Big Bend Ranch Fly In

[mannanj]

Anyone back from Big Bend yet? How was it? Wanted to go sooooooo bad.

[n5lp]

Originally Posted by mannanj

Anyone back from Big Bend yet? How was it? Wanted to go sooooooo bad.

Well... It was pretty nice actually.

[Louise Hose]

Most of us headed back this afternoon and more reports will undoubtedly flow soon. Without question, the most enjoyable fly-in I've attended. The two people that I owe my greatest appreciation are, of course, Paul Dye, who motivated and scouted the trip, and Doug Reeves (Flash), who wimped on the trip and opened up a slot in the jeep tour of the Big Bend NP that I grabbed. Many thanks, Doug! Another example of how you continue to serve the RV community. Six RVs and one each of C-180, Cardinal, and Ultralight. Fabulous weather. Great food. Wonderful camping/bunking. And, a staff that seemed desperate to please and see more visitors.

Van's Cavalry rode this morning. Look for a photo of Ironflight on chestnut horse next to the Valkyrie. More photos and stories, no doubt, to come.

[db1yg]

How was it??? Lets see--beautiful blue sky, incredible scenary, a Park Service staff meeting every need, too much great food, bonfire discussions under a star cover so bright you could touch the milky way, great hiking trails, and really nice people---what else could you ask for--it was a very enjoyable weekend!!!

Dave and Janie B.
RV9a/ECi0360/James Cowl/Catto prop--110 hrs and a permanent smile!!!!!!!

[mannanj]

I knew I shouldn't have asked!!!!!! Being retarded---errr---RETIRED, my discretionary funds didn't allow for the $700-$750 it would have cost. I live 1078 NM away 2156 NM round trip. Would have been over $500 just for fuel. Then add food, shelter and The Calvary Charge (Horseback Ride). I was sorely tempted to bust the budget though!!!!!

Maybe we can do another one this fall when the furnace cools down in the Big Bend Country.

[DeltaRomeo]

Originally Posted by Louise Hose

snip....Doug Reeves (Flash), who wimped on the trip and opened up a slot in the jeep tour of the Big Bend NP that I grabbed. Many thanks, Doug! ...snip

My pleasure, Louise!

Friday while gearing up to go see the CPA I went for a short flight. Saturday morning I had oil under the plane - I had blown my crankshaft front seal out. It was laying on the alternator. Turns out I picked the right weekend to not fly solo over a big portion of remote Texas . While the plane is down I got the cowl to Grady's for paint (yeah!).

Super happy you all had fun and I can't wait to do it myself. Sounds like you had a home run trip.

Best always,
Doug

[c177tx]

Here are some pictures of a great weekend

http://picasaweb.google.com/c177tx

[the_other_dougreeves]

I wound up not going because of wind, either at the planned fuel stops (Friday) and here in Dallas (Sat) - above my personal limits. Bummed out, but I did have a good day of flying today, and passed 100 hours in the logbook.

Looking forward to everyone's photos!

[Ironflight]

My test of a good time - I can't figure out how we fit a bunch of great experiences into such a short time! It was great to meet a bunch of new folks, and as has already been alluded to - the Big Bend Ranch has got to be one of the best kept secrets in the State. Let's see, my bill for two night's lodging, food, and the Cavalry Charge ( ) came to $150. I flew a total of 6.5 hours, but hey, I'd have done that in a weekend anyway....

(I guess to be fair, I should add in the price of a cell phone, mine is laying out there in the desert somewhere....)

The scenery was spectacular, the air clean and dry - yup, the stars were better than I have seen in years. The staff was so laid back - it was more like being a guest in someone's private park, and they wanted us all to enjoy what they enjoy every day.

It was great to actually feel like I was on vacation for a change - and boy are my muscles going to remind me about it all in the morning.....I'll write more when I can string a few intelligible sentences together.

Excellent pictures Gary - glad you trekked on out in the "tank" - hey, it wasn't the slowest aircraft on the ramp!

Ironhorse

TODR - you made a difficult, but very good choice! When I landed for fuel in Alpine, the wind was straight down RWY 23, but gusting to over 35 knots. I touched down and rolled two plane lengths - then had to dodge tumbleweeds coming at me! Not a good place for the jellybean.

[rodeomanny]

Paul: What was the wind at BBRSP when you landed and when you took off? What was the condition of the field? Thinking of flying 2 RV's from El Paso. Sounds like a really nice place to visit.