Well, it's not much of a backcountry strip compared to Idaho, but we don't have a lot of that in the Deep South.

I'll be flying to Gaston's Resort, on the White River, in a couple of weeks. It's about 3,000 feet of grass, with cabins, a restaurant, etc.

My first time in there. Anyone been there?

Never been there, but there was a great write-up about it in the summer 2003 issue of Pilot Getaways.

Wouldn't mind going there one of these days to fish for the giant Brownies lurking in the White River.

Enjoy your stay and report back with the details.

Never been there, but Cubchick & Cubdude live in Little Rock, they might have some info....

Well, I'll be flying there in my Backcountry Bonanza. <grin>

I've only landed there once, but unfortunately have never stayed there! I'd like to this summer. It's beautiful country!

Give a shout when you head up...maybe I'll get the family to fly up with me!

p.s. I think the restaurant is only open for dinner...I hear the trout is excellent!!

RE: Restaurant . . . they say it serves breakfast, so we should be set.

We'll be there June 28 and June 29. The A36 Bonanza is N630JL.

Come on up.

Sounds great! I'll do my best to get up there in the 206!

Living in Memphis, I've always heard great things about Gaston's but unfortunately haven't made it over. Love the show. I assume you're going to be filming there -- be sure to let us know when it'll air.

Tom Gresham wrote: 'll be flying to Gaston's Resort, on the White River, in a couple of weeks. It's about 3,000 feet of grass, with cabins, a restaurant, etc.

My first time in there. Anyone been there?

HI Tom, seems like I've seen your name over at AOPA, too.

Chip and I have organized an annual fly-in at Gaston's. Our third fly-in took place last weekend. This fly-in started as a way for some of us on aviation forums to meet each other and fly together.

Here's our web site:

http://www.gastonsflyin.com/

and lots of pictures:

http://www.gastonsflyin.com/2006_photo_gallery.asp

I posted about this a lot on the AOPA forum, the Pilots of America forum, and also on the Citabria forum.

We had over 40 airplanes from all over the country attend, and at least 65 people over the weekend.

An article about our Gaston's fly-in will be in a future issue of Sport Aviation magazine.

The web site addresses some of the issues with the grass runway. There have been several accidents there over the years, mostly d/t pilots not knowing the limits of their airplanes.

I have set a date for the annual Gaston's fly-in for 2007. Hopefully you will be able to join us.

Let me know if you have any more questions. Gaston's is one of my favorite destinations. You will enjoy it.

Tom, I see that Chip has added one more video of landing at Gaston's from the cockpit perspective. We now have 3 short clips of landings including that of a Cherokee, an Extra, and a Bonanza.

http://www.gastonsflyin.com/flyingin.asp

Thanks, guys. I really enjoyed the videos.

Looks like I'll be flying the Twin Bonanza on this trip. The A36 Bonanza has to go in for the annual next week. The T-bone should do fine on that strip.

I'm in Springfield, MA, today. Shooting video at the Smith & Wesson Academy. Wrap up tomorrow, and fly the Bonanza back to Bayou Country. Long way, but a nice flight.

After Gastons, it's Nashville, Prescott (AZ), Cadillac (MI) and then Oshkosh. A busy month. Flying floats (and a P51 Mustang) in Cadillac. Looking forward to both of those!

Tom, when are you going to be in Prescott?

I'm in Prescot July 9-15. We will be at Gunsite, in Paulden. www.gunsite.com

We shot video in Prescott last January for the Wings To Adventure show. You can see when it is scheduled at www.wingstoadventure.com

Tom

When you going to be in the Wyoming/Montana/Idaho area? We'll go fly fishing and fry up our own fresh caught trout or have a beast feast and barbecue some moose, elk, deer and antelope steaks.

P.S. Was the P-51 you flew Crazy Horse?

I flew formation with Crazy Horse, but did not fly the plane.

I will be flying a P-51 in July, if the weather cooperates.

If anyone drops into the Gaston's Resort strip (3M0) over the next couple of days, I plan to be there in Twin Bonanza N550MS.

Tom, I'm tempted to run down there for a meal. The Citabria is in pieces right now, but the old Skyhawk is here at the farm and she's chomping at the bit.

When will you arrive at Gaston's?

We hope to be there in time for lunch today (Wednesday). Have to stop at the avionics shop in Shreveport for a pitot-static check. Two hours for that, then two hours flight. Late lunch.

We head out mid-morning Friday.

Trip Report:

Did it.

Caught a bunch of trout.

Ate good food.

Watched the birds.

Didn't bend anything on landing the Twin Bonanza on the grass.

Made it home in one piece.

Nice place.

Tom