Hello to everyone.
I am planning my fourth flying trip around the USA, leaving LA in a C172 G1000 around the 10th July for Oshkosh via a visit to NC, NY and PA. After Oshkosh I will be spending a week in Denver and Crawford CO, just west of the Rockies. From Crawford, (which is near Grand Junction), I was thinking of heading north to the Tetons and stopping to do some gliding at Driggs.
After this I have up to 9 days to visit and explore various airstrips and places in Montana and Idaho before heading to Crater Lake in OR and then back to LA by the 20th August.
I have been doing a bit of research on the net and there seems to be so many great places to visit.
I will be travelling alone, so the C172 will be adequate. I normally fly a Tripacer and 260 Comanche.
I am happy to camp out sometimes but would prefer to o/nite at airstrips where there are facilities nearby.
Don't mind staying at the same place for a few days and exploring nearby airstrips etc. We don't get to do much mountain flying here in Oz but I have flown to Alaska before from LA and have also been into Leadville in a C172.
If a few of you could help me with planning this leg of my trip it would be most appreciated. And don't forget to look me up if you decide to visit "downunder"
Regards,
Ojars

Since you've already been to Leadville in a 172, you already know how little performance you'll have. Don't take chances with the weather or density altitude--our Rockies are littered with aluminum from those who were complacent about it. Early day weather is usually better for going over the rocks--both cooler and less turbulent. Leaning properly can make all the difference in having enough power to go where you want to go, but nonetheless, don't put yourself in the position of trying to climb up over a pass--get your altitude first, then go over the pass. And always leave yourself an "out"--so that if you can't get there, you can turn around and go back.

Cary

Are you looking for a base around Crater Lake or will you just be flying by on your way south? Are you instrument rated?

At my age when I am in central Idaho I always stay at the Super-8. It is just across the road from the McCall airport. There is another one about 100 feet closer, but it is about 100 dollars more for fewer appliances. McCall is about as central to the majority of the Idaho strips as one can get.

Trim

When at the Tetons you'll have a great choice of nearby accomodations at Driggs, Alpine, and Afton, within walking distance. Things will be much more expensive at Jackson. West Yellowstone has a pilot campground with loaner bikes or rental cars, to see the park. Also possibly a good stop for you, right at the edge of the Frank Church Wildneress area:www.westforklodge.com

Thankyou to everyone who has responded and to the people who have also contacted me privately to offer advice about flying and places to stay in your part of the world. You guys have THE BEST country in the world to fly in !! .... and it's geared for aviation.

Great advice from Cary. Departing midday out of Leadville, da of 12,100', 1 POB and 3/4 tanks at 200'/min isn't exactly
exciting but manageable in that rather wide valley. I think I will stick to the well travelled and safer airstrips than risk
damaging a rented C172 ( and myself ) in some of those remote strips. I noticed that the Wx in the Rockies could be a little
unpredictable and change quite quickly during the day. I assume it would be similair in Montana and Idaho.
Cheers,
Ojars

Ojars wrote:Hello to everyone.
I am planning my fourth flying trip around the USA, leaving LA in a C172 G1000 around the 10th July for Oshkosh via a visit to NC, NY and PA. After Oshkosh I will be spending a week in Denver and Crawford CO, just west of the Rockies. From Crawford, (which is near Grand Junction), I was thinking of heading north to the Tetons and stopping to do some gliding at Driggs.
After this I have up to 9 days to visit and explore various airstrips and places in Montana and Idaho before heading to Crater Lake in OR and then back to LA by the 20th August.
I have been doing a bit of research on the net and there seems to be so many great places to visit.
I will be travelling alone, so the C172 will be adequate. I normally fly a Tripacer and 260 Comanche.
I am happy to camp out sometimes but would prefer to o/nite at airstrips where there are facilities nearby.
Don't mind staying at the same place for a few days and exploring nearby airstrips etc. We don't get to do much mountain flying here in Oz but I have flown to Alaska before from LA and have also been into Leadville in a C172.
If a few of you could help me with planning this leg of my trip it would be most appreciated. And don't forget to look me up if you decide to visit "downunder"
Regards,
Ojars

Ojars, that sounds like a wonderful trip. You have chosen great places. I have a vacation home 45 air minutes north of Crater Lake Oregon. It is 15 minutes from the Madras airport S33. I have a van there. It is a very nice place near the top of a hill with a spectacular view of the Cascade Mountains and Lake Billy Chinook. You are welcome to stay there if it fits your schedule. I'll even come by and play tour guide.

I would recommend seeing mountain strips in The Frank Church Wilderness of central Idaho. Johnson Creek has superb camping, hot showers, and wi fi. Make sure to do the hike up the hill to the hot tub. Our group here goes every year. It is not far from Driggs. While in Driggs get a car and drive to the town of Jackson for a look see. 30 miles Cool town.
I agree on the Super 8 across from the McCall Idaho airport. Walk down to the McCall water front, about 15 minutes. I have a lot more ideas that will come out later.

I am thinking you are going to start getting lots of offers from the guys here to stay at their homes. I have found our pilot group here an incredible bunch of guys! I have stayed at lots of homes with them, way better than motels!

PM any time about the house offer. I need a minimum notice of like 5 minutes, ha ha.

G'Day...Rob

Just a curious question. What company are you renting the 172 from in the LA area?

Since you plan to include soaring on you trip, you might consider stopping by Minden, NV on your way back down south. Minden is one of the world's great soaring Meccas with spectacular scenery, booming thermals, and a great crew at "SoaringNV", the local soaring FBO.

Disclaimer: I work part time towing for SoaringNV, filling in when it gets busy etc.

If you happen to get through north central Mn. I have a place to stay, a strip to land, and you can visit the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi river. It starts its flow nearly out my doorstep.
Keith

If soaring is your game surely you will want to stop by boulder, co. Your welcome to stay with me for a few nights as well. I will ask for reciprocation next time I'm in Melbourne of course.

'Greg

Say hi to the French's at Crawford. There is a lot to see in the area there, the soaring is phenomenal, and the Paonia/Cedaredge area is one of the best parts of the state.