Big Bend Ranch Fly In

[Wes Hays]

A while back EAA Chapter 471 in Abilene scheduled a flyout to Carlsbad for a weekend to see the caverns.

Becky and I were fortunate enough to meet and travel with Larry on our first long trip in our RV back in 2001. (See the Tarantula Trek on his website ).

http://n5lp.net/Tarant1.htm

I called Larry to get some information about Carlsbad, where to stay, where to eat, etc, and he was great in helping us out. But now, for the rest of the story.

Larry and Louise Hose met all of us at the airport, made sure we had everything taken care of, and went to supper with us. Some of you have also met Louise. She was flying a Cherokee at the time, but am so glad she finally saw the light and has an RV

Larry and Louise gave us a tour of the Caverns that you absolutely cannot believe. They pointed out things in the Caverns that you would absolutely overlook if you were the average Joe Tourist like we were. It was totally amazing to listen to them share the knowledge they have.

Anyway, the point is, if you can schedule a trip to Carlsbad, you won't find a better host. If there is a rating higher than five stars, Larry gets it.

We had a great time!!!!! Thanks again!!!!!!

Wes Hays
Winters, TX

[westexflyboy]

Originally Posted by n5lp

I've got some photos up of today's trip to Capote Falls at http://n5lp.net/Capote.htm

Great report and photos, Larry. Sorry, my radio range was somewhat limited.

I can tell from my initial review of the video footage that I'm not done with either of these two great landmarks (Capote Falls or San Carlos Mine tunnel). I flew close enough to the falls to see water droplets bouncing off the rocks. It was incredible. Unfortunately my wide-angle lenses did not capture those details, so I must make some improvements to my camera platform. Later in the year after the vegetation blooms and the sun angle improves, I intend to return.

You kind of formulate a new standard for the words "remote" and "isolated" flying in these parts. It's beautiful in its own unique way, but trecherous from a survival standpoint. I think I have the right airplane for capturing images from the air, but I would feel better flying with a wingman.

I will be posting a preliminary video in the next few days, with revisions expected later in the year.

Chase Snodgrass
Presidio, Texas
http://flybigbend.com

[westexflyboy]

http://www.flybigbend.com/html/videos.html

A rare look at the highest waterfall in Texas, along with a hand-dug
rail tunnel built by a Chinese crew in the 1880's.

Chase Snodgrass, CFI
Presidio, TX

[Wes Hays]

Great Job Chase!!! I enjoyed the video. You and Larry really did a yoeman's job on this one. We appreicate your help. As soon as I get the plane back together (Condition Inspection) we are going to head down there for a look.

Thanks again guys!
Wes

[db1yg]

Chase,

Another great job!! Janie and I really enjoyed it. You are quite the ambassador for the Big Bend area.

Best Wishes to you and the family!!

db1yg

[Ironflight]

That makes me want to fuel up the Val and head right back out there this weekend Chase!

Very cool stuff.

Paul

[n5lp]

Very nice Chase. I especially like how you insert the historical notes.

Good job with the insertion of the old photo your father-in-law took but why no credit to the sturdy old PA22?

My first airplane was a PA22/20 and I miss it still.

[c177tx]

Chase,

Great video, after your refueling stop I kept looking for the shadow of ICE on your tail...

[westexflyboy]

Originally Posted by c177tx

I kept looking for the shadow of ICE on your tail...

HA! Assuming they could even find the Big Bend, they would have to come out several times per week if I?m the threat. Actually all DHS aircraft are under CBP Air now, and I?ve been working side-by-side with the local pilots for years.

Originally Posted by n5lp

...why no credit to the sturdy old PA22? My first airplane was a PA22/20 and I miss it still.

My mechanic friend used to call my second Tri-Pacer ?old faithful? because we took some pretty long adventures together and always came back on time. N6107D was a good old bird. But I was not satisfied with the small windows; I wanted, or rather needed, to see this country.

Originally Posted by Ironflight

That makes me want to fuel up the Val and head right back out there this weekend Chase! Very cool stuff

Let me know if you?re serious. I have a rancher friend that wants to buy a brand new Super Cub. I sure would like for him to experience an RV first! West of Rocksprings, and pretty much right on your line of travel.

Originally Posted by Wes Hays

As soon as I get the plane back together we are going to head down there for a look

Let's do lunch

Originally Posted by db1yg

Chase, You are quite the ambassador for the Big Bend area

I love it out here. Can you tell?

Chase Snodgrass
Presidio, Texas
http://flybigbend.com

[deeperrin]

Originally Posted by westexflyboy

The approximate location for the tunnel is N30 27 45 W104 44 18.1

There is a ranch in that area known as the Coal Mine Ranch. There either was not enough coal to make it work or it was a scam to begin with and there never was any coal. ]

There is coal in the hills out at Coal Mine Ranch. I spoke with an old miner at the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute https://cdri.org/index.html outside of Fort Davis, Texas.

His explanation as to why nothing was ever done was the area is faulted up really bad. He said that the rail was laid as a spur out to the mine, but they were not able to get to the coal efficiently. Once hope was given up on the mines the local ranchers took it upon themselves to take care of the rail left behind.

In some of my trips out there I have seen a spot where there is still some wooden supports for a rail creek crossing but not much else is left behind.

Thanks
Derrick Perrin