Kelley's Island (89D)

[jasstech]

Saturday my wife and I flew to Kelley's Island for a fun day trip. The winds blessed us so we were able to use 27 while landing which meant flying final over the lake, and then they switched directions so we used 9 departing so were able to climb out over the lake as well.

I thought I'd share some of our experience in case anyone else is interested. The airport is unattended so if you need fuel plan a stop at Port Clinton which is a worthy destination itself.

After landing the first order of business is visiting the terminal to pay the landing fee. You might want to bring an envelope because when we visited we used the last one. Write your tail number on the envelope, insert $10, and slide the envelope in the box.

The next item is securing transportation. The island does have a taxi service that will take you anywhere on the island for $4 a head. We chose to get dropped off at the marina where the ferries doc. From there you can rent bikes or golf carts to explore the island.

There are a couple of unique items to see on the island. The glacial grooves and inscription rock. There are also a number of hiking trails and a nice state park beach.

Overall the island is a lot more relaxed version of Put N Bay. There is a party atmosphere by the marina though.

We had lunch at the Casino which is a bar/restaurant and not a casino. The Po' Boys were great and it was a beautiful view overlooking the lake.

This probably would have been even more fun as an overnight trip as the island does have a winery and brew pub that we were unable to take advantage of. It was definitely a great day trip though and we'll probably be back.

 

[azure]

Sigh. Kelleys is one of the many Great Lakes flying destinations I miss now that I'm 500 miles away.

Nice pirep, thanks. I'd add the alvar on the north shore as one of the unusual natural wonders of Kelleys that's worth checking out. It's accessible by an easily hikeable trail.

Oh, p.s. your photo doesn't quite do justice to the steep drop-off into the lake at the end of 9. Landing on the upslope looks like it might be a bit challenging too, but I would never fly my Cardinal there on a day when the winds were westerly.

 

[iflyvfr]

Oh, p.s. your photo doesn't quite do justice to the steep drop-off into the lake at the end of 9. Landing on the upslope looks like it might be a bit challenging too,but I would never fly my Cardinal there on a day when the winds were westerly.

Azure, can you explain why not? We go to PIB once a year or so and this looks like a great change of pace. Is the 2200' of concern or ??

 

[Challenged]

Sounds like a great place to fly in. Unfortunately, it looks like it's a 5 or 6 hour flight for me. Ah well, maybe when I buy the Pilatus.

 

[iflyvfr]

Sounds like a great place to fly in. Unfortunately, it looks like it's a 5 or 6 hour flight for me. Ah well, maybe when I buy the Pilatus.

Can't think of a better reason to make the flight!

 

[azure]

Azure, can you explain why not? We go to PIB once a year or so and this looks like a great change of pace. Is the 2200' of concern or ??

The main reason is that to use the full runway length on 27, you have to start down by the lake. About the first quarter of the runway is uphill in that direction. So it's equivalent to about an 1800 foot runway for takeoff purposes, taking into account that you'll get some speed even going uphill. I wouldn't hesitate to do it in a 172, but Cardinals need a longer takeoff roll and don't have very good climb performance. I think most of the time I could make it okay, especially because there is a good-sized field across the road that runs past the west end of the airport, but it would be a little close for my comfort. And I would be very concerned on hot summer days.

 

[jasstech]

Thanks for mentioning the alvar. We missed that so now we have something to look forward to on the next trip. No the picture doesn't do the drop-off justice. It was definitely fun landing there especially since most of my landings have been in the flatlands of west central Ohio where the runways are flat, long, and obstacle free.