Grass strip tour in May

Speaking of packing, I need to find a good small (one-man) tent for sleeping under the wing for those nights when I can't find a ride into town or sleep in the FBO. Any suggestions?

I use a Eureka Timberlite XT. It is a nice pup tent style tent. It is a two man tent which really means a one man tent with room for the backpack/suitcase. It is easy to set up and take down and has held up well to wind and rain. I carry a blue tarp to put under it in case of rough terrain and use one of those self inflating backpack mattresses, I think its a Thermarest or something like that.

Barb
 
Barb

Be sure and let me know when Diana is coming to town. We definetly will get a gang together in MI to welcome her.

Dave :blueplane:
 
Hey Linda! It's nice to see you back here. I understand that you've been really busy lately.

*Thanks! I hope to check back more often!*

Well, aren't you sweet! It's been a pleasure working with you. :yes: We need more enthusiastic and positive pilots like you in the aviation world.

Will do! If we can't connect in May, then I hope to fly up to visit you sometime this summer. :)

*That sounds great - your new map is quite a bit further away!*

BTW, congratulations on passing your written!

*Thank you, thank you! I'm itching to get back in the air! The wind has been way too stiff for us students! We enjoyed hearing Phil Boyer last night at the AOPA Town Meeting! Hope we can keep these fees and added taxes out of the picture for your "grass strip tour!!!":hairraise:
 
Does anyone know if you can actually land at Pioneer Airport?? And how you get permission?

I volunteered there from 1999-2002, and had an internship in the summer of 2002 as assistant airport manager. Very rarely does EAA open up Pioneer to anything other than its own operations. Pioneer is mostly used for rides in the antiques and Young Eagles flights. Once in a while it's open for a special event like the skiplane fly-in, and even then you need prior permission. You have about a 1% chance of being let in there for anything other than a special event. But you can give it a try!

The person you want to talk to is Sean Elliott, who is the Director of Aircraft Operations. His number is posted on the Contact Us part of the Pioneer Airport web site.

Flying up there and contacting the tower won't cut it. Tower will just tell you to land at Wittman and take the EAA shuttle over to the museum.
 
Diana, The tent Barb mentioned is great I gave one to my brother for his birthday. I also suggest you check out REI and awesome outdoor store. They are on line as well at www.REI.com Folloing is a special they are having on a tent that would be perfect for your mission you can't beat the price and weight just over 5 lbs http://www.rei.com/product/728308

Also just as important is a good sleeping bag. Have you finalized your stops yet. May is just around the corner. If you get to Van Sant you are welcome to stay at my place.
 
Diana, The tent Barb mentioned is great I gave one to my brother for his birthday. I also suggest you check out REI and awesome outdoor store.
Thanks for the suggestions. :yes: I may order one of those. Our OSH tents aren't that nice, since we normally have a tarp over the wing and they don't need to be as sturdy. This kind of camping will be different and I want a better tent like the ones you all have suggested.

Have you finalized your stops yet. May is just around the corner. If you get to Van Sant you are welcome to stay at my place.
Well, here is the current map of possible stops. About 7,000 miles and 96 stops. It changes daily. :D Once I get to PA it will be a BIG question mark after I stay with Missa (if she's home :fcross: ). I hear that PA is really pretty and want to spend some time exploring it. Some of the Citabria guys have offered to help me out (meaning *lead me by the hand*) with New England once I get there .

I was also thinking about flying the Shenandoah Valley. Anybody done that? Would it be worthwhile? Does anyone know of interesting airports to stop at in the valley? I remember seeing it briefly as a child visiting my grandfather at his home in the hills near Monterey, VA and recall the scenery as being beautiful.

Adam, thanks for the offer to stay! I appreciate it! It would be nice to visit Ed Guthrie while there too, if time allows.

Terry Miller has been helping me out with routing through southern Louisiana. I hadn't realized that I was planning low and slow over a LOT of marshes and swamps and alligators :eek: , so he has helped me find a safer route. :)
 

Attachments

  • Grass tour 12.JPG
    Grass tour 12.JPG
    246.6 KB · Views: 44
May is just around the corner.
One thing that has changed is the start date. I just found out that the aerobatic contest in Claremore, OK, the Okie Twistoff, has been canceled, so now I can start out around May 1st. If the carburetor is done by then. :fcross:
 
Hmm, that kind of bugs me that EAA owns an airport that is not open to the public....
 
