That would be cool Gary, thanks for calling them. Hopefully we can mark off little strip nearby and have that as a future option. The SLV is starting to become and nice little backcountry playground.

Any plans Fri dinner, breakfast Sat/Sun or are we on our own.

Arne

Arnie
If they don't have anything else goin on, there are a few other choices pretty close. The Hot Springs has real good food, Creede is a short walk from their airport with several very good eateries, Pagosa is a little farther but now has a courtesy car and lots of good placed to eat, and a nice flight over Wolf Creek.
Gary

The Trading Post said that they would be happy to pick up, but that would only be for breakfast or lunch. Really looking forward to this.

Arne

There will be a BBQ Dinner on Saturday night that is being catered in. (for those who have not already)Register on the fly-in page to reserve a plate. The La Garita Trading post will p/u or deliver for Breakfast/lunch. The Hooper Sand Dunes Pool Airstrip also has an excellent grille which is a short flight away.

I'm going to try to make it over. Possibly share a cabin with someone for two nights?
Please PM me.
HC

Alec and I went down today and put up another windsock. This place is like Boulder, CO, the windsocks point in opposite directions 50% of the time.





Camping area (there are two, one by the lodge, and one by the cabins).



UPDATES!

First, this is a true backcountry airstrip. Don't let the length fool you, at the mouth of the canyon, winds can be challenging and downdrafts are present. Tailwind departures and landings are possible. VERY HIGH density altitudes (above 11,000ft today). Mountain skills are a must, this is NOT the place to learn! WHEN IN DOUBT, LAND AT LEACH AIRPORT - 1V8 (OR DEL NORTE) AND SOMEONE WILL SHUTTLE YOU OVER. We are all here to have fun, not push our limits.

Second, the La Garita Trading Post has excellent food (ate there today) and Bonnie is a sweetheart. Their normal hours are breakfast and lunch, but they will be open from 6-8pm on FRIDAY night to feed us. ALSO, THEY ARE DONATING THEIR VAN TO LEAVE AT THE AIRSTRIP TO SHUTTLE FOLKS OVER FOR THE FLY-IN! (Tips at the Trading Post accepted). They will also be open for breakfast and lunch on Sat/Sun.

Third, the cabins are going quick, I believe Mike has 3 or 4 left. Please reserve them if it suits your needs. This is a good way to shed some weight by not hauling your camping gear. Also, there is an abundance of stools and benches, no need to carry your camping chair.

There will be two main tent sites. Both have tree cover. One is by the lodge/creek, the other is by the cabins and rock ledge. Both are excellent. Tents are $20/night. Horse shoes and volleyball net up.

We took a few local neighbors for a flight, they simply loved it and can't wait for the fly-in. Everyone we talked to wanted a ride, so don't be shy about giving rides if conditions permit.

REMINDER: If you're thinking about going, please sign BOTH the waiver and the registration form. This will give us a headcount for food purposes. (Links found above)

And I'll finish with a video from today. Enjoy

soyAnarchisto wrote:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54IgrgqfnnI

Thanks for posting that!

Wife and I fished the stream Friday morning. La Garita is an early season creek and it's perfect right now.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/j7vrae7ya2fwfcn/Dv4evB17TQ

The ranch looks better than ever and the runway looks great!

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Matt, that video was sweet.

Nice Matt! Wish it was closer and I wasn't doing some work on the plane that weekend.

Thanks for the fish report Spinner.

Thanks Crzyivan, glad you enjoyed the video!

GSP, I wish I could make it to JC and say hi to everyone (this is my close to home mini-JC trip ). You'll have to make it over someday to check it you, it's a great setup for families.

Also, I believe all the cabins have a microwave and a mini fridge. Another reason to leave those heavy coolers full of ice at home.

It sounds like a really nice setup! You'll be missed at JC this year. We will be sure to enjoy it for you and keep you posted on how things are going. Glad you will be able to get a more local trip in though. So excited for you and Katie to be joining the ranks of flying families!

Matt,

I signed the Waiver and Registration form thinking I could get over there and then on to JC but had a Family Matter (Elderly Father ) that needed some care so I am in Wa and wont be able to make it down so don't buy all that food just to fill me up , Still going to try to make it over to JCj

See ya at one of the trips.

Sounds good Big John, thanks for the heads up! I hope your father gets better and you have a safe trip to JC.

MM

Planning to be there Sat until Sunday am. Leaving early Sunday morning for Johnson Creek (23rd).
Anyone else?

DRL wrote:Planning to be there Sat until Sunday am. Leaving early Sunday morning for Johnson Creek (23rd).
Anyone else?

I will be up in the Idaho area on the 23rd. I'm leaving for the Powers Oregon fly-in on the 15th. After that I'll make my way to Washington then eventually over to Idaho. I'm not sure what date we will get to JC but it will be a few days before the fly-in officially starts.

Sounds great Dave, thanks for the heads up.

We need a rough estimate tomorrow (6/12) for the Saturday dinner count. If you haven't already, please register for the fly-in (and sign the waiver). The links are found above. I know a few of you are still on the fence, time to make the leap.

Also, please bring cash for almost everything. The La Garita Trading post, the Hooper grill, the Saturday night dinner, the tent fee ($20/night), and cabins don't accept credit cards. (These are my kind of people ) At the moment, there are 3 cabins left for Friday night and 2 left for Saturday night.

Lauren K from the San Luis Valley Courier will be there to write another wonderful article. Let's give her something good to write about!

I'm excited for this fly-in. It's not JC, but it's in my back yard.

1 week till the La Garita Creek Fly-in! Everything is set for dinner at the Trading Post restaurant on Friday and a BBQ at the ranch on Saturday Night. Reminder- this is a private airfield, please fill out the waiver and fly-in registration HERE

One of the nice things about La Garita Creek Ranch is that the place was formerly a guest ranch and therefore it has a lot of nice amenities for campers. With the density altitude around 11,000' during the fly-in there is no reason to pack heavy. The main lodge has refrigerators that can be used for storing food and beverages. There are plenty of chairs and tables on the property and a gas barbeque on the porch of the lodge is available for everyone to use.

The main goal is to stay safe and have fun. Shuttles to and from Del Norte or Leach Airport will be available if conditions get too rough for landing. Call Mike @ 719-580-2486 once on the ground to arrange a ride.

See you there.