PIREP from Winifred:
Winifred lies on the border prairie not far from the Rocky Mountains. In fact the small group of mountains just north of us were called the "Rocky Mountains" when Louis and Clark first saw them in 1805... they later changed the name to "little Rocky Mountains" when they traveled further west and saw the Real Rockies looming above everything on the horizon. The weather here is different every year. For the past three years is has been bone dry. Last year the grass on the runway never came out of dormancy and we never mowed it. This year is the complete opposite....at least as of this writing. It looks Irish green here, water in every pond, runway is lush. We should be seeing the Breaks in their Sunday clothes.
This flyin is designed to facilitate your enjoyment of flying the breaks....There are a few organized events this year.
Arrival is Friday.... evening is a great to see the Breaks...the geology is outstanding with the sun lower on the horizon
between 7:30 and 8:00 we will begin to serve dinner sponsored by the Winifred Flying Club and especially the
Montana Pilots Association. Sunset is officially at 9:20 pm with twilight running 20-30 minutes later Winifred does
not have lights....we are right at the Summer Solst
ice. We have not finished negotiations for dinner....but should be free or donation.
Saturday: In years past, we have flown down "Dog Creek" to the confluence of the Judith and Missouri Rivers, then up the Judith to Lewistown, MT where there is a pancake breakfast and Central Montana flyin. This is "at your own risk" and while the flight is not inherently dangerous above the river canyon, we will need to make sure we watch out for each other and maintain good separation. You can also fly direct to Lewistown between the Moccasin and Judith Mountains.
Saturday mid day. We have an offer of snacks at a private airstrip north which would be a beautiful flight, but we will need to check it out and it may be a very short field experience. Other wise explore the breaks on your own.
Saturday evening: ca. 7:00 pm we will begin to serve"hangarburger" dinners. It is by the plate, somewhere between 10-20$. If at all possible we will gather around firepits and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the
RAF. This is entirely appropriate given the fact that RAF was a major actor in securing the Breaks strips when the National Monument designation occurred and there was a strong movement to close all the strips to our use.
Sunday: Departure on your own.
Notes: **
Bring tiedowns... The hangar will hold ca. 20 cubs, and there are some locals which get first pick....
*Breakfast and lunch are on your own.
**The Winifred Cafe has spectacular food.... most totally homemade. Galen Hanselman gave it the highest praise in his book of small unknown airports. If you order one of the Bar hamburgers, you better be really hungry. Next time you show up, regardless of how long it has been, Frank or Pagie will probably great you by name.
** The bathroom was gravely wounded this winter. It will not be as beautiful as it was but will be functional. There are also showers available at the hotel about 2 blocks walk away.
** There is a steak house in town if you want.
** We will visit the strips before Friday and can tell you about conditions etc.
** You are welcome to arrive early, we are sure we have a broom that will fit you
More info to follow....stay tuned. Ralph Thank you MPA and RAF for giving us these opportunities !!!