What? No 9D9? We have two grass strips, and I'm getting passed over for Watervliet??
 
What? No 9D9? We have two grass strips, and I'm getting passed over for Watervliet??
:hairraise: Ooops, the kitty must have deleted it. The proposed route is always subject to change. :yes:
 
I was also thinking about flying the Shenandoah Valley. Anybody done that? Would it be worthwhile? Does anyone know of interesting airports to stop at in the valley? I remember seeing it briefly as a child visiting my grandfather at his home in the hills near Monterey, VA and recall the scenery as being beautiful.
:)

I absolutely love the Shenandoah Valley. I regularly fly it as an after work flight. I don't know any grass strips (there are some, but private), but Luray's a fun little stop. It's one of the few "old time flavor" airports left around this neighborhood. They'll also give you a ride over to Luray Caverns, which is pretty interesting. And if you did stop there, I'd pick you up and take you back over the Shenandoahs to the east side where our farm is and you could overnite. Then we could discuss the possibility of a little grass strip on the farm. It would be short, and the hubby says it's not doable, but of course I disagree. Just need the right airplane.:D
 
Luray's a fun little stop. And if you did stop there, I'd pick you up and take you back over the Shenandoahs to the east side where our farm is and you could overnite.
That sounds like fun! :yes: If you're available when I get there, let's plan on it!

Then we could discuss the possibility of a little grass strip on the farm. It would be short, and the hubby says it's not doable, but of course I disagree. Just need the right airplane.:D
Oh, this sounds like a fun challenge. Let's find a way to show him it's doable. There will surely be an airplane that would be able to do it.
 
Oh, this sounds like a fun challenge. Let's find a way to show him it's doable. There will surely be an airplane that would be able to do it.

New Maule Airplane on Visa Unlimited Card ............. $153,000.00

Commercial Tractor for new grass strip .................. $13,500.00

Proving your husband wrong ................................ Priceless :D
 
I use a Eureka Timberlite XT. and use one of those self inflating backpack mattresses, I think its a Thermarest or something like that.

I have a timberlite, much earlier edition, it has worked well for me for egads, 13 years. I use it 15 days/year on average. Thermarest rocks as well.
 
That sounds like fun! :yes: If you're available when I get there, let's plan on it!

You bet! I'm on vacation the 1st week of May, and I'll start my meanderings towards Gaston's on May 31st. So in between, I'm available. I'll PM some numbers.

Attached is a view of the Shenandoahs from the farm.
 

Attachments

  • 26_20051217LogHouseOldRagWispyFireSnow.JPG
    26_20051217LogHouseOldRagWispyFireSnow.JPG
    708.6 KB · Views: 14
New Maule Airplane on Visa Unlimited Card ............. $153,000.00

Commercial Tractor for new grass strip .................. $13,500.00

Proving your husband wrong ................................ Priceless :D


LOL!!! :rofl:
 
I was also thinking about flying the Shenandoah Valley. Anybody done that? Would it be worthwhile? Does anyone know of interesting airports to stop at in the valley? I remember seeing it briefly as a child visiting my grandfather at his home in the hills near Monterey, VA and recall the scenery as being beautiful.

Yes, the Valley is worth it (remember that I own mountain top property at the north end of the Valley). I've flown it before. Lots of fun.

Luray is a nice little airport, Sky Brice is an interesting field - it's a little resort town. There are a number of private grass strips along the way.

One of the best memories I have is that of driving along I-81 on a spring day going back to college, and seeing two biplanes sauntering along over the median. The cars on the highway were driving faster than they were flying....
 
