Got home from Marble yesterday afternoon. My attempt to go there on Friday failed--managed to find a big hole through the overcast, and between layers I could see that my usual route over Milner Pass through Rocky Mountain National Park was closed, but Rollins Pass looked open. I headed there, but when I got within maybe 5 miles of Rollins Pass, I could see that it was pretty much socked in on the west side.
So I turned around to head home, and that big hole I'd come up through was totally gone--gorgeous white fluffy undercast as far as I could see. I motored on toward Greeley, just in case a hole might open, but no such luck. So about 7 or 8 miles from Greeley, I called Denver Approach for a clearance into Greeley. After some descending vectors, I was under the overcast so I cancelled IFR and landed.
I left the airplane full of my camping gear in hopes that Saturday would be better, and it was. Again Milner was closed, but Rollins was open, and it was an easy flight.
The weather at Marble was great. Probably due to the late notice, only about 14 airplanes made it, but we all had a good time. The new owners seem very nice--young people, but very aviation oriented. Nice BBQ Saturday night, with a live band up from Denver playing "mountain music". Not quite my taste in music, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
Sunday I inquired about staying over, to make up for not making it in on Friday. No problem. But let me tell you, being the only tent/aircraft at Marble makes for a VERY strong feeling of solitude! It is so very quiet! Molly dog and I enjoyed it, though. There was a short squall Sunday afternoon, but otherwise the weather remained superb.
Monday I puttered around, and by the time I'd fixed breakfast and tore down camp, it was noon. The flight out was uneventful, although there was a huge storm moving over Kremmling, visible both on the iPad and out the window. I outran it toward Rollins Pass, but from a distance it looked like the Front Range might be socked in. So several miles before I got to Rollins Pass, I called Denver Center to arrange for a clearance once I'd gotten over Rollins Pass. As I topped the Pass at 13,500', it was obvious the clearance wouldn't be necessary, but since I had arranged it, I used it. Soon after I was on radar, I was handed over to Approach, given a vector and a descent clearance to Greeley. Momentarily I was given direct Greeley and another descent, so I didn't have to skirt the Bravo.
As it happened, I had grabbed my BackcountryPilots.org hat (I have a collection of hats, so which I wear has no rhyme or reason), and I was surprised how many people asked about it. So don't be surprised if we get some new members soon.
Pleasant weekend--sorry more couldn't be there.
Cary
