VFR to Russia (In Memory of Bob Axsom)

[TX7A]

Vlad

Are you still hanging out in Atlin?
I know there's more to come, but....

[Sig600]

Originally Posted by jeffkersey

I am loving following this adventure. One question? When lunch was served, it looked like you had a grip on the stick with your knees. Are you doing all these trips without any autopilot?

In Soviet Russia, plane fly you!

[Vlad]

After healthy breakfast Greg, Julia and I left Atlin. They locked the cabin and took a camping trip to Dawson City. I headed toward Muddy Lake airstrip. I learned about it from a helicopter pilot they were hauling heavy equipment for miners there couple years ago and he boasted a superb runway.











Taking off Atlin airport.




Breathtaking views.





Muddy Lake is in that valley according to the charts.





The mines. A waterfall out of a mine shaft.








And they call it a superb runway?





It's a complete washout. Quite a challenge of a go around in that narrow canyon.





Meh. I'll pass. Telegraph Creek is next...

[catmandu]

Originally Posted by Vlad

Meh. I'll pass....

End of days, people. Moose out front just told you.

[Vlad]

Originally Posted by catmandu

End of days, people. Moose out front just told you.

I will leave it for tailwheel guys Mike.





Telegraph Creek Greg told me about that and cautioned about rough and stony runway. Let's go and take a look. Couldn't be worse then Muddy Lake.











Local fox didn't even pay attention to my shiny homebuilt.







But a guy who just ran here from the village to look at an airplane heard it all.




We can talk nonstop how we bucked those rivets. Feels so good when somebody actually listens. Time is up and I need some gas. Telegraph Creek has none.






The closest airport with gas is Terrace CYXT. I also know there is a good borsch in a local cafeteria. That's where I am heading from Telegraph Creek. Stay with me.

[Vlad]

I told you yesterday I was going to fly to Terrace for gas and a lunch. Well, I got lost. If you ever fly in British Columbia in the middle of June expect to be distracted and eventually lost in this surrounding beauty.














I got my bearings right I still have a ton of fuel. I can sightsee for an extra hour or so. A lot of uncharted strips around and a decent empty road nearby in case you need a pit stop.





Mini Mattehorn.





Wait a sec this looks familiar. I've been here it's Bob Queen Lake. Small world.





I do remember these fluffy mountains.





Not sure if this logging was developed last year. A lot of activity a lot of dust.





From here I will deviate to the right there is a road there according to a Canadian VFR chart. The roads leads to Stewart, BC. Greg Arehart advised me to visit the town if there is a chance. You won't be disappointed he said.

[Vlad]

Blending in. A road to Stewart BC.








Honestly there are no words to describe what you see. Stunning beauty of the valley pictures don't do any justice.





I posted this picture elsewhere and a military/airline pilot quickly recognized it. He drove his bike from NM to Deadhorse AK and parked right here by this lake.











Here it is Stewart BC. An excellent asphalt runway, a mile from Alaskan town Hyder and a lot of affordable hotels within walking distance from the airport.











It looks like I am not going anywhere today. I park and walk to town. A little brown bear sneaked through the bushes a common thing I was told not to worry about it is half domesticated.

[Steve Melton]

stunning scenery!

[Vlad]

Originally Posted by Steve Melton

stunning scenery!

Indeed Steve. The weather forecast looked good for tomorrow I walked to the town and checked in with King Edward Hotel.



An excursion to the past. I visited the local museum just hour before it closes and based on the tour mapped myself a nice flying route for tomorrow.








Have you ever thought that back in the days there were horse snow shoes? I kid you not I didn't know.




After museum tour I strolled the boardwalk and even tried to reach Hyder, AK on foot but got tired quickly and returned.










I walked pass the airport just to check if everything is OK and saw these two were not talking to each other.





Tomorrow I will figure out why. Btw do you remember the guy who remotely bought me a dinner when I was in El Centro California last year? You don't? I do. So I enter the bar in my hotel in Stewart BC and the bartender tells me I can drink anything I want and it's all paid for. By who?! By a guy, the same guy. It was cool thank YOU!

[Vlad]

In the morning after a breakfast at the hotel I walked to the airport. I have to figure out how to find some gas for local flying. There is no fixed wing aircrafts based at Stewart Municipal airport but rather a dozen plus of different kinds of helicopters. All jet powered. Flying mine deliveries, equipment hauling and some scientific research. What a friendly bunch are those chopper drivers. I was able to borrow several gas cans and a truck. Filled them up at local gas station and was all set for fun. Somebody asked for a ride but I didn't have passenger seat installed it didn't happen.

Winds calm ceiling 8,000 overcast with some mountain obscuration. Let's roll. I cork screwed over the airport till clear of surrounding terrain and went sightseeing.





Hopped over the ridge toward Alaskan side and descended for Salmon Glacier. Cassiar highway was empty not too many drive to the scenic viewpoint today.








Very interesting glacier quite different from the others I flew over.





Note for those who concern about safety of flying over unhospitable terrain like glaciers. First of all I tend to dramatize the pictures by cropping. Second I carry enough energy in case my Lycoming decides to go for lunch. Third you would be surprised but there are plenty of spots on a glacier you can make a survivable emergency landing.





Turn around and glide toward Salmon River.








A little low level fun over the river.





Then jump to an altitude by Hyder. Somebody was watching FAA webcam and wondering if I can time a pass at right angle to be viewed. It didn't work.





Climbed to 7-8K again to check a monument of a gold rush mine. They were bringing drilling equipment here by horses till late 19th Century.



A little party with a helicopter pilot followed nobody else showed up. It was a good day. Tomorrow (two days later) I finally go to Terrace where there is avgas and a good borsch.