All-

My daughter and I are planning on flying west from Oshkosh this year to the Black Hills to see Mt Rushmore and the Devil's Tower..... we'd like to camp out. And then head south through Colorado and New Mexico on the way back home to Ft Worth, Texas.

Would love any suggestions as to places to see, camp, buy gas, visit etc. I haven't flown in this area since I was a kid and don't remember much, would appreciate all the advice I can get. I'm not really ready for Mountain Flying yet, so we're staying east of the big ones this year. I hope to take a Mt Flying course next year, this year we'll stick to really big hills;)

thanks,
gunny

Hey Gunny, when you are flying west on your first leg be sure to stop for fuel in KLYV Luverne, MN (the cheapest in the area) and say hi to my son and his family, Ben & Lori and their 4 boys at Sierra Delta Aviation, llc. If this trip is over the Osh weeks they will even have free food available, it's quite a spread they put out everyday for Osh travelers.

Marty

Gunny,

I'll be at OSH with my cub. I can recommend a few spots. Camping at Hay Springs, NE (4V6 - just a bit south and east of Chadron) - great grass field easy stroll into town with a great steakhouse - it's a 1 horse town - you'll love it

Camping is also good closer to rushmore at Custer St. Park (3V0) but there are no facilities. Custer county *CUT) is also nice for fuel and facilities as is Hot Springs (HSR).

The west side of the black hills is pretty dry and sparse. I wouldn't recommend a RON over there - and you know all about how great Ray is at Spearfish.

Coming down through the front Range - if you stop in at Boulder, I'd love to buy you a coffee. Platte Valley has grass strip and the cheapest fuel around (18V). Stay low and under DEN class Bravo - you can go east or west without really having to talk to anyone. But the flight close to the hills on the west is the most scenic - and is really nice to talk to the tower at Metro (KBJC) and COS (Colorado Springs) as you go through 'cause this area is really congested and down around the springs there is Cheyenne Mt - some restricted airspace to watch out for.

I know you don't want to do any mountain flying - but you will have to do at least 1 minor pass going south if you are following I25. Raton Pass is on I25. I really recommend taking a slight detour west over an equally minor pass La Veta or Mosca. Very easy crossing if the winds are not howling out of the west - and if they are you won't want to be flying anywhere around here anyway. (generally winds aloft forecast above 25kts out of 270 at 12k or 15k). La Veta or Mosca pass will put you in the central valley - very scenic run down to Santa Fe or ABQ and you can bang a left and run home.

If your travels lead you toward the north central part of MN, I have a strip on my place, plenty of camping area, or maybe even a bed/shower available. My place is right next to the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Itasca State Park is one of MN's most visited park due to it being the beginning of this mighty river. Open invite if you get this direction. Bring bug spray!!! So much rain and water around this year that the 'squitoes are a bit bothersome.
Keith

Stay low and under DEN class Bravo - you can go east or west without really having to talk to anyone. But the flight close to the hills on the west is the most scenic - and is really nice to talk to the tower at Metro (KBJC) and COS (Colorado Springs) as you go through 'cause this area is really congested and down around the springs there is Cheyenne Mt - some restricted airspace to watch out for.

I prefer to call Denver Approach 134.85 for flight following. I usually ask for clearance through the Braveo, but they'll not likely allow you through it, but give you a routing (east or west, your choice) which will allow you to go around the B, with the extra eyes of their radar for traffic--it is busy. You can call them just south of Greeley or Fort Collins, and they'll hand you off as necessary with any of the towers. Once in a blue moon or so, they'll allow you through the B, but be sure you hear the magic words, "Cleared into the Class Bravo". Otherwise, skirt it.

Cary

Guys-

Thanks a bunch for the advice... it is exactly what I am looking for!

Marty- Our first stop from OSH will be at LYV, sounds like fun! We'll say hello to your family and buy some gas!

Soy- We'll look for your Cub at Osh. We're parking at Vintage in our 180, its all blue with white trim, definitely a 50' paint job... but we're working on it. 748P (you can't miss it because the P is an N-number change.... I'll fix that when it goes in for paint next winter). I really appreciate the pointers... We'll have to sit and down and figure what is the best option for camping and viewing Rushmore and the Tower. But I think a stop in Boulder will defiantly be in the cards... and I'd be happy to buy you a coffee or even lunch. I've driven Raton Pass probably a hundred times... it would be nice to fly through it. I really want to do Mt Flying, but don't want to rush it. I'll pm you my cell.

Keith-

I don't think we'll get that far north this trip, but really want to do that and stop by in the future! Hopefully, you can give us a raincheck!

Thanks, guys!

gunny

Gunny,
Rainchecks given and redeemable anytime. That goes for anyone else visiting the area.

Gunny, I'll be in Vintage too - I should be easy to spot - there aren't too many J3s with 29" airstreaks. Planning for a saturday arrival - I'll be spending some time over at New Holstein too.

Soy,

Let me know what your New Holstein plans will be, might even fly over myself. Was planning NH originally but if I have a guest I'll definitely do Osh.

Driving up to Longmont tomorrow and on to Steamboat on Friday.

Arnie

Gunny,

Always welcome here in Albuquerque. Some beautiful country to fly over.

Arnie

Magnet- Albuquerque is definitely on my list!

Soy- I'll see you in Vintage. Right now the plan is to get there on Sunday.

gunny

Just let me know when you expect to be in Albuquerque. I can take or lead you over some incredible terrain and the Cafe at KAEG is phenomenal

Arnie