty runs out. And I sold my bought-new 1989 Toyota 4wd pickup last year, got tired of it nickel-and-diming me to death.

My 53 180 is a keeper though. Keeping it in tip-top shape is a labor of love, as was the case with the last two airplanes- 48 170 & 64 150TD. But to me, a car is just a means of transportation.

m_moyle wrote:It just struck me....most of the members here have something in common...besides airplanes. We know things don't wear out...other people just get tired of fixing them...

I agree.

My DD is an 85 4Runner.

My wife pointed out to me that it seems like most pilots have nice airplanes and clapped out cars. I can't say I'm any different, I drive a tired '98 dodge diesel with 300,000 miles on it!

Jeredp wrote:My wife pointed out to me that it seems like most pilots have nice airplanes and clapped out cars. I can't say I'm any different, I drive a tired '98 dodge diesel with 300,000 miles on it!

Heh - I'm still pushing a 2001 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Duramax Crew Cab Long Bed out the door every day. I love that truck! 200,000+ miles and still kicking!

Wish I could've found a Duramax for my diesel to turbo diesel upgrade. Hope the optimax 6.5ltr with air to air ...300 hp....lasts longer than the AM General original gutless wonder power plant.
Pic of the 57 Chevy ..