Sure does seem like this site is becoming heavily weighted toward Washington State residents. At this rate, a summer get together in the form of a fly-in will be mandatory. A few of you have already mentioned this. Are you all friends of Ag-Cat Dave?

Z

Junior,

That is actually a great idea, since it embodies the spirit of the site(and backcountry flying) which is to get away, into the bush. The only thing that makes that difficult is the fact that many people would likely have travelled a decent distance to get to the fly-in location. Perhaps local mid-range sorties, once everyone has arrived?

As my dad used to say, "the bums are dreaming."

Z

Just a thought but getting over the mountains this time of year can be a bugger, or just about the most beautiful thing a guy can do. There is always the $100 burger option, Elma, Port Townsend, Hoquium, something like that. I heard that Razor Clams may open soon. Copalis, clams and a hot meal! Nothing like diversity.
On the issue of fly-ins, Elma is supposed to have one the third Saturday in March. Last year there were 72 aircraft, they want to beat that. Don't know where they put them but good food anyway.

I am actually thinking about this WAY in advance, like an early summer fly-in. Reasons:

1) More members (hopefully) by then
2) Better Wx, better chance of successful trip by pilots coming from any distance.
3) Warm, so we can camp and hang out at night.

I am actually a hell of a long ways a way in Reno, so somewhere in southern WA would be nice!
Z

Oregon coast has some great small airports, but I am most familiar with the southern end, being from Grants Pass. Flying the coast in the summer is so much fun, hopping down the beach from airport to airport.

As for the more northern end of the state, I am going to consult another friend from Sandy, OR. Will get back on this.

Z

One idea, if we want to have a wider audience, would be to have a group get together in conjunction with a larger event like the Northwest Aviation Conference in February or the Arlington EAA Fly-in in July. If we do Arlington we may be able to plan an early morning fly-out to one of the fine mountain strips east of there (Stehekin and Lake Wenatchee are both close).

-Doug
N234F (KORS)

P.S. Great site -- I looked forward to many interesting discussions here.

YELLOWMAULE wrote:............................
On the issue of fly-ins, Elma is supposed to have one the third Saturday in March. Last year there were 72 aircraft, they want to beat that. Don't know where they put them but good food anyway.

Tell me what you know about this Elma fly-in, Curt. I didn't hear about the one last year, either beforehand or after. I did go to one there several years ago, back about 96 or 97. There was an OK turnout. What was memorable about it was the contest they had there. No flour bombing or spot landings-- the contest was to take a little teddy-bear fitted with a parachute & eject him from the airplane over the field-- his mission was to land within a marked-off target area. It was a kick in the ass! I thought it was a real original idea. Unfortunately I didn't get in on it, but had a lotta fun anyway.

Eric

Hey Eric,
I have not been to Elma's version of the fly-in but Chelle and I stopped in for lunch one day and she struck up a conversation with the owners. Nice folks. I was real surprised to find out the numbers they hosted. It looked to me like 15-20 planes tops would fit. It's close and we will probably make it a point to stop out and at least have lunch that weekend. I like the idea of turning teddy into a lawn dart, sounds like fun! If I get this ignition thing cleaned up this week, we will try to get up to the Goose this weekend for breakfast. Leaving next week for the cabin for two-weeks.
Kurt

For a great backcountry strip that works for most everyone, have you considered Reds Horse Ranch on the Mineum River in the Wallowas?

Carey Gray wrote:A little later in the year, Rimrock Lake is pretty scenic. It is west of Yakima and nosewheel friendly. Chukar Flats is a great spot on the John Day River. It wouldn't be quite right to have a backcountry pilot get together on asphalt, would it?
I spent a night at Lands Inn a few years back, really nice folks. I thought it was more of a place for a female companion instead of a bunch of guys with big tires, a three day growth and a cooler of beer. --Carey

Carey, where on the John Day is Chukar Flats? Is that the strip about 20 miles west ( and a bit north) of Condon?

Eric

YELLOWMAULE wrote:.................................
On the issue of fly-ins, Elma is supposed to have one the third Saturday in March. Last year there were 72 aircraft, they want to beat that. Don't know where they put them but good food anyway.

Kurt, have you (or anybody else) heard any more about this one? I haven't..........

Eric

Saturday the 23rd. Tulip Festival flyin @ Skagit! http://www.airnav.com/airport/bvs
And did I mention that we have no excuse from weather this time?

I'll see you there. Looking forward to the first fly-in of the season. Supposed to be a airshow, I think the flyer said from 1-2 pm.
BTW, I heard the burger joint at Concrete (just north of the airport, on hwy 20) is back in operation monday-saturday. I might buzz up there for something to eat after Skagit.

Eric