VAF Forums - Big Bend Ranch State Park Semi-Irregular Fly-In Scheduled

Those who attended agreed that last year’s informal Big Bend Ranch State Park (hereafter known as BBRSP) fly-in was just about a perfect weekend. If you don’t believe me, check out the reports: http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...nch+state+park.

So, it appears to be time to announce another trip. Like last year, it will be an "ala carte" weekend - you can pick and choose from the options available from local services while enjoying the company of other Rvators - or spend a little time lost in the wilderness by yourself! In short, we are not going to take or make group reservations. It would be nice to have a list of who's planning to go, but we'll leave it up to each individual to call the park and reserve what they would like with regards to camping, bunkhouse space, and/or food. This plan worked great last year. Once you’re “in”, drop Ironflight or me a P.M…..if you like. Anyone can drop in at the last minute….if you don’t need a bed or prepared food.

Dates: 16 - 18 Feb 2008. Come for all or part of a 3-day weekend - as many or few days as you like. (That is Presidents' day weekend for those that get the holiday). I have checked with the park, and the bunkhouse is currently empty, there is one bedroom left in the ranch house, and camping is never booked up! This time of year is typically pleasant….avoiding the heat of the spring through early fall, the potential cold of December and January, and, hopefully, before the big spring winds. Last year was a bit nippy, but really quite enjoyable.

Lodging: You can choose to primitive camp at "South Leyva", about halfway between the airstrip and the “headquarters” or stay in the bunkhouse (dormitory style lodging, men and women on opposite sides of the building, two beds to a cubicle) at headquarters, which is about a mile from the airstrip. Camping is $8 per night for up to four people. Bunkhouse is $25 per night per person. If could fill up, so you might want to reserve a space sooner than later. Or, you can act really fast and take a pricey ($100/night) but nice room in the Big House. Call (432) 229-3416 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for information and reservations.

Food options: Bring your own, or get it at the bunkhouse – Last year’s meals were: Breakfast at $6.00, Lunch $8.50, dinner $10.50. It's not ordering off a menu - it's what they are serving! We found it really good food in a west Texas style.

There are lots of details that we will no doubt figure out later, but this is mostly a heads-up for those who like to plan ahead (and ensure a bed when you arrive). The best information on what you might do during the weekend is probably available at last year’s report site. There is also more information at the official website: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/f...anch/fee.phtml and their newsletter: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publicat...1437_11_07.pdf

As for the airplane stuff…..the airstrip is 3TE3, it is paved, and it was well-maintained last time we were there (http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...nch+state+park). The location is 29-28-10.6840N / 103-56-11.7030W, elevation: 4240 feet, and length: 5500 feet. The procedure is to find the headquarters about one mile to the west, circle it a couple of times, go land, tie-down and unpack, and expect a van to pick you up (for free!) before you finish securing things. There are pretty limited tie-downs (maybe 10?), so it would be prudent to bring your own. There are no hangers or other such facilities and no one seems to monitor a radio frequency.