Bill Rusk
BENEFACTOR
Sandpoint, Idaho
Folks
I am finally getting around to posting a thread on my 2019 adventures. This will be a little different. As I go I put out "Trip Reports" for my family and a few friends. This thread will be basically a reprint of those "Trip Reports" edited to take out most of the incriminating evidence.
On the way to Fairbanks, it was clear and smooth and I got a great tour of Denali. I have a lot more GREAT pictures. Praise the Lord!
It was truly a spectacular day and sight.
The backside. This is a "Wingtip Wednesday" photo. Again, what a privilege to see this. I was at 13.5 (for less than 30 minutes), but don't go check my tracker.....LOL
Fairbanks International. Gravel strip at the far end of the right runway and the square lake is the float pond. How many "International" airports have a float pond. Is that cool or what?
I got a fantastic tour of Everts Air Cargo operation. They maintain and fly the old round engine planes. That would be a fun retirement gig if they would hire me.
Mike "Oz" Osborne, another SC.org member gave me the grand tour. Oz has been there for 40 years and is the grand poobah of all things round engine, and as a machinist. Mike is building up a PA-12 and doing a fantastic job. He is very talented. I wish I had his knowledge and skills.
After lunch with Mike I decided to take advantage of the good weather and head toward my next destination. Nome on the Bearing Sea.......
Part 2 to come
Bill
I am finally getting around to posting a thread on my 2019 adventures. This will be a little different. As I go I put out "Trip Reports" for my family and a few friends. This thread will be basically a reprint of those "Trip Reports" edited to take out most of the incriminating evidence.
Good Morning Folks Trip Report #1
Just a quick update. I left a little late on Tuesday due to a late night arrival Monday evening. Chicago was overrun by thunderstorms so I had to divert to Nashville (Flying for work - SWA) then went illegal for flight time so had to deadhead home. Long day. But I did manage to get out Tuesday in pretty lousy weather and made it to Helena for the night. Stayed in the FBO there in the bunk room. That is a great deal. Nice, comfortable, easy, and FREE. Did I mention it was free?
It might be a while before 316BR is back in Poplar Grove. See below....
Second day flying from Helena MT to Spokane was AWESOME. Clear and smooth. I did not touch the stick from level off until turning final at Spokane 2.5 hours later. I love the mountains and it feels like coming home to be back.
This is the view from my new hangar. Approach end of runway right there. I am building a hangar at Sandpoint Idaho. Signed the papers and wrote a big check. Should be dried in by the time I get back from my summer in Alaska.
I had an awesome Copper River Salmon dinner compliments of Mike Scalara to include Morel Mushrooms. Mike is an excellent chef and it was a great way to start the trip.
I should be on the move in a hour. Kamloops, to Williams Lake, to Smithers, Dease Lake, to Whitehorse today. Maybe. Lord willing
Thanks for following and God Bless you
Bill
Folks Trip Report #2
I had a great flight up to Anchorage. A little challenging at times. Weather forecast not accurate.....gee what a surprise......
It was supposed to be clear sailing both days......NOT...
Left Spokane on time, with great help from Mike Woodson. Pretty uneventful flight to Kamloops to clear customs. Since I had a shotgun they had to meet me and it took a while to do the paperwork for the firearm. Nice FBO there and I was able to set up customs in Northway while there. The customs guy said 1400 the next day but call first to confirm. I figured if I made Whitehorse (a really long day) that would allow me to sleep late and have a nice leisurely breakfast and morning. "The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry" (From a poem by Robert Burns "To a Mouse" also title from Steinbeck book)
The flight from Kamloops to Smithers was kinda boring. Not much out there. A lot of the ground has been logged and it is all cut up by logging roads. Not very scenic.
There are 4 routes to Alaska from the lower 48.
1)The Alcan highway is the furthest East and the safest with usually the best weather. But.... it is rather flat and boring.
2) A little further West is the Trench. More scenic, and a little more prone to bad weather. Also it has a long 400 mile stretch with no fuel so that is a problem for some airplanes.
3) Next to the West is the Cassiar highway. This is probably the least common run up North, and a route I had not flown so I wanted to fly it this year to check it out.
4) Finally the forth route is the furthest West and that is the coastal route. I don't recommend this route unless on floats. There is just NO place to set down if you have a problem. Also the worst weather.
The Cassier highway actually starts at Kitmat but most will pick it up at Smithers like I did. The run from Smithers to Dease Lake is BEAUTIFUL. Awesome flight, even with rain showers like the photo above. Really pretty BUT it is very rugged and an engine failure is probably not going to turn out well.
The forecast was clear. I spent a lot of time looking at this. From Smithers all the way to Gulkana. Mountain tops in the clouds and lots of rain. Even sleet, freezing rain, and some ice pellets. I was flying the Nabesna river between Northway and Gulkana and I felt a bunch of sharp pricks on my face. I thought I was getting attacked by some type of fly. Weird and uncomfortable. In my panic, swatting at my face, I looked down and saw a bunch of white dots in my lap. Then the light came on..... I'm a little slow at times..... I had my air vent open and the ice pellets were getting blown right in my face. I got a big laugh at myself. So much for the attacking flies. LOL
Beautiful coming through the mountains (when it wasn't raining). It is a religious experience for me. I can't help but praise the Lord for his creation. I count myself so Blessed to have the opportunity to see and do this. Awesome is just not a strong enough word. What a privilege,
and Blessing.
I made it in to Bob Cassell's place and tied up in his yard. Bob has been a great friend for a number of years now. Very talented at everything he does. Building airplanes, training retrievers, tying flies, reloading, hunting, fishing......you name it, he does it well. I love staying in his little "bunker" on the lake. This is his lab, Kobuck, named after the river. We have spent the day visiting with Cub guys and talking airplanes. Bob has given me several places to see so I will try for that in the next day or so. Thank you Bob.
Transponder is inop, so I will try to get that fixed tomorrow on the way up to Fairbanks. My next planned stop.
Then after that we will see which way the weather takes me.
Thanks for following!! And God Bless
Bill
Just a quick update. I left a little late on Tuesday due to a late night arrival Monday evening. Chicago was overrun by thunderstorms so I had to divert to Nashville (Flying for work - SWA) then went illegal for flight time so had to deadhead home. Long day. But I did manage to get out Tuesday in pretty lousy weather and made it to Helena for the night. Stayed in the FBO there in the bunk room. That is a great deal. Nice, comfortable, easy, and FREE. Did I mention it was free?
It might be a while before 316BR is back in Poplar Grove. See below....
Second day flying from Helena MT to Spokane was AWESOME. Clear and smooth. I did not touch the stick from level off until turning final at Spokane 2.5 hours later. I love the mountains and it feels like coming home to be back.
This is the view from my new hangar. Approach end of runway right there. I am building a hangar at Sandpoint Idaho. Signed the papers and wrote a big check. Should be dried in by the time I get back from my summer in Alaska.
I had an awesome Copper River Salmon dinner compliments of Mike Scalara to include Morel Mushrooms. Mike is an excellent chef and it was a great way to start the trip.
I should be on the move in a hour. Kamloops, to Williams Lake, to Smithers, Dease Lake, to Whitehorse today. Maybe. Lord willing
Thanks for following and God Bless you
Bill
Folks Trip Report #2
I had a great flight up to Anchorage. A little challenging at times. Weather forecast not accurate.....gee what a surprise......
It was supposed to be clear sailing both days......NOT...
Left Spokane on time, with great help from Mike Woodson. Pretty uneventful flight to Kamloops to clear customs. Since I had a shotgun they had to meet me and it took a while to do the paperwork for the firearm. Nice FBO there and I was able to set up customs in Northway while there. The customs guy said 1400 the next day but call first to confirm. I figured if I made Whitehorse (a really long day) that would allow me to sleep late and have a nice leisurely breakfast and morning. "The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry" (From a poem by Robert Burns "To a Mouse" also title from Steinbeck book)
The flight from Kamloops to Smithers was kinda boring. Not much out there. A lot of the ground has been logged and it is all cut up by logging roads. Not very scenic.
There are 4 routes to Alaska from the lower 48.
1)The Alcan highway is the furthest East and the safest with usually the best weather. But.... it is rather flat and boring.
2) A little further West is the Trench. More scenic, and a little more prone to bad weather. Also it has a long 400 mile stretch with no fuel so that is a problem for some airplanes.
3) Next to the West is the Cassiar highway. This is probably the least common run up North, and a route I had not flown so I wanted to fly it this year to check it out.
4) Finally the forth route is the furthest West and that is the coastal route. I don't recommend this route unless on floats. There is just NO place to set down if you have a problem. Also the worst weather.
The Cassier highway actually starts at Kitmat but most will pick it up at Smithers like I did. The run from Smithers to Dease Lake is BEAUTIFUL. Awesome flight, even with rain showers like the photo above. Really pretty BUT it is very rugged and an engine failure is probably not going to turn out well.
I woke up in Whitehorse, at the Airport Chalet, and called customs to confirm. Now he says be there at 10:00. Arg.......not ready....... not dressed, ......didn't even get to finish my cup of tea..........but I was airborne in 20 minutes. I filled a QUICK flight plan via Foreflight. As I was taxing out, I asked tower to open my flight plan. He says....." you are in a Cub....did you really want to file an IFR flight plan?"
"Oops....nope, can you change that to VFR?"
Did I mention that I was in a hurry?
STORY OF THE ATTACKING FLIES.........
"Oops....nope, can you change that to VFR?"
Did I mention that I was in a hurry?
STORY OF THE ATTACKING FLIES.........
The forecast was clear. I spent a lot of time looking at this. From Smithers all the way to Gulkana. Mountain tops in the clouds and lots of rain. Even sleet, freezing rain, and some ice pellets. I was flying the Nabesna river between Northway and Gulkana and I felt a bunch of sharp pricks on my face. I thought I was getting attacked by some type of fly. Weird and uncomfortable. In my panic, swatting at my face, I looked down and saw a bunch of white dots in my lap. Then the light came on..... I'm a little slow at times..... I had my air vent open and the ice pellets were getting blown right in my face. I got a big laugh at myself. So much for the attacking flies. LOL
Beautiful coming through the mountains (when it wasn't raining). It is a religious experience for me. I can't help but praise the Lord for his creation. I count myself so Blessed to have the opportunity to see and do this. Awesome is just not a strong enough word. What a privilege,
and Blessing.
I made it in to Bob Cassell's place and tied up in his yard. Bob has been a great friend for a number of years now. Very talented at everything he does. Building airplanes, training retrievers, tying flies, reloading, hunting, fishing......you name it, he does it well. I love staying in his little "bunker" on the lake. This is his lab, Kobuck, named after the river. We have spent the day visiting with Cub guys and talking airplanes. Bob has given me several places to see so I will try for that in the next day or so. Thank you Bob.
Transponder is inop, so I will try to get that fixed tomorrow on the way up to Fairbanks. My next planned stop.
Then after that we will see which way the weather takes me.
Thanks for following!! And God Bless
Bill
Folks Trip Report #3A
Lots of ground to cover so this will be a two part trip report. Also, I have time, and internet access.
My cub at Bob's place. I think Heaven will be a lateral move for Bob. A great host as always, I certainly enjoyed my visit.
I stayed an extra day with Bob, partly to enjoy his hospitality, and secondarily to see if I could get my transponder fixed Monday morning. The Supercub.org group/family comes to the rescue once again. Fellow SC.org member "Web also know as "Wirewenie" on the website met me at the Palmer Airport Monday morning, found the bad crimp, and in short order I was on my way with a working transponder. Thank you to "Web". The Sc.org group is simply the best group of people anywhere!!
On the way to Fairbanks, it was clear and smooth and I got a great tour of Denali. I have a lot more GREAT pictures. Praise the Lord!
It was truly a spectacular day and sight.
The backside. This is a "Wingtip Wednesday" photo. Again, what a privilege to see this. I was at 13.5 (for less than 30 minutes), but don't go check my tracker.....LOL
Fairbanks International. Gravel strip at the far end of the right runway and the square lake is the float pond. How many "International" airports have a float pond. Is that cool or what?
I got a fantastic tour of Everts Air Cargo operation. They maintain and fly the old round engine planes. That would be a fun retirement gig if they would hire me.
Mike "Oz" Osborne, another SC.org member gave me the grand tour. Oz has been there for 40 years and is the grand poobah of all things round engine, and as a machinist. Mike is building up a PA-12 and doing a fantastic job. He is very talented. I wish I had his knowledge and skills.
After lunch with Mike I decided to take advantage of the good weather and head toward my next destination. Nome on the Bearing Sea.......
Part 2 to come
Bill
Part 2 Trip Report #3B
After leaving Fairbanks, I knew I would not make it to Nome so I picked a gravel strip about 1/2 way and figured I would camp there.
I tossed up my tent in Galena. When I was with Bob in Wasilla he said "You gotta get these buy zapper/swatters. Great for mosquitoes in the tent" I did and he was right. There is a certain wicked, evil satisfaction to hearing the pop when one of the little buggers gets zapped. I almost opened the tent door to let a few more in I was having so much fun. LOL Thanks Bob.
The mighty Yukon river. It really is amazing.
So ....now I have to give Bob a hard time. He gave me some great fishing spots on the way to Nome. But......I am not really set up for.... ICE FISHING...... Bob!! Turns out this area was still in winter. Creeks still mostly frozen. No gravel bars to land on, so no fishing today. Bummer. I will try again tomorrow on the way to Kotz.
I landed in Council (a very small community with a nice gravel runway), to take a break. Pretty soon this very pretty lady comes up on a 4 wheeler, and asks if she can help. We visit a moment, and she invited me to coffee (tea). She is a Supercub pilot for the Alaska State Troupers (and yes, she is married). I met her dad, a retired dentist from Nome. Great folks and it was a very pleasant break. You meet the nicest people when you fly a Cub.
So on the way back to the airport in Council I see this. This road is in the middle of NOWHERE with zero traffic, but someone at the state level felt the need to go to the trouble and expense (your tax dollars at work) to put up this sign. Kinda like the pilot lounge sign with braille writting on it. I laughed all the way back to the Cub.
This is Nome Alaska, on the Bearing Sea. Almost as far west as you can go, without going out the Aleutians.
It has been a great run so far. Wish you were here Jay. Tomorrow, Lord willing, I will go see Kotzebue, and then start working my way back toward the North center of the state to Bettles. That will be the jumping off point for the hard part of the trip. Barrow, Deadhorse to Inuvik. It will be very weather dependent.
Thanks so much for following, and for the kind comments from many of you. I am Blessed to have your friendship. God Bless you all.
Bill
After leaving Fairbanks, I knew I would not make it to Nome so I picked a gravel strip about 1/2 way and figured I would camp there.
I tossed up my tent in Galena. When I was with Bob in Wasilla he said "You gotta get these buy zapper/swatters. Great for mosquitoes in the tent" I did and he was right. There is a certain wicked, evil satisfaction to hearing the pop when one of the little buggers gets zapped. I almost opened the tent door to let a few more in I was having so much fun. LOL Thanks Bob.
The mighty Yukon river. It really is amazing.
So ....now I have to give Bob a hard time. He gave me some great fishing spots on the way to Nome. But......I am not really set up for.... ICE FISHING...... Bob!! Turns out this area was still in winter. Creeks still mostly frozen. No gravel bars to land on, so no fishing today. Bummer. I will try again tomorrow on the way to Kotz.
I landed in Council (a very small community with a nice gravel runway), to take a break. Pretty soon this very pretty lady comes up on a 4 wheeler, and asks if she can help. We visit a moment, and she invited me to coffee (tea). She is a Supercub pilot for the Alaska State Troupers (and yes, she is married). I met her dad, a retired dentist from Nome. Great folks and it was a very pleasant break. You meet the nicest people when you fly a Cub.
So on the way back to the airport in Council I see this. This road is in the middle of NOWHERE with zero traffic, but someone at the state level felt the need to go to the trouble and expense (your tax dollars at work) to put up this sign. Kinda like the pilot lounge sign with braille writting on it. I laughed all the way back to the Cub.
This is Nome Alaska, on the Bearing Sea. Almost as far west as you can go, without going out the Aleutians.
It has been a great run so far. Wish you were here Jay. Tomorrow, Lord willing, I will go see Kotzebue, and then start working my way back toward the North center of the state to Bettles. That will be the jumping off point for the hard part of the trip. Barrow, Deadhorse to Inuvik. It will be very weather dependent.
Thanks so much for following, and for the kind comments from many of you. I am Blessed to have your friendship. God Bless you all.
Bill
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