Once again, we were blessed with warm overnight temps so I slept well. An early departure to the north took us to Big Creek for the lodge rebuilding fund raiser. Interestingly, we got there before they were ready to serve breakfast! Apparently those Idaho folks are not early risers like we are! 🙂 Rebuilding the Big Creek lodge is a really great cause – please check it out and consider helping.
We departed Big Creek (U60), flew over Cold Meadows (U81), and made a pass over Chamberlain (U79) before landing there. My buddy did some hiking while I rested my feet by sitting and talking to a group of campers. Super nice guys and my feet were so thankful! Word was that a small bear had visited them overnight and had to be run off.
After departing Chamberlain, we flew up to Shearer (2U5) and wondered how anyone can land there. It sits at the bottom of a fairly narrow canyon – once again, a spectacular setting. Then a quick hop over to Moose Creek (1U1) where we landed from the north. We didn’t stay long and were soon sailing down the canyon to the south of Moose Creek which is, again, gorgeous country!
Saturday night dinner at the SuperCub.org event is sponsored by CubCrafters. Even more spectacular, the CubCrafter staff drove the entire food operation from home base to Johnson Creek and served it! Ya – this was not a hired out operation were they simply (???) wrote the check – this was THEM actually doing it!! VERY IMPRESSIVE!! They did a fabulous job and put on a wonderful dinner of lamb stew, a super tasty BBQ vegetable kabob, homemade ice cream, and Jim’s home brewed beer. I didn’t try the latter two items but heard they were very good.
Sunday morning we broke camp and high tailed it for home. After several “light” departures, taking off with a heavy airplane (camping gear) is always an eye-opener. The weather was fantastic and we were over Jackpot, NV (06U) before we knew it.
Landing there was uneventful and we parked and walked to the casino for breakfast. The foot was good but not as inexpensive as I have come to expect from casinos.
We then made a shot hop to Wells, NV (LWL) for fuel. Departing Wells to the east took us over Wendover and the salt flats. What a huge area this is!! Amazing after being in the rugged mountains for several days.
Another stop at Richfield, UT (RIF) and then home! As usual, flying over southern Utah and New Mexico during the heat of the afternoon is a sure recipe for a bumpy flight. Even at 12,500′, we were bounced around. The sites over southern Utah are always spectacular.
Descending to into Mid Valley was like walking into a blow torch – HEAT! I flew the entire return using full throttle and lean of peak (barely) operation. The reduction in fuel consumption was quite noticeable putting me at between 6.2 and 6.5 gallons per hour at approximately 150 kts ground speed – this is down about 1 gph at the same speed. The engine is not exactly smooth but it is tolerable.
The trip was as spectacular and enjoyable as always. I am very thankful for a safe trip and fine running equipment.
Beautiful pix – thanks for sharing!
Thanks Linda!