I'm usually one to keep to myself but figured I'd throw this out there.
I'm out of E WA area, flown in to the HSFI in 2019 and 2022. Enjoyed it both times, but it has become a bit of a zoo, and honestly more of a High Sierra RV(not the plane) in. Not throwing shade at Quinn - I can see why it's evolved as it has and is still a great event I just wish I had been there for the earlier years. Looks like it used to be more my speed based on Z's old videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3n7i5Hrw6k.
So - both times I've been we've camped at Alvord Desert Friday night and the plan is to do the same this year. If anyone's in the area and would like to join, feel free. I'll probably plan on breakfast and break camp Saturday morning then fly down to watch the races. Might camp at Dead Cow Saturday night, or fly out after the races and fuel up somewhere then back to Alvord. I'm not necessarily looking to organize anything formal here, just if this sounds like your cup of tea as it is mine, feel free to park your airplane(even a Van's RV) near us at Alvord.

Sierra fly-in not my cup of tea for a couple of reasons, but hope to move up to that neck of the woods and definitely interested in visiting Alvord.

Just rewatched Zane’s video, woulda been cool to do HS back then. Seems too much of a zoo and a place to see and be seen nowadays.

Just rewatched the video as well.
Amazing that was 9 years ago already.

Isn't it funny how as something becomes more popular and liked, it also kills that original thing?

Alvord doesn't disappoint again

Nice! You should be in the path of totality for the solar eclipse this morning, probably around 0930-ish! That should be cool to see from there!

clippwagon wrote:Nice! You should be in the path of totality for the solar eclipse this morning, probably around 0930-ish! That should be cool to see from there!

Figured that was the case, more rigs here than we've seen previously. Unfortunately we've got a bit of overcast, and will likely be heading south before then

Hard to explain why I enjoy it so much, on the face of it it’s not a great idea. Agree about the motor homes and especially the generators that they feel it’s ok to run all night.

This year was way mellower than last, and friendlier. I have made a lot of friends over the years that I see only there and there are usually some cool planes.

I always fly out to the Blackrock, and Gerlach for breakfast at Bruno’s. Good hiking in the desert too.

I usually stop a night at the Alvord on the way down, but this year spent 24 hours in Chehalis waiting on weather. That’s a way better desert experience with the quiet and the stars.

I’ll still be going in the future.

And big shout out to Kevin and his family for putting this on. It’s a huge amount of work and he has a young family. I feel it is very generous of him.

More families this year and the evening bike ride is fun.

daedaluscan wrote:Hard to explain why I enjoy it so much, on the face of it it’s not a great idea. Agree about the motor homes and especially the generators that they feel it’s ok to run all night.

This year was way mellower than last, and friendlier. I have made a lot of friends over the years that I see only there and there are usually some cool planes.

Agreed, it was much mellower. We first went in 2019 and recall walking the rows of planes for a few hours, this year felt like closer to 50-60 planes.
The races are always fun to watch, and a highlight was Lucas' routine in the red bull carbon cub, some impressive energy management for sure.
Agreed as well on a tip of the hat to Kevin and family/friends - definitely a feet to put together and keep running.
We're on the fence about going in the future, may depend on if we get a group from our neck of the woods to go with.

Was great to run into you, your crew, and Ty in Lakeview yesterday (we didn't actually meet, but I was in the yellow husky). I'd say you are doing it right, spending a night on the way down at the Alvord, etc.

Hopefully bump into you again in the backcountry,

Brent

highroad wrote:Was great to run into you, your crew, and Ty in Lakeview yesterday (we didn't actually meet, but I was in the yellow husky). I'd say you are doing it right, spending a night on the way down at the Alvord, etc.

Hopefully bump into you again in the backcountry,

Brent

Likewise! Pretty cool spot for a chance meeting there. Agreed, and that's likely how we'd do it if we go again - bounce around in the backcountry a bit before one day/night at Dead cow to watch the races and mingle with the 70% non flying crew at HSFI.
Cheers,
Will

Next year I will have to join you on the Gerlach breakfast run.

Would loved to have joined you on the Alvord, but my engine is making metal so I'm not straying far from home. I went to the High Sierra in 2015 and in 2019. 2019 was probably my last trip to that event. Generators all around my campsite, klieg lights on all night and the group in the campsite next to me started puking loudly around 2:00 AM. Overall, it is a great event with lots to offer, but not my cup of tea anymore. I do like quiet nights on the desert floor, and the Alvord has never disappointed - even when the weather turns bad. I've been snowed on in June at the Alvord and have had my fair share of wildly windy evenings there. Still, it is a joy to enjoy the stillness when the wind stops and the lack of any light pollution makes for some amazing evening skies when the weather cooperates. One of my favorite airplane camping spots on the planet.

Camping at Alvord is amazing!

The Alvord was my first experience with desert playa flying back in the mid 90s. I will never forget it. The wind came up that evening as we sat around the campfire and blew glowing coals across the lakebed in the moonless night. It was surreal. Glad nothing caught fire.

I do enjoy the company of a few friends on adventures like that. My one and only attendance at the HSF in 2013 was really fun and memorable, but I definitely run from crowds these days.

Seems that every year there is something in the way and I cannot make it. This year it was a 60th high school reunion. I have met some really nice folks at HS in the past. Am planning again to go next year.. I too am really close to Alvord. There sill may be time to camp at Alvord this year.

TIL: I need to go to Alvord.

Kevin was saying that maybe he won't do HSF next year. Maybe a BCP Alvord fly in would be fun at about the same time?

Maybe even Tim might come:)

No loud music and no RV’s and I would be interested

I would add no generators.