Vail, CO    Leadville

Dallas, TX to Johnson Creek, Idaho 2004 by Doug Reeves

Day Four
Day four starts at 38 degrees F. When I come out of the tent there is a nice layer of frost over the entire plane (and tent). The hiking socks and sweatshirt have kept me cozy all night - I wasn't cold at all. Climbing out I realize I didn't bring gloves...note to self...bring gloves.

Several of the 180/185 crowd have already moved their planes into the sunlight that is just starting to peak over the far side of the runway. I opt to stay in the tent and pack from inside. Being a flatlander I had some nervousness about taking off this mountain strip with wet grass, so Jay and I waited until about 10am to leave. As things turned out, again, it was a non-event (the best kind). I took off in the first third of the strip and easily climbed to an altitude that would allow a quick reposition over to the right side of the canyon. I climbed at around 1,000 ft per minute until I got up to 8,000' and then slowed the climb down to 500' to keep the cylinder heads happy.

We're still light not having refueled in McCall, so climbout is a breeze. I punch in Burley, ID in the GPS and turn on the Trio Avionics roll autopilot (I still have the plane trimmed for a 500'/minute climb). I level off at 11,500', re-trim and turn on the Tru Trak altitude hold. Time for the satellite radio and a cereal bar. The camera comes out.  We pass over some spectacular scenery, scenery a plane with less performance just doesn't get to enjoy.

The magenta line takes us over the Sawtooth mountains again, making for some nice photo opportunities. The perched lakes, snow and noticeable lack of flat landing spots makes me glad we're following a highway, though.

Burley, ID is the first fuel stop. A quick call to my wife and a visit to the facilities and we're back in the air. Next waypoint is Vail, CO (Eagle KEGE) where Jay will later hook up with his cousin for a few days of visiting. In hindsight we should have picked a different location, as fuel was pricey. Incredibly, each fillup got a baseball hat. Flash looked pretty small parked in the middle of about 500 million worth of business jets. Jay and I ate $7 ham sandwiches in the cafe and said goodbye.

I take off and turned for the road that runs to Leadville. A slow climb up to 11,500' and again I'm flying the valleys. I cross Leadville at 11,500' wishing I had more time so I could land and take a picture (highest airport in US for those not knowing). Leaving the Rockies I put Guyman, OK in for my next fuel stop and turn the satellite radio back on. I eat some more and sing along with CCR for about an hour. Be glad you weren't there...

I call CTAF ten miles out of Guyman and get a response from Gregg Downing at the FBO. As I roll up to the pump a truck drives up. The attendant lives next door, heard my call, and drove over to fuel my plane. Incredible service!!! I was told by Jay to ask for the 'Red Marron Discount'. Gregg smiles and says 'Sure thing' and knocks off a little. Great stop! I'm in for a quick facility visit and am back in the air less than fifteen minutes after I first touched down. No kidding.

I'm on the home stretch, two hours from home base and fighting daylight. The GPS database says sunset at 52F will occur at 2015 local so I'm looking at about 30 minutes of honest to goodness night flying with my projected 2105 local arrival. The temperature wasn't that bad and the air was smooth as silk - on autopilot the plane was as still as it would be setting on the ramp. I put the Trio autopilot in 'Course' mode and bump the 'R' toggle switch five times to turn 5 degrees to the right so I will miss the protected airspace around Wichita Falls. Once past that I put George back in 'Track' mode and rejoin the magenta line. I turn off the altitude hold about ten minutes out and begin a slow decent (400'/min) down to 2500'. Altitude hold back on until I'm about five out, ready to cross overhead for left downwind to 17.  It is dark.

Landing lights on followed by an uneventful landing has me rolling up to the hanger at 2103 local. I have just flown 1,250 n.m. in one day. I call Jay to let him know I'm back home - I know he's awaiting the call. Call the flying buddy before the family, as they're counting the minutes on their watch (the family isn't following that closely).

I pull the truck out of the hanger and begin unloading. Home by 2200 and asleep shortly after that. Tomorrow I'll pick up the family at DFW airport. They've all been in Disneyland with Susie's Mom and through one of Susie's college friends got tickets to attend the premier of 'Princess Diaries II' with the stars Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway. They got to walk on the red carpet and everything - heady stuff for a nine year old daughter.  Someone even asked my wife for her autograph.  Funny stuff.  All our frequent flyer air reward miles are now used up, but it was worth it.

I'm going to Idaho again. It is beautiful and I am hooked.

Over 2,500 nautical miles in 18.9 hours of flying.  Only in a RV!

Thanks for reading,
Doug

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