Anybody interested in a Furnace Creek get together sometime in Jan? It looks like it's equally inconvient for everyone. In other words, about the same distance. I flew over at work today, and the dry lake bed looks tempting. There is lodging for the non camping types, and I think they have horse tours too. I can't do the weekend of the 15th. So what about the 7th and 8th? The 28th and 29th work too.

I've been thinking about flying down to Death Valley around New Years. I get some extra days off then. The next weekend might work. It is 4:45 and 58 gallons from Portland TTD. Main thing for me will be if the wx allows.
Bob

I might be able to make New Years weekend work.

Speedy,

I think I'll be able to make it (depending on the date and clearance from the social director).

Death Valley is great this time of year...

Mark

Okay, after further consultation with my planning coordinator, it looks like the weekend of the 28th and 29th works best for me. I'll look into rooms and such.
Jeff

The week end of Jan 28th ought to be OK for me if the weather is flyable.
Bob

Social director has given the thumbs up for the 28th so we're in.

Mark

Should I post Jan 28th in the events calendar? Everybody agreed?

Thanks Zane, I'll call and get room rates.
Jeff

Looks like rooms at Furnace Creek ranch are gonna run around $150 a night. If we book more than ten rooms we can get $25 discount. Stovepipe Wells looks like it is a little cheaper, in the $80-$90 range. I've never been there before so if anyone has ideas let 'em flow.
Also, our group will probably leave the PHX area early Saturday morning and touch and go our way up there. Probably arrive a little after noon.

I booked a room at the Ranch at Furnace Creek. 135.00 with AAA discount. So we're in. I've been to both Furnce Creek and Stovepipe Wells but never left the airstrips so I'm not much help. I think Stovepipe Wells is about 20 miles from F.C. We will probably head down early Saturday with a stop for breakfast at either Bridgeport or Lone Pine.

Mark

Anybody know about camping in the area ?
Was 77 on the desert today

You can camp on the field at Stovepipe wells or at the state campground (1/2 mile from airport) at furnace creek. M

My wife and I will stay at the resort; She'll be really pregnant by the time the 28th rolls around, so camping is out for us. I would think it would be a cool place to camp. I would love to go find some long abandoned shoreline, have everyone fly there, start a big fire and just have it be us flyin types.

Hi,
I just registered and would like to come (wx permitting) and maybe bring a few of my Skywagon buddies. Hope that woudl be OK?
Cheers,
Nigel
C180H

Welcome Nigel,
Furnace creek does get busy this time of year I'm told, so if you're staying at the resort make a res now. See you there.

Are you guys making reservations at the FC Inn... $300 a night and a 48 hour minimum cancellation time? Or, the FC Ranch, which is closer to $150, but some reviewers really slam the accomodations and recommend motel 6 in Beatty. Has anyone stayed there and have personal experience to share?

I made reservations at FC Ranch. Did not hear about the bad P.R.

Yeah, Ranch for me too. I think those reviews are probably correct in regards to the accomodations. Stovepipe wells has rooms that are cheaper, I don't have any reviews for them. I would switch to Stovepipe if that's where everyone wants to stay. My interest is meeting people and exploring the area in my plane.

Yes, meeting people and seeing new places are really what flying and backcountrypilot are all about. Once the lights go out it's all the same. So, I have laid my camp outfit out in my hangar ready to load... I just hope the chain of fronts moving into the Pac NW will end soon.