Girls Do Have Fun

Everything a pilot could ask for. The first day of Spring, Saturday and perfect flying weather. Added to that, the opportunity to take three special friends up for a first flight. We departed Chehalis westbound to fly over Westport. From there back east with a stop at Bremerton, then north to our planned lunch visit at Jefferson County and the Spruce Goose Cafe. I've been getting together with these ladies to celebrate birthdays for a couple years. We always have a theme which includes goofy hats, noise makers, and a wide variety of props. We always have a great time, and have been known to be a little bit rowdy.

The arrival of a plane full of women at any GA airport, is quite rare. Our group considerably more so!

This trip our theme was "Flying Monkeys".

In the air, and on the ground, this was a day to remember. We're already planning our next flight, so be sure to keep your eyes open at local airport eateries - who knows where we'll show up next!

A Goal

Two years ago, I started on a goal - to land at every airport in Washington State. This would not include private strips where permission is not given, or airports I consider unsafe for either my plane or my skills as a pilot.

Late last month, we had one of those days that usually arrive in February with severe clear. I invited a co-worker and headed east. With 3 airports practically on top of each other in the Tri-Cities area I saw an opportunity to increase airport count quickly. Vista Field (S98) our first stop, is a nice field, located directly across the Columbia from Tri-Cities (PSC) and just southeast of Richland (RLD). Vista offers easy access to pilot lounge, and is a pleasant walk to shopping and restaurants. At Richland, I didn't stay long enough to check out facilities, just landed, took a photo, and took off for PSC. This towered field has multiple runways, light jet commuter traffic, and is easy in and out. Tower was helpful and welcoming. We took a lunch break in the terminal - decent food, interesting view of arriving and departing jets. On the way back to Chehalis, my friend indicated an interest in St. Helens so we took a close look. Winds were light, air smooth. A perfect flying day in every way. Sharing aviation with others always enhances the flight.

This past Saturday the weather was again ideal, so I took a close look at Ranger Creek (21W), not to land but to plan for the future. This field is in a steep, narrow, valley and I've decided not to go until another pilot can go along to provide another set of eyes.

Leaving Ranger Creek, I flew to the northeast over Snoqualmie Pass, where I took this photo of Lake Keechelus. I then descended and continued east to make a first visit to Cle Elum (S93) then a 5 minute flight to De Vere (2W1). Neither airport has any facilities (bathroom) or fuel. I was however, greeted on the radio and provided parking advice at De Vere. Also told the field is officially private, but open to the public, and a landing fee of $5.00 is appreciated. Cle Elum was re-surfaced last year, De Vere is a bit rough, but not overly so. If your looking for a quiet place to take a break or have lunch, these are good fields.

I was surprised to find Ranger Creek's runway clear of snow, and in fact the lack of snow generally is something I noted on both recent flights over the Cascades.

Heading home, I decided to fly low following Snoqualmie Pass. This photo shows the highway going west. Please note that the route here is not what you might think. Be sure to make a sharp left over the ski-runs to follow the pass. Oh, I do dearly love flying among our mountains. So beautiful, so inspiring, so refreshing to my soul.

Total airports added: 5