Hey all,

Last Friday I took a friend up to Idaho who wanted to see a few of the strips up there. It was a beautiful day for a flight, although it did get a little bumpy due to a little bit of wind aloft. On our way up, we stopped at Carey to check out the strip. I had never had a reason to go there and wanted to drop in to check it out. It's a nice little strip right at the edge of town. I believe that they have a fly-in there in the late spring/early summer. I'd definitely like to check it out next year if it is put on.

From there, we headed up to Smiley Creek for breakfast, then over to Bruce Meadows on our way up to Johnson Creek. Passing Sulpher Creek, we spotted Iceman and DonC descending to land. We just missed Gary in Johnson Creek. During our quick stop at JC, I was disappointed to hear from Paul and Beverly that they will not be returning as the caretakers at JC next year. Paul said that they aren't getting any younger and want to be able to play during the summer. I hope that the Division of Aeronautics will be able to find someone to fill their shoes. They have done a great job the last couple of years and we'll miss them. I told them to be sure to come over for the BCP fly-in next year.

From JC, we jumped over to Reed Ranch to check it out. After flying over it, I scoped out what I thought would be a workable approach and landed to the south. Since there isn't much of a gouge out there on this strip, it would be interesting to hear how others have done the approach. The strip is a bit on the rough side, no line of site between ends, and some dirt/sandy areas where it looks like they have rehabed it. We departed north through the small, narrow canyon off the end of the strip.

After seeing Piperpainter's video of Deadwood Reservoir, we decided to drop in and check it out. Next was a quick stop at Fairfield to swap seats and a fuel stop in Gooding before heading home. About 6 hours of flying for the day. A nice little day trip. Below are a few pictures that we took.

On final at Carey, Idaho


Carey, Idaho looking East


Carey's courtesy car


Smiley Creek for Breakfast


A quiet day in JC


Reed Ranch


Reed Ranch looking north


Deadwood Reservoir

Wish I could go fly the Idaho Backcountry on a day trip...Your lucky! Your getting in a killer Backcountry summer! I have only logged about 15 hours since the JC Fly-in. Headed back up that way over Labor Day though I can't wait! Thanks for sharing your adventures! How is that baby girl doin?

AvidFlyer wrote:Your lucky! Your getting in a killer Backcountry summer!

Cory flies to Idaho no less than 15 times every summer.

That Carey strip looks awfully nice and manicured. What's there?

Dirty dog... I would need a Jet

Cory, wish it was me in Idaho but I didn't go this year... Was in Austin last weekend with Gary and a few other friends but that's as far north as I got..Butch

Hey Butch,

I must have misunderstood Don when I talked to him. Not sure who was with him then.

Zane,

We didn't wander off of the strip to explore, but the small town of Carey is there. I want to go back to see if there are any good places to get eat and just check it out. It reminds me of the town I grew up in.

Avid,

Sadie is doing great! How is your little one? Have you been taking her flying?

I"ll ask him tomorrow.. Jean is director of Sharp Hospice here in SD and they are having a huge regatta to raise money this weekend... It's at Coronado yacht club where DOn is on the board of directors so I'll see him there. Jean and I are on a 42 foot Grand Banks spectator boat and he's going to be on a 62 foot spectator boat.. I'll see him at the after race dinner...

Hello Backcountry Pilots,
I'm fortunate to live just 5 minutes from North Idaho, my home state. Anyway I landed at a couple spots along the CoeurD'Alene River this morning that nobody has ever landed before I guess. Just thought I'd share some picures.

James aka: "Super-Maule" (not to be confused with a supercub)
Spokane
Flying at first light:
On final:
Potential Landing Spot, needs a chain saw work: