Just read the entire thing in a single whack, and can't add much to the other's comments other then....it was also pretty damn funny, Had me laughing out loud several times Zane! I especially like the info on the insulated toilet seat, the details make the story.

The shot of the Sportmens/GlasStar plane with the Cub style gear? The first thing I looked for was to see if it was faired, and sure enough it looked like it was, not just covered but covered and faired, cool. The drag hit for a plane that fast would be huge with bare gear legs. I flew recently with another S-7S for several hours (rare that I get to fly with others, much less the same type) and we pretty much decided that my 29" Airstreaks and Cub style gear, fully faired, seemed to present the same drag profile as his 8:00 tires with bare naked Cub style gear.

Now to watch the vid...

Great write-up of an awesome trip, Zane. I love the video too. I can't wait to make it up there myself someday.

I can't wait to get up there again. Thanks for making me lose focus for the next few days as I wonder why I'm not doing something like that this year.

Damn, Zane, you have a gift.
Watched the video, looking forward to reading the TR (I'm a dessert before dinner guy ). The stillness of the birds chirping with the plane on final was really something special.

You have a unique ability to create a certain mood with your music, images, and narration. Thanks for all your hard work, and for stepping out of the wonder long enough to document it for the rest of us. Hard to even put a value on that. I'm transported every time I watch one of your pieces. If I could think of any higher compliment, I would pay it.

Thank you, Darin. That means a lot.

Due to an ill family member I'm having to sit this summer out.... only the second summer since 1989 that I haven't been in Alaska... so I especially appreciate this as it allows me to live vicariously through you guys. Thanks for the report! I'm glad you guys had such a great trip and took the time to share it with us.

Happy Flying,
Keith

Awesome Zane! We are planning on making that trek and staying at May Creek next summer. Things like this really stoke the fire. Thanks!

Great TR & video, Zane!

So I watched the video and have been trying to read the TR but both Safari and Tapatalk keep shutting the page. I can barely get two sentences read. Anyone else having an issue?

Grassstrippilot wrote:So I watched the video and have been trying to read the TR but both Safari and Tapatalk keep shutting the page. I can barely get two sentences read. Anyone else having an issue?

You know Cory, I was just now (2:10pm PDT) experimenting with video autoplay, but I ended up removing it. You might give it another try now.

Thanks Zane. It might have been my crappy internet connection. I'm going to try it again and see if it works.

Got it read. Wow! Well done! I literally got chills of anticipation of our own trip to explore this same area. Great info too! Thanks!

I see the NPS strip info says Peavine and Jake's Bar are recommended for tailwheel only? What's your take on this? Or any of you other local guys.

I haven't been to Jakes bar, but Peavine is not horrible. There has been a 206 on big tires in there that I know of, and probably many others. For a tailwheel, I would recommend tires no smaller than 8.50, so whatever that means for a trike. The strip is well compacted, but rolling and uneven with a few fist or slightly bigger loose rocks.

Thanks. I'm running 800s on the mains and a 600 on the nose. The 800s do ok on rocky surfaces but I know the 850s have more give and clearance. Just making some notes for our trip next summer.

Fantastic job on a beautiful video

Thank you Zane!

Your writing style makes for a captivating and enjoyable read. The pictures that complimented the article were beyond breathtaking. We are all glad you took the equipment and effort to make us all very jealous of your epic adventure. This indeed is worthy of a magazine article of the highest honors.

The video... man, you just nailed it. What a treat to the viewer as the story line, music, and videography were second to none.

Again, thank you for taking the time to putting your time and heart into this one!

Grassstrippilot wrote:Thanks. I'm running 800s on the mains and a 600 on the nose. The 800s do ok on rocky surfaces but I know the 850s have more give and clearance. Just making some notes for our trip next summer.

Tricycles can get into both of those strips just fine, but I think I would want 850s on the mains and 800s on the nose for those two strips. Your setup should work just fine for May Creek, Dan Creek and many other strips out here. Don't know which Cessna you're flying, but the 182 doesn't have the strongest nose gear set up for rough terrain.

Nizina

Hey thanks for the info. I've got a 205 with the same weak spot. Beautiful playground you've got up there. I can't wait to bring my family up next year.

Grassstrippilot wrote:Hey thanks for the info. I've got a 205 with the same weak spot. Beautiful playground you've got up there. I can't wait to bring my family up next year.

The 205/206 has a tougher nose gear installation than the 182 in my opinion. Also, being attached to the engine mount, if you do bend something, you're replacing/repairing the engine mount, as opposed to replacing the firewall.

Properly flown, with some weight in the back a 205/206 will handle some pretty rough stuff, actually. Just keep the nose off as much as possible.

I too am an advocate of the Landes nose fork and 8.00 nose tire with 8.50 mains. I also highly recommend installing a small tail "skid" made from a cessna 140 or cub tail spring main leaf........ It takes some work to get a tail strike, but it can be done, and if you do, you can push the tail cone up into the rudder without some protection.


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