Took a friend flying today. Left Sedona for a killer b'fast a LaPasada in Winslow(which I believe is the last of the Lindburg airports), probably the best b'fast stop in northern Az..

Went over to St. Johns for some $2.75/gal Avgas(Saweeet). Pretty cool spot. Besides the relativey cheap gas, they have a nice picnic area, camping is allowed on field, and a courtesy car is available to go to town for some good food(I hear) at local restaurants, or whatever.

Headed south out of there(kinda) for a ways, then saw a drainage that ran into the Salt River, and into Roosevelt Lake. It started up on the Apache Reservation near a town called Cebecue, or something like that. Some really nice canyon flying down there, particularly once you hit the Salt.

So, anyways, my question for the Az. guys is: About 10 miles before I got to Roosevelt, I saw what looked like, must of been an airstrip at one time, and still should be, it was on the left side flying down the river. Has anyone landed there? Does it have a name? Looks like probably 7-800' with a little uphill towards the down river. A little narrow, but defineately doable.

So, lets here it guys. Whadya know about it?

Thanks Gary

Shortfielder,

That may be on the reservation. I know several of the ranches around that part of the world, I can make a couple of calls and see what those folks know.

Jim

Hey Jim

I was talking to a friend tonight that has rafted down that river, and walked the strip. He said that area was geiser flats, or something like that. He said you could drive across some ranch land, so I thought that it probably wasn't on any reservation, but that's only a guess.

Thanks for the response, and any effort to find out more.

Gary

Gary, I was just speculating on the distance. I have to be over there next week, so I will see what I can find out. I do some work on the Haystack Butte Ranch and the Flying H, which are across the river from each other at about the distance that you estimated.

Jim

Jim

I will see if I can get you exact coordinates. My friendsaid that it used to be on the old charts.

Gary

Hey Jim

I tried to find it on google, and in my gazetter, with no luck. I have some coordinates that willl get you pretty close. 110.45'W, 33.40' N. It's a pretty cool flight, even if you don't find it. It is pretty obvious, I doubt that you can miss it from the air. There is a road to, and through it. Pretty close to the river. If you plan to land, figure for soft sand,

Gary

I am jealous Gary, I think I am going to forget how to fly my 180. Sounds like you had a good trip.

Cheers,

Dave

Hey Dave

Ya gotte get down here. Been some real good flyin lately, Last couple months. Just got back from Az. and doing my annual. That went well, and did some good flyin while I was down there.

Got some good videos on the way back. If it comes out good I'll send it to ya, and see if it will getcha in the mood, anddown here.

Later G

Hi Gary,
A specialist I am not... but I know that area a bit

At first it sounded like you just followed Cheery Creek down to the salt, but I know the strip on your coordinates, and it is above (east of) Cherry Creek. FWIW... in that region the north side of the Salt is reservation, furthermore that whole stretch is wilderness from about 25 east of there clean through and past Roosevelt to Jakes corner. No one seems to bother about low and slow flying, but landing can and has raised the eyes of the "eagle police" . They don't get as testy as other az areas, but it's worth knowing...

The strip presents good quail opportunities... err so I've heard. I think it's a bit tight for a 180, but I have a good friend (I pay him well) who used to take a pacer in there with no problems, so it may just be that I'm not a "real bush pilot"

North of there on the res there are a few canyons that are riddled with cliff dwellings. I suspect you knew already, I have heard that you can access a few, but I suppose you might have to be indian to land there...

I will be down for a bit yet, or I'd join you sometime. PM me if I can give you some specifics.

Take care, Rob

Hey Rob

My coordinates are not accurate, just indicating the general area. The strip is on the southside. I did not know about the ruins. It is the first time I have flown that particular area. But I will be back.

The strip I saw was short with some slope, and narrow. Wings might brush an occasional branch. That was why I was asking if any local guys had been in there.

There is a fella I met from here that Imet last fall (hafast) down at Casa Grande. I thought maybe he had been in there, or was familiar with it, and would join in this discussion.

My particular plane is modded so it will perform better than a stock 180, but still appreciate the advice for caution. I don't think the length would be a problem, particularly on these cooler days, but there may be soft sand, and that may add a degree of difficulty.

Anyways, thanks, and have a good evening Gary

Hi Gary, the coordinates were close enough to point me to the strip. I haven't been there with B (halfast), although I'm he probably knows the strip. He knows the pacer that I was referring to all too well
I was surprised he didn't pick up on your post, so maybe the strip didn't ring a bell to him. House Rock ranch, Young international, the Willow springs / Horse canyon F/S strip, and multiple ruins are some of the cooler spots to stop in on around there.
I have some cool pics of flying with Joecub in that area.

Take care, Rob