petehowell
Well Known Member
The Trip Out......
My buddy at work laughed when I told him we were trying to get to Glacier again in the little plane..... he called it my "White Whale". The last 4 years we have tried and failed to get there. Wx, fires, work, and family events all conspired against us. We did not even plan to try this year until last week - I told Andi - I think we should go. Low key affair, camp with the plane, casual tour of the park, get some pics, and come on back home.
We tried to leave Saturday, but the winds over the mountains (and on the ground)were over 40 knots, so we stayed home til Sunday. We launched early at full gross and made our way west. No photos of Minnesota or the Dakotas as we have seen those before - still beautiful country tho!
I had long been interested in an area called the Missouri Breaks, and our route took us right over them. They did not not disappoint! Stark desolation and beauty.
Here is Fort Peck Lake as we started into the Breaks
Heller Farm Airstrip right on the banks of the Mighty Mo - might be a fun place to camp for a night or two. I think you would find some peace and quiet!
Two wider views of this amazing area - it is just beautiful! We plan to visit again......
Next stop Glacier! We landed at KGPI to pick up a car and grab a quick bite after 6 hours in the plane. 9er-Pop-Hotel was trooper, Full gross, 2300+ hours, no problem, she just keeps ticking! Andi drove the car over to where we were camping, Ryan Field, just outside of West Glacier, but I got to have the thrill of flying in. It was a bit challenging, but the payoff was spectacular!
Note: If you want to visit - read up on the requirements and consider making a donation to the RAF they are great people helping keep really cool little airstrips alive.
The pics don't really do it justice......
Just landed and a bit overwhelmed
2500 ft of paradise right outside Glacier NP.
The Golden Hour........ Tied down and camp set up
Nice camp fire on Sunday night to cap off a great day. (Note- Monday the airfield was closed to new arrivals and all fires due to dry conditions)
Monday morning dawned cool and crisp, we were ready to explore!
My buddy at work laughed when I told him we were trying to get to Glacier again in the little plane..... he called it my "White Whale". The last 4 years we have tried and failed to get there. Wx, fires, work, and family events all conspired against us. We did not even plan to try this year until last week - I told Andi - I think we should go. Low key affair, camp with the plane, casual tour of the park, get some pics, and come on back home.
We tried to leave Saturday, but the winds over the mountains (and on the ground)were over 40 knots, so we stayed home til Sunday. We launched early at full gross and made our way west. No photos of Minnesota or the Dakotas as we have seen those before - still beautiful country tho!
I had long been interested in an area called the Missouri Breaks, and our route took us right over them. They did not not disappoint! Stark desolation and beauty.
Here is Fort Peck Lake as we started into the Breaks
Heller Farm Airstrip right on the banks of the Mighty Mo - might be a fun place to camp for a night or two. I think you would find some peace and quiet!
Two wider views of this amazing area - it is just beautiful! We plan to visit again......
Next stop Glacier! We landed at KGPI to pick up a car and grab a quick bite after 6 hours in the plane. 9er-Pop-Hotel was trooper, Full gross, 2300+ hours, no problem, she just keeps ticking! Andi drove the car over to where we were camping, Ryan Field, just outside of West Glacier, but I got to have the thrill of flying in. It was a bit challenging, but the payoff was spectacular!
Note: If you want to visit - read up on the requirements and consider making a donation to the RAF they are great people helping keep really cool little airstrips alive.
The pics don't really do it justice......
Just landed and a bit overwhelmed
2500 ft of paradise right outside Glacier NP.
The Golden Hour........ Tied down and camp set up
Nice camp fire on Sunday night to cap off a great day. (Note- Monday the airfield was closed to new arrivals and all fires due to dry conditions)
Monday morning dawned cool and crisp, we were ready to explore!
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