Colorado Summer

[mchargmg]

Hi all,

It was our 36th anniversary, so I took off work and we flew up to Leadville for lunch. It was a perfect day, no clouds, blue sky forever, and the winds aloft at 15,000 were 19 knots.

The planned route up there is North of the Academy, over to Buena Vista, and then turn north and fly up the valley.



As you head to Buena Vista, you follow Highway 24. Does this make me IFR?


Turn North before you get to the real mountains.


Buffalo Peaks wilderness area is off the right wing on the way north.


The airport sits in a very beautiful valley. Everything is pretty much "up" from there.


On the ramp at LXV.



High altitude training. I think they took on more gas than us......


Off for a great lunch at the Tennessee Pass Cafe. Back to the LXV for an uneventful takeoff. It sure is nice to have an RV when you are taking off at 9,927 feet!

Since it was so pretty we decided to take Westin Pass back home. It is just south of the airport, and it is up all the way.


I first did this with a CFI in my mountain training course. I have only done it twice since then. I circle over twin peaks reservoir to make sure I have the altitude before I enter the pass.

[mchargmg]

Several have tried to climb right into the entrance, and not made the top. You can see why as you approach the pass. There is probably room to turn around, but I would not chance it.


It is pretty much a blind turn into the pass.


Up and over the top. The view of the Rockies to the West is just stunning.



After that it is all pretty much downhill back to KFLY. You do however get to fly near some very rough terrain. Would not want to lose the engine in there. I kind of stay south of this.



All in all a wonderful day. We are really lucky to have these magnificent planes, and more importantly our family to share with.

Blue skies.

Geoff

[rockwoodrv9]

Nice pictures. It makes me miss living in Colorado just over the hill from Leadville. Thanks. Made my day.

[Vlad]

Love your report Geoff thanks. Brings good memories visiting Rocky and his former ranch.