You bet! I'm on vacation the 1st week of May, and I'll start my meanderings towards Gaston's on May 31st. So in between, I'm available. I'll PM some numbers.
Sounds good! :yes:

Attached is a view of the Shenandoahs from the farm.
NICE view! I'm looking forward to seeing it in real life. :)
 
One of the best memories I have is that of driving along I-81 on a spring day going back to college, and seeing two biplanes sauntering along over the median. The cars on the highway were driving faster than they were flying....
Bill, the way you describe it, I can picture it too. :yes: I can only hope that someone will have a memory like that of my flying over them low and slow somewhere.
 
That sounds like fun! :yes: If you're available when I get there, let's plan on it!

Oh, this sounds like a fun challenge. Let's find a way to show him it's doable. There will surely be an airplane that would be able to do it.
Build yourself a RagWing Stork - dirty stall speed = 15. Takeoff/landing roll = 30'.

Bet that would get in and out of the ol' backyard strip easily enough! :)
 
Diana, I thought of another grass strip in Illinois. It is just south of Bloomington, it is a private strip and belongs to a farmer. At one time he was the president of the Flying Farmers organization. I met him and he was really a nice guy. I dont' know if he had fuel there or not. It is close to the little town of clinton. A really good grass strip. If you are interested I could get you some more information. Bob
 
Diana, I thought of another grass strip in Illinois. It is just south of Bloomington, it is a private strip and belongs to a farmer. At one time he was the president of the Flying Farmers organization. I met him and he was really a nice guy. I dont' know if he had fuel there or not. It is close to the little town of clinton. A really good grass strip. If you are interested I could get you some more information.
Hey Bob! Where have you been? You've been so quiet!

That would be great if you could find out more for me. His identifier or lat/long would be appreciated. Thanks!
 
I have been away from the computer for a while. I spend the summer months in the Vale, Or. area. ( no computer) and the winter months in the Portland area where we have the computer. I am just on a two day visit so I am trying to catch up. I don't have that information here, but I will get it to you soon. I have a Lat. Long, and a Telephone number. Bob
 
I have been away from the computer for a while. I spend the summer months in the Vale, Or. area. ( no computer) and the winter months in the Portland area where we have the computer. I am just on a two day visit so I am trying to catch up.

OK, I will quit worrying about you then.

I don't have that information here, but I will get it to you soon. I have a Lat. Long, and a Telephone number. Bob
That would be great! Thanks!

An update from my mechanic....he just called and said he's putting the airplane back together today and will fly it back up to the farm tomorrow. So, hopefully, I will depart this coming Monday headed for Iowa.
 
Diana have you nailed down your final route?

Adam, here is version 17 of the map. Subject to change, as always. :D

The route isn't set in stone, especially after I hit Pennsylvania...it's all a blur after that and some of the airports are way points and not necessarily on the route as it's mapped.

The plan is to leave this coming Monday headed for Iowa with the first night at the Amana Colonies and on to Bruce's on Tuesday.

It will be interesting to see how the "before" map compares to the "after" map. :D
 

Attachments

  • Grass 17.JPG
    Grass 17.JPG
    250.7 KB · Views: 58
I am so jealous. Have fun Diana--take lots of pictures!
 
That...... is........ AWESOME!

You are making a LOT of folks here very jealous with your endeavor, Diana. As Jesse said - we will require tons of pictures and a full de-brief at Gastons. Maybe someone can bring a projector/screen and you can do a full presentation one night. :)

As for the Iowa stops - I see Sully, Ottumwa, and Amana.
Sully is a good strip to get into when you need to get paperwork to/from the Co-Op in town. :D Haven't been to the Ottumwa grass strip. You'll really like the Amana stop. Try not to eat so much that you go over-gross. :D I *assume* the other strip is Indianola? If so, when you depart there, follow Highway 69 north out of Indianola toward Des Moines. Just under the Class C shelf is IA41. 2300' long grass strip running roughly E-W. That's the grass strip I work out of when I'm working for the crop-duster. Not sure if they'll have the big yellow birds out yet or not. Unfortunately, I won't be down there or I would at least wave as you fly over.
 
Adam, here is version 17 of the map. Subject to change, as always. :D

The route isn't set in stone, especially after I hit Pennsylvania...it's all a blur after that and some of the airports are way points and not necessarily on the route as it's mapped.

The plan is to leave this coming Monday headed for Iowa with the first night at the Amana Colonies and on to Bruce's on Tuesday.

It will be interesting to see how the "before" map compares to the "after" map. :D
Diana, 2C6 is heaven, it's where I take all my stus for REAL grass work (well, sometimes I use 03 Grass at GBG, home of the Stearman fly-in, it's beautiful. However, it looks like on May 1, I can offer you a HANGAR at 3MY.

The grass condition at 2C6 is good. It's just getting dry today.

Say hi to the boys at Yates City!
 
Diana,

Watervliet might still be closed because it is soft from the winter. It was NOTAMed closed a week ago still. Another couple of nice grass strips in Michigan is Frankenmuth 66G,(Bavarian style town with Zenders restuarant--good fried chicken-- and the largest Christmas store in the country, and Chesaning 50G,(a quaintish town with a showboat on the river.) This Thursday 5/3 I'm hopefully flying down to Dayton Ohio to meet my folks and see the Air Force Museum on Friday. Will not be home till Saturday or Sunday.

Coming through Indiana, consider stopping for gas at Knox, Starke County KOXI. There is a 9-27 grass strip and fuel was $3.07 last week.

Barb
 
This Thursday 5/3 I'm hopefully flying down to Dayton Ohio to meet my folks and see the Air Force Museum on Friday. Will not be home till Saturday or Sunday.
Are you going to be home Wednesday? How about if I head up that way after leaving Bruce's?

Watervliet might still be closed because it is soft from the winter. It was NOTAMed closed a week ago still. Another couple of nice grass strips in Michigan is Frankenmuth 66G,(Bavarian style town with Zenders restuarant--good fried chicken-- and the largest Christmas store in the country, and Chesaning 50G,(a quaintish town with a showboat on the river.)

Coming through Indiana, consider stopping for gas at Knox, Starke County KOXI. There is a 9-27 grass strip and fuel was $3.07 last week.
Thanks for the additional info on the airports! :)
 
Can't wait to see/read all about this trip!

Take my cell # so if you make it to 2B1 I can meet up with you and get you some great food etc.
7-7-4--8-3-6--3-7-0-6

Fly Safe~!
 
Adam, here is version 17 of the map. Subject to change, as always. :D

The route isn't set in stone, especially after I hit Pennsylvania...it's all a blur after that and some of the airports are way points and not necessarily on the route as it's mapped.

The plan is to leave this coming Monday headed for Iowa with the first night at the Amana Colonies and on to Bruce's on Tuesday.

It will be interesting to see how the "before" map compares to the "after" map. :D

crap.

finals start monday. any other week and i would be all for skipping class to meet you at a grass runway. see you at Gastons!
 
Adam, here is version 17 of the map. Subject to change, as always. :D

The route isn't set in stone, especially after I hit Pennsylvania...it's all a blur after that and some of the airports are way points and not necessarily on the route as it's mapped.

The plan is to leave this coming Monday headed for Iowa with the first night at the Amana Colonies and on to Bruce's on Tuesday.

It will be interesting to see how the "before" map compares to the "after" map. :D

Hi Diana,

It looks like you are deliberately avoiding Maryland and Delaware! Just kidding. Since you are going north to Campbell Field, why not just continue north another hour and visit Smyrna (38N) and Massey (MD1) , both great grass strips. Smyrna has fuel. Some very scenic and fun flying heading north from Campbell, plus the Eastern Shore around Kentmoor is a must see. Also I could meet you and guide you into Kentmoor (3W3) -- grass strip -- where delicious crab cakes may be had for lunch.

Have a great and safe trip. I am envious!

Bill
 
Yep, I get out of work around 1-2 on Wednesday, and so far it is supposed to be nice up here then.

Barb
Great! I'll plan on making it up there on Wednesday afternoon. :yes:

My Citabria is back home and it's running better and flying better than it ever has before. The paint on the metal and fiberglass *finally* matches the rest of the airplane. Yay! :goofy:
 
Grass is perfect as Hastings. Did 8 t/o and landings with dad today on the grass.
 
Back
Top