iceman wrote: And I have it on good authority that you just don't go to JC for the reservation...

Whatever you do, don't share that information with the group, that would be far too helpful.

You can't reserve airports, only group camping areas. You can register with the Idaho Division of Aeronautics to get on their calendar of events also.

Cast your vote. When it starts to become clear for the date and place we can proceed.

I vote for June any date Smiley Creek
Alternate Johnson Creek

I suppose I'm game for anywhere as long as it is not on the weekend of June 28.

Remember the Big Creek lodge is no more, it burned down late last fall. I don't even know if the Friendly Forest Service will let anyone rebuild. So I don't know what will happen there.

I'm with Rob...Smiley Creek may be more appealing to those who feel uncomfortable in canyons....they used to have a big turnout over father's day so that might not be a good weekend...or would be depending on how you look at it...always recruiting possibilities....there is a week in there where those fckn little black knats almost make it hard to breath...they don't bite though

it's 76 miles s of jc as i remember so it would only add 40 minutes each way to the northern more stips...and 20 minutes to Sulphur Creek...if they are going to be open...

the restaurant is a nice option

Butch...have you fished Bruce Meadows???

I would vote for JC because I think it would be hard to beat. I really like Smiley, Garden Valley, and Cavanaugh Bay but I think these places might get a little overwhelmed with the crowd. Third or fourth weekend in June. First and second weekends I have commitments.
If a site is agreed on, I will make every effort to attend.
HC

Did we all not have a great time at Johnson Creek last summer?

I agree with Iceman. I do not think there is a better place than Johnson Creek for a large turnout, I hope it is large.

It is centrally located for day flights to other great places. That is why the other groups use Johnson Creek year after year.

We are talking about a base camp. It is one of the easiest places for our less experienced backcountry pilots.

It also has amenities for those of us who bring women. For those who do not like women, you may want to go elsewhere.

I vote for Johnson Creek in late June.

flyer

I don't know where you reserve the group area. If I did I would tell you but I know it is in Boise and that's all I know. I have fished Bruce meadows and caught a bunch of 8 to 10 inch trout... No big ones but I got tired of seeing 2 and 3 foot salmon swim past my feet in the 3 foot deep water. on their way upstream Of course they don't take flies and all they have on their mind is getting to the place they were born. Cavanaugh bay would be a good fly in destination. Camp or stay in the hotel. Cook on a camp fire or go to the restaurant. ANd it is a relative easy one to land at for those who are new to BC flying. Forget Atlanta.. Pretty Rocky and it's an uphill landing with not much amenities. and the fishing is pretty poor. Garden Valley is nice but the camping area is rather small for a large group. Lots of room to park planes but only two small camping areas , no showers and no fire rings. Once again, you cannot beat or get better than JC...Stay as easy as you can for the base camp.. Remember last year we even had a misshap at JC although that was a rather mind boggling approach by him...THat way people can stay at JC and Veg if they are apprehensive about the more challenging strips, or go out for day trips like I do to fish or breakfast or whatever. In Any case hanging at JC is a lot better than driving on a freeway in San Diego or LA...I usually fly out every day somewhere and save the veging at JC for the days it gets rainy or shitty weather...Oh and one more thing.... Smiley is flat and there are no trees and it is long... But remember it is at 7000 ft altitude.. Something to think about with all that camping gear, but then you can fly at 20 ft above the ground for 20 miles before you have to climb... those are my thoughts. If I think of anything else that may help I'll add it...

For what it's worth,

I vote for JC. My wife might want to come. It is about 1,300 miles from home so we would set aside 8 or 10 days. There is some good hiking nearby, nice location. I would enjoy meeting the guys that post here and following you more experienced backcountry guys to some of the other strips.

I am retired. Can be there anytime. Was there with my son the second week of June, 2008. We were the only ones there for 3 days. Had a great time. Got an 8 inch snow and was stuck there for one extra day.

Bob

You guys might want to double check on Cavanaugh Bay. This last rudder flutter issue said something about it being closed next year due to new grass being planted. I'm not positive about it, and i already got rid of my issue, so it might take some checking.

I thoght C Bay was closed down this last fall for repair and grass. A call to Idaho Dept of Air should answer any questions.
HC

Student BCP wrote:You guys might want to double check on Cavanaugh Bay. This last rudder flutter issue said something about it being closed next year due to new grass being planted. I'm not positive about it, and i already got rid of my issue, so it might take some checking.

The article said that the strip will be inspected next spring , in May or early June and then determine when the strip will re-open.

Here's my top 3.

1. Smiley Creek
2. JC
3. Warm Springs??

The only week end I might be able to make it would be June 20-21.

warm springs is a fun go to strip. Camping is a bit on the rough side though and I don't remember if there's water available at the strip but a walk down to the drive in campground is long just to get water . THe hot tub shack is a great soak though...There's gold in the creek. One year I was there and a guy was dredging with a small dredge....

We vote for JC, beginning of June, Cavanaugh Bay for back-up, but it is currently closed for runway restoration. Once a decision is made as to where and when, someone needs to call ID Aeronautics to let them know that we are on for place, time and number of planes expected. That way, we don't end up with 2 groups on one weekend. Didn't we have 69-74 planes at JC last year?

Looking forward to seeing everybody again.

Some how on June 6th I got talked into doing a STOL demonstration at the local airshow.... I would love to make this years fly-in, I've never been to one yet..... Joe Dory

How about we vote for location and date? Could someone set up one of those voting things?

flyer

joecub wrote:Some how on June 6th I got talked into doing a STOL demonstration at the local airshow.... I would love to make this years fly-in, I've never been to one yet..... Joe Dory

Where is the airshow...I'd love to watch your STOL demo.

whee wrote:

joecub wrote:Some how on June 6th I got talked into doing a STOL demonstration at the local airshow.... I would love to make this years fly-in, I've never been to one yet..... Joe Dory

Where is the airshow...I'd love to watch your STOL demo.

I think at Caldwell.

flyer wrote:How about we vote for location and date? Could someone set up one of those voting things?

flyer

Good idea!
I don't know how to do it.
HC