Monumental

With my fellow-pilot friend Judy visiting from wet and gloomy Washington, it was imperative that I show her Arizona at its sunny February best.

We lifted off from Goodyear (GYR) at 8:00 am into sunshine and blue, blue skies. Perfect weather for flying. Payson (PAN) is located 45 minutes NE at the base of the Mogollon Rim, so we are climbing out of desert environment into Pine forests and – surprise – Snow!

We enjoyed a delicious breakfast at the Crosswinds Restaurant which included orange cranberry as a bread selection. Advertised as, “Home of the Million Dollar View”, both view and food were NOT overstated.

After a quick fuel stop at Show Low (SOW) for $4.95 per gallon AV Gas (yes, this is a very cheap price, these days). Tanks full to the brim, we turned direct north to Kayenta (047) in the Navaho Nation.

We talked to a pilot of a medical service King Air waiting for his passenger. I asked for a look inside.

Now it was time to reach our main goal for the day – Monument Valley.


From here all I can do is put up the photos and hope to give you just a hint of the feelings of elation we experienced flying among these icons of nature and Hollywood.

Approaching
Getting closer
Going Through

Elation!

Coming down from an adrenaline high, our route led us back south, this time to Winslow (INW). Lunchtime found us here enjoying blue corn enchiladas with green chili sauce. Hmmm. Then the long-awaited flight over the crater SW of Winslow. You might remember seeing it in the Film “Starman.” Another great photo op, not missed.

Total trip: 8:00 am to touchdown back home at 6:10 pm. Time in the air 7.3 hours
Goal achieved. Arizona (and a bit of southern Utah) showed at their best.
Downwind at Goodyear, lit by sunset.