Friday Fun on the Skagit

[Marc Olson]

After several months of trying, Chris Duros and I were finally able to get together and do some flying in our -12s after work yesterday. We decided to fly up to the Skagit and see if the waters had come down from the last time Chris was up there. It would also be a chance for me to try my first gravel bar landing. After practicing a bunch of spot landings at PAE and on Karl's new STOL strip in Duvall, I felt ready to give it a try.

Chris led the way (http://supercub.org/gallery/view_photo.php?set_albumName=album14&id=Chris_Mt_Baker) and we scouted a couple and then found the riverbank he was familiar with:

http://supercub.org/gallery/view_photo.php?set_albumName=album14&id=Skagit

He went in first and walked it while I circled and took pictures:

http://supercub.org/gallery/view_photo.php?set_albumName=album14&id=Chris_on_Bar_001

After getting the beta on the approach and landing from Chris, I set up for my very first riverbank landing. Other than the sun in my eyes, it went smoothly and Chris' guidance to make sure to avoid a rise in the bank at the shore was spot on. Just like I'd been practicing, I came over the edge at 45 IAS, set her down and cut the power. A little bumpy (now I know why we have bungees), but no problems getting stopped and parked.

http://supercub.org/gallery/view_photo.php?set_albumName=album14&id=TwoDown

I ordered my bushwheels last night and can hardly wait to go out again.

http://supercub.org/gallery/view_photo.php?set_albumName=album14&id=Marc_12

Thanks again Chris (Mikey here on the site)!

Marc

 

[Mikey]

Marc,
It was a blast, glad one of us was smart enough to remember a camera. It was one of those day that makes you appreciate what we have here in the NW to enjoy. Too bad your post came up next to the one about the nose over the PA-18 had down on the Skykomish yesterday. Don't let your wife see that one....
Chris

 

[Redbaron180]

Marc,
You guys playing in my back yard and didn't even invite me to go along?
Well, I guess it is really Jerry's back yard, but I'm not far away.
Next time let me know and I'll see if I can chase you around.

Ron

 

[Jerry Burr]

Fishing

Ron. Just below the log and stump half in the water on that bar is a great place to spoon for humpies when they come in. Jerry.

 

[Marc Olson]

Next time we'll see if we can be more organized. We decided at 2 to meet at 4 and fly. PM me your phone number and I'll give you a shout next time we're headed out.

Marc

 

[Jerry Gaston]

Marc I can see why you were so apprehensive about landing with those tiny tires. When you get the big ones your confidence will go up. Sounds like your turning into one of those renegade pilots like Tim R. and the boys. I tried the wheels in the water trick for the first time yesterday and it was a blast. Went by acouple of floaters in their raft kicking up water with the big wheels and it really caught thier eyes. Especially considering the stream was only 20 ft wide.
Can't wait for you to come to Montana and do some flyin with us red necks.