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Big Bend Ranch Fly In
Anyone back from Big Bend yet? How was it? Wanted to go sooooooo bad.
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Immense gratitude to Ironflight and Flash
Most of us headed back this afternoon and more reports will undoubtedly flow soon. Without question, the most enjoyable fly-in I've attended. The two people that I owe my greatest appreciation are, of course, Paul Dye, who motivated and scouted the trip, and Doug Reeves (Flash), who wimped on the trip and opened up a slot in the jeep tour of the Big Bend NP that I grabbed. Many thanks, Doug! Another example of how you continue to serve the RV community. Six RVs and one each of C-180, Cardinal, and Ultralight. Fabulous weather. Great food. Wonderful camping/bunking. And, a staff that seemed desperate to please and see more visitors.
Van's Cavalry rode this morning. Look for a photo of Ironflight on chestnut horse next to the Valkyrie. More photos and stories, no doubt, to come. |
How was it??? Lets see--beautiful blue sky, incredible scenary, a Park Service staff meeting every need, too much great food, bonfire discussions under a star cover so bright you could touch the milky way, great hiking trails, and really nice people---what else could you ask for--it was a very enjoyable weekend!!!
Dave and Janie B. RV9a/ECi0360/James Cowl/Catto prop--110 hrs and a permanent smile!!!!!!! |
BB
I knew I shouldn't have asked!!!!!! Being retarded---errr---RETIRED, my discretionary funds didn't allow for the $700-$750 it would have cost. I live 1078 NM away 2156 NM round trip. Would have been over $500 just for fuel. Then add food, shelter and The Calvary Charge (Horseback Ride). I was sorely tempted to bust the budget though!!!!!
Maybe we can do another one this fall when the furnace cools down in the Big Bend Country. |
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Friday while gearing up to go see the CPA I went for a short flight. Saturday morning I had oil under the plane - I had blown my crankshaft front seal out. It was laying on the alternator. Turns out I picked the right weekend to not fly solo over a big portion of remote Texas :o . While the plane is down I got the cowl to Grady's for paint (yeah!). Super happy you all had fun and I can't wait to do it myself. Sounds like you had a home run trip. Best always, Doug |
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I wound up not going because of wind, either at the planned fuel stops (Friday) and here in Dallas (Sat) - above my personal limits. Bummed out, but I did have a good day of flying today, and passed 100 hours in the logbook.
Looking forward to everyone's photos! |
Outstanding!
My test of a good time - I can't figure out how we fit a bunch of great experiences into such a short time! It was great to meet a bunch of new folks, and as has already been alluded to - the Big Bend Ranch has got to be one of the best kept secrets in the State. Let's see, my bill for two night's lodging, food, and the Cavalry Charge (:D ) came to $150. I flew a total of 6.5 hours, but hey, I'd have done that in a weekend anyway....
(I guess to be fair, I should add in the price of a cell phone, mine is laying out there in the desert somewhere....) The scenery was spectacular, the air clean and dry - yup, the stars were better than I have seen in years. The staff was so laid back - it was more like being a guest in someone's private park, and they wanted us all to enjoy what they enjoy every day. It was great to actually feel like I was on vacation for a change - and boy are my muscles going to remind me about it all in the morning.....I'll write more when I can string a few intelligible sentences together. Excellent pictures Gary - glad you trekked on out in the "tank" - hey, it wasn't the slowest aircraft on the ramp! Ironhorse TODR - you made a difficult, but very good choice! When I landed for fuel in Alpine, the wind was straight down RWY 23, but gusting to over 35 knots. I touched down and rolled two plane lengths - then had to dodge tumbleweeds coming at me! Not a good place for the jellybean. |
Paul: What was the wind at BBRSP when you landed and when you took off? What was the condition of the field? Thinking of flying 2 RV's from El Paso. Sounds like a really nice place to visit.
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