Finally, July was here. In a few weeks I could say goodby to work for three whole weeks and make final preparations for our camping trip to peaceful Cavanaugh Bay Airstrip in northern Idaho, (with a couple a local flyin's thrown in.) My wife and I frame our trip to Cavanaugh Bay between the Concrete WA flyin, and the Orcas Island "Eastsound" flyin a week later. But the trip to Cavanaugh is what I really anticipate.

I am still a relatively "green" aviator, and my ride (a 150HP Cessna 172K) is not your typical bush plane, so Cavanaugh Bay is the perfect setting if you want to experience grass fields that are kinda back woodsy, but aren't ready to tackle the high terrain bushwacker stuff quite yet. Cavanaugh is 2484 MSL with a 3100 ft grass strip that usually favors a departure over low tree's and down hill. No complaints at all from my 172.

As we got ready to leave for the Concrete flyin on Friday afternoon, of course we already had the three weeks of steady high pressure sunshine that left me growling "this cant last...its already two weeks more that we usually get in a stretch". Sure enough, the weather was starting to do weird things right off the bat. It was a smooth ride up to Concrete, but as I made my decent I was surprised to find myself going a bit sideways as I got close in. Turning into my base leg I noticed the tree's around the airport swinging back and forth vigorously. "Oh man, I'm gonna have to actually muster up some technique in this landing."

I found out later the Skyhawk 10 minutes before me went around three times before he made it work. Anyway. we made it in the first time, but not after the second flare from the buffeting. Very unusual for Concrete this time of year. Very fun old fashion flyin and I highly recommend it for anyone. Don't forget to inspect the collection of museum quality aircraft that Harold Hansen has stored in his hangers at Concrete. He usually is there on weekends and loves to show people around. (more on that in a later post).

We were going to leave for Cavanaugh Bay early Sunday, however it appeared some weather was blowing in Saturday evening so we hastily packed up the Skyhawk and were off around 4:00 PM heading east. My decision was the right one as we had smooth air over the mountains with the sun at our backs (A marine layer crept into western WA the following AM).

As we climbed out over Darrington with a track that would take us over Lake Wenatchee and into Chelan (to clear the TFR for fires), I marveled again at the magnificance of the Cascade range in good weather from the perspective of a small plane that wasn't at 30,000ft. There's no more scenic mountains in the world when you get right into them. As beautiful as they are, there is still a sense of relief putting them behind us as as the rolling hills of eastern WA loomed ahead. A few more options in the event of an emergency.

A stop in Colville for some gas, a few more ridges to clear and we are descending into the Priest Lake basin and setting up for a landing at Cavanaugh. I Don't know, but there is just something about it. Descending into the early evening glassy smooth air over a gorgeous northern Idaho lake surrounded by tree covered mountains, turning into final over the water with a green grass strip looming ahead with a few light planes with tents set up around them coming into view. Does it get any better?

As we back taxied to the camping area I noticed the caretaker Alan riding on his ATV. He usually has his "hand held" with him.

"Do you need a place to camp?" My radio crackled. "I think we can fit you in right over here".

Just to let you know, this place caters to flyin campers. Alan will make sure you are all set up with a spot and fill you in on anything you need to know about the area. You can camp under your wing or choose to use the camp spots nearby in the wooded area with fire pits and tables, etc. We usually camp by the plane however there is cold air that often comes in at night and lays just on the ground. A few feet above the ground the temperature is 10 degree's warmer. (I just snuggle up.)

Some of you die hard back woodsy types may sneer at this, but there are real flush toilets and a hot shower to use, just for flyin campers. Alan puts on a hot pot of coffee early every morning to boot. Did I miss anything? Does it get better? Oh yea....There is a car available to use for 5 bucks. If its there, you can have it.

When we go in late July, the lake water is great for swimming and the small lakeside resort has great food when you get tired of the camp food. Even though there is a old fashion lakeside resort right at the edge of the lake the airport and camping area is situated in such a way that you are completely isolated from the resort when at the airport grounds. Stay as long as you like. There is no charge for camping, however there is a donation box there for when the guilt gets to you while your enjoying your 5th hot shower and 14th cup of coffee.

The strip has a mild up hill grade to the south off the lake so landings are to the south coming in over the water and takeoffs are north unless you are in something like the many 185's or Maule's that often show up there in which case you can take off any dang direction you want to.

This year there was a fellow that was there in his brand new "Rans" kit plane. It looked like a cross between a Champ and a Super Cup, with a Rotax engine. A bright red good lookin plane that he recently completed and had just got his private certificate and was on his way to Alaska. I hope he got there okay.

You can rent a boat or a canoe there or do what we do and simply perfect the lost skill of doing nothing much at all. The beach is sandy and a good place to sit and read a book, take a swim, or sample the many choices of brew that are on tap. The barbeque ribs and chicken are super.

Six days later and much rested, we picked a sunny morning to depart (there was actually a bit of frost on our wings). By the time I taxied up to the higher end of the strip for departure I got out to check on the wings. The frost had melted in the warmer air and we were off with the sun at our backs for the smooth ride home.

We met some great people there and look forward to next year. Thanks again Alan for the hospitality.

[*The south half of the strip is starting to get a little bit rough a rutted but is still very manageable in a typical Cessna type. This Sept. they are going to plow the strip up and grade it and reseed it for next year. So if you go in Sept. or early next spring or summer make sure you call ahead to get report on any closure. ]

Great pirep. sounds like a lot of fun.

A great destination and Alan is a classic. I go there several times a year.

This was a great story, but I had avoided reading it until now because it was a gigantic mass of uninterrupted text. I took the liberty of using some new technology called the "paragraph" to make it a little more readable.

Thank you Whynotfly. I'm thinking this might have to be a next summer destination.

Of my many talents, journalistic composition is not among them. Glad you enjoyed the write up though, and I will surely employ the "paragraph" next time I get long winded. (Thanks for the editing job, it does look a bit better now doesn't it.)

Whynotfly, great story but just where are the photies???

Tease us a little.

I've heard reports from friends on this fly-out location. Without exception they have all been similarly favorable. Sounds like a wonderful place to spend a little time. Thanks for the narrative!!

I have just posted some images in my gallery. There are some of Cavanaugh Bay there. I am a new member and haven't yet mastered inserting images directly in the post. John

Nice job on the TR. Makes me want to go there right now. Was there once in '98 and had almost forgotten how sweet it is.

Great story whynotfly! I'll have to make it up there someday.

Thanks for the trip report. We have a trip planned into Idaho the end of the month, and may have to make that our destination. Do the camp spots have charcoal grills, or just the fire pits? Thanks in advance-
Erick

Dokmow wrote:Thanks for the trip report. We have a trip planned into Idaho the end of the month, and may have to make that our destination. Do the camp spots have charcoal grills, or just the fire pits? Thanks in advance-
Erick

In the designated camp area up in the tree's they have fire pits, but not sure about grills for charcoal. We always camp on the grass by the plane. I do know they have wood there you can burn. The phone number at the resort is 208.443.2095. They may be able to tell you or even better give you "Alan's" number who could fill you in on all details about camping there. Bring your swim suit. The food at the lakeside restaurant is pretty good too. Enjoy... John

You might want to check to see if it is going to be open at the end of the month. I saw a notice on Gene's bulletin board at JC saying that it was going to be closed for mx for a period starting in a few weeks.