The event started Dec. 31 with some of us going to the site gathering fire wood and cleaning sticks and small logs from the landing area. Winds 20 gusting 40 at 45 degrees from the strip and turbulent air rolling over the trees made for some interesting landings to say the least. I took the passengers door and front seat out and used the 172 as a logging truck to clean up the landing area.
Jan.2 was supposed to be calm and it was with Pitt Meadows & Fort Langley, fogged in all day. Langley, Boundary Bay, King George Air Park and Delta Heritage Air Park cleared around noon. The winds at site died down as well, they were down to a calm 16 gusting 28 for the day. Turbulent and swirling with drifting sand were the best way to describe the day.

Even with the poor conditions there were 12 aircraft that showed up to enjoy the bonfire, tell stories of their adventuresome landing and cook hot dogs, which quickly got covered with blowing sand. Many more planes did low passes but did not land because the winds were beyond their comfort levels. It was good to see pilots making those good decisions. A very good day with old and new friends. I have put some pictures up in my photo section but I am still working on getting them posted to this page and a friend sent me a couple of videos. One of us on approach and landing on Dec.31 and also one of Daniel landing in the 170. I will work on getting those up as well but it might take time.
KenW

Here's a shot of the sand swirling off the sand dune, and the smoke swirling around the by-now mesquite flavoured crowd. Thanks Ken, had a great time!

Looks like a great time and good wx. Good turnout!

Nice work, guys! Looks like a good time.

I was wanting to show up for this event but was stuck in the hangar fixing one of the airplanes. . Hopefully you guys do another event like this later on in the year.

I was looking for ya.

Looks like a great time, but I see a dismal lack of Cherokee representation at this event. If there's another one with better weather (and preferably later in the year with more daylight) I'll definitely try to make it out.

Actually 3 Cherokee's had planned on being there. Two were grounded because of fog and the third guy did a number of low approaches but did not land. This would have been his first gravel bar landing. With the crazy winds that were going on he made a very good choice to try landing on a different day.
One of the reasons for picking this particular gravel bar is it long and smooth and most any plane can land on it in good conditions. The idea was to get people to experience some of the enjoyment we get from this type of flying.

I like it!

I was going to come out but, I would've been pushing it a bit to make it home by dark......

Looks like a good time!

Crzyivan13 wrote:I like it!

I was going to come out but, I would've been pushing it a bit to make it home by dark......

Looks like a good time!

Ha! I was thinking the same, and you have a lot further to go in a slower plane then I do!
looks like you all had a great time Ken.

Set it up A1Skinner. Smokies on the Smoky! I'd be there!

Do you have some GPS coordinates for the spot and some details (approximate length, best spot to land, etc.). If we get some decent weather that coincides with when I actually get a day off I might plan a trip down there to check it out.