New Iberia, LA to Alaska or Bust.

[Steve Pierce]

Many of you met Dave Barras http://www.supercub.org/forum/member.php?1168-Dave-Barras when he worked here a few years ago in between welding jobs. He is a hard working pipe line welder who fell in love with Alaska when he and his wife Julie drove up there several years ago. His visit inspired him to get a pilots licence and eventually to buy a Super Cub. The next chapter in Dave's life is to fly up to Alaska and play for as long as he can stand it. He is on his way. He flew up here yesterday and we looked at charts and routes planning his trip up via Joseph, Oregon for a new set of Bushwheels. He just departed Graham headed north west and I thought I would post his SPOT link and contact information here so anyone wanting to can get in touch with him. I look forward to following his adventure especially since I can't make the trip this year. Have fun Dave and take lots of pictures.

Spot Link
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=063aTLFdnHNcVhIPSoYKSYZomCW4GSLru

Dave's Cell
337-519-7464 in Canada it will be 337-380-4299

 

[aktango58]

So COOL!

Hope it is good weather for him.

My cell for him to call: 907 723-0435

I will help him play a bit if he wants, and can offer a cabin to hang out in the wild, and a