VFR to Russia (In Memory of Bob Axsom)

[BenNabors]

Originally Posted by TomVal

Vlad,

If Norman Rockwell was still alive, some of those photos of Zelma could have been subject material for his world famous artwork of family life.

Regards,
Tom

The adventures of Vlad are "World Famous," they are definitely read world wide! Even D.R. talks about the "inner Vlad" in all of us in todays front page.

[Maverick 4003]

Would be very interesting to followup on this young lady in app. 10 yrs. to see what becomes of her + what paths she chooses... given her potential. Vlad, it was meant to be for you to land there.

[Vlad]

Steve Melton I found a perfect route for you. A Canadian RVator a year ago suggested it on our 2016 Alaskan Voyage but my wingman and I hit some adverse weather and couldn't make the Trans Canadian Hwy scenic route. This time was the perfect time.




Countless Provincial Parks in British Columbia provide fascinating scenery. Some day I will catalog all my pictures.




I didn't take take any oxygen on this trip which allowed me to do more sightseeing from breathable altitudes. Here comes Revelstoke CYRV.




A magnificent damb Hydroguy Brian would love to work on.





Entering the gorge of a river with strange name Illecillewaet.





Look how they protect Trans-Canada Highway from avalanches. Quirky things.








Contrary to Alcan, TransCan is not that loaded and there are myriads of support roads near the railway in case of emergency landing. You can fly without constant scanning for landing spots enjoying the surreal landscape.

[Vlad]

What gets you here it's a noonish Arizona chop. The air gets turbulent but there are sweet spots in the middle of the valley which are relatively smooth. Doesn't last long though.












I made a right turn between Iconoclast Mtn and Mt. Rogerts toward Golden CYGE. That's where real turbulence started. Camera had a rather long rest from Golden to Fairmont Hot Springs. Hookers got a good workout.








By Fairmont Springs I was already tired battling moderate chop for a while. It looks like a perfect spot for overnight with tons of resorts and hotels around. Let me land and ask.














An RV in the backyard? That could be a good sign.

[Vlad]

Yelp, not everything shiny is gold I was told long time ago. I interrupted a peaceful meeting of three elderly gentlemen who were rather uninformed about local places but sold me avgas and pointed to the washroom in next building. Wondering if there are any active flyers there. Where you said you came from? 90% of airports I landed on my return trip didn't believe it anyway... Have a nice day.





Top of the World Provincial Park will get you to proper shape fast Steve Melton. Absolutely positively amazing experience flying over it. Your fatigue will be gone in 30 minutes.







Pictures couldn't do justice.











An enormous Sparwood Coal Mine in Elk Valley.





Passed Crowsnest Pass abeam Centre Peak. 15 minutes more and I am out of the mountain range. I will be missing those.





My friend Julian was unavailable for 15 more minutes (driving) to hook me up with a motel so I texted somebody else who had my DeLorme track. Want to hear something funny? Could you imaging an Irish guy from Florida calling an Indian dude in Alberta to pick up a Russian fellow? Where is he now? Still in the air will be over your motel in 20 minutes. Good. Welcome to Pincher Creek CZPC.




I was picked up promptly at the airport and given the best room in the motel. The Indian dude was genuinly interested how it is possible to travel that far. Then he asked about what kind of airplane I have and got completely confused.

A guy from Florida found me a pizza place not far from the motel and I walked to it. 3$Can for last two slices plus bag of chips. The counter kid wasn't familiar with Yankee roubles and asked for a credit card. Only 40 cents on international transaction. What a life!

[bk1bennett]

Just when I think I've seen the most stunning photo, a new one crops up. Just when I've think I've heard it all, another new adventure unfolds. Epic is generally an overused word, but this trip is truly epic. Thanks for the motivation to start and to keep pounding rivets

[koupster]

An airport next to a wind farm! Could get interesting some days.

Cheers, David
RV-6A KBTF

[SMO]

You were in my back yard on this part of the flight. Revelstoke is a ~20 minute flight from home, I have lived in the Rocky Mountain Trench where Fairmont is located, and used to work at that coal mine at Sparwood!

Hard to beat the scenery in this part of the world.

[terrye]

Quote [Entering the gorge of a river with strange name Illecillewaet.]

The Illicillewaet glacier, which feeds the river of the same name is about in the middle of Glacier National Park. The name is an "Indian name for "Swift Current". It is a very deep tortuous valley that this rapid torrent of green glacier water thunders through.... named in 1865 by Walter Moberly, CE; it was so-designated by the Indians he had with him and means 'a very rapid stream'." (The Selkirk Range by A.O. Wheeler, Department of the Interior, 1905, pp 179, 187 & 196). (from BC Geographical Names).

We stayed in the Illicillewaet campsite in our RV (no, the trailer kind) not realizing it was downhill from the glacier. Remember katabatic winds from ground school? When they flow down the glacier they are really cold, we nearly froze to death.

Quote [Look how they protect Trans-Canada Highway from avalanches. Quirky things.}

Yes, snow sheds and lots of them. In the winter the army guys take their howitzers to designated spots on the highway and shoot into the snow to bring down unstable snow as controlled avalanches.

Thanks Vlad for the great pictures of your trip, I've enjoyed every one.

[Steve Melton]

stunning scenery! not too far from Calgary.