Every year, we do a camping trip with the family. A few years ago, we did a circle through the Northwest, but missed the San Juans due to weather. So, this year, we decided to head back to the Northwest. Here is our trip report:

Day 1

We got to the airport and loaded the plane. We were off the ground by 10am...not bad with two little ones in tow. We knew we'd have to stop for lunch and, as it would happen, Garden Valley was on our way and worked out great. From there we headed to Othello, WA for a fuel stop, where we met Kurt...another BCPer that was heading to Johnson Creek at the end of the week. From there, we headed to Grand Coulee Dam Airport. We had the place to ourselves. It is a nice little airport with a pilot lounge, car, and grassy area to camp. We drove down into town and checked out the dam. Adam loved the water coming out of the spillways. We spent some time playing in the park near the visitor center before heading back to the airport for the night.

Day 2

Sadie had us up so early that we had breakfast, broke camp, and were on our way by 0730. We headed to Lake Chelan and the Cascades. It was a beautiful fight over to Orcas Island. We had camp set up by 1000 and ate lunch soon thereafter. After lunch, we explored the village and the area around the airport. It was perfect weather and a great day. Everyone was so nice and we really enjoyed it.

Day 3

We woke up this morning to clear skies, but it was windy. A check of the forecast showed weather moving in later in the day with showers and low ceilings. We had breakfast and decided to fly over to Friday Harbor to have lunch and do a little sightseeing on the way. We found a good BBQ place for lunch and explored the area a bit. Once back to Orcas, we got an update on the weather and saw that it had stayed the same, but the ceilings in the Seattle area had lifted enough to get to Oregon. We had planned to stay another night in Orcas, but decided that we had probably better get going so we didn't get trapped in that area. We broke camp in a hurry and got on our way. Ceilings were low in the Seattle area, but were still doable. We made our way south to Scappoose, WA for fuel and then through the Columbia Gorge on our way to Madras, OR. Once at Madras, we used Rob's van to drive to his vacation home that he so graciously offered to us. It was a long day, but we were happy to be there and on the east side of the Cascades.

Day 4

Today was Adam's birthday and, for his birthday, we spent it at Lake Billy Chinook. He spent 5 hours or so throwing rocks in the water and climbing on rocks. Once done there, we hit the grocery store for supplies and then headed to the airport to fly for dinner. We flew about 45 minutes south to the Cowboy Dinner Tree. It was one of the highlights of the trip! Great people, great food, and great atmosphere. Your choice is either a 26-30 oz. steak or a whole chicken...no sharing. The sweet rolls just melt in your mouth! It was soooo good. They had candles in Adam's berry shortcake and sang happy birthday to him. We loved it. We had a nice flight back to Madras and watched a beautiful sunset.

Day 5

We woke up really early and headed to Johnson Creek for the fly-in. We new it was busy and that we needed to get there early to have any hope of getting a decent camping spot. It was a beautiful flight over Oregon and then into the McCall area. On the ground at Johnson Creek, we were happy to see that our neighbors from Utah (Ryan and Jen) had arrived before us and had snagged a great camping spot next to TomW. My dad, who happened to be driving home from northern Idaho, had driven in to camp with us for one night. He was there waiting for us. We spent the day visiting friends, throwing rocks in the river, watching planes, and enjoying Johnson Creek.

Day 6

It was a frosty morning which gave everyone a late start. We had breakfast in camp and then flew up to Dixie Town to check it out. We made it back in time for lunch and spent the rest of the day hanging around camp, playing with the kids, and trying to find a leak in our air mattress that had us on the ground most of last night (no luck in finding it, which meant another night on the ground!) That night was the potluck dinner and raffle. The food was great and I won a SPOT messenger and case of oil. That night, as I was getting a few things ready to go at the plane on the west side of the runway, we could hear a wolf howling up on the side of the mountain west of the strip...a first for me a Johnson Creek.

Day 7

We got up early and got camp broken down. Once the plane was packed, we headed to Smiley Creek for breakfast with Ryan and Jen. After a great breakfast, we headed to Gooding for fuel before heading home. It was nice to have a flying buddy for those last two legs home.

We had a great week. We can't believe that it is over already. It was good to see so many friends and to make so many new ones. Thanks to Matt for all your work in getting the raffle put together and thanks to Zane for being the catalyst for us all getting together. We can't wait until the next fly-in and look forward to seeing you all there!

Good job you guys, congratulations on being good parents for those kids, I envy you.

That was great! Thanks for sharing.

We've been talking about going to Cowboy Dinner Tree for years now. After talking to you about it and seeing your pictures, we're definitely going this summer!

Definitely worth the trip. The fellow that owns the strip was great. Even gave us a car to drive the short distance to dinner.

Great video Cory, I envy your videos in so many ways.

Nice trip report, Next time you make that flight over Oregon and need a place to stay for the night, there is always room at our place. S49 Miller Memorial, Vale, OR. Or you can camp on the grass at the airport, courtesy car to go to town. We have about 30 Building sized murals in town, to check out. ( check it out Born and Raised on the Oregon Trail) Again a great TR.

Thanks Skybobb. I'll remember that. Sounds like a great place to drop in and check out!

Thanks Matt. I know it might be down the road, but I can't wait until the day when I see you dragging your kids around in the Stinson!

enjoyed that video and report! what great family memories you are creating!

Cory,

Sorry we missed you guys this year. Next time your out near Seattle, shoot me an email and we will meet up with you guys and let the kids play. looks like you guys had a great time.

Marshall

Thanks Mark and Marshall. It was a great trip!

Mark, I hope that you and Kitty will be out next year for the fly-in. Get it on the calendar early so everyone knows that the end of June is off limits!

Marshall, good to hear from you! I'll keep an eye out for you around the system. We do need to meet up and do some flying!

Cory,

I'm back on the Bus based in BOS until December then I transfer out to LGB. Keep an eye out for me, and let me know if you have a SEA layover.

Take care,

Marshall

Will do. Did you go back to the right seat? That should make for a nicer commute.

Grassstrippilot wrote:Will do. Did you go back to the right seat? That should make for a nicer commute.

Nope, left seat. Only took 8 years to get in to LGB. The commute will be great, looking forward to the change.

Take care,

Marshall

Congrats! Someday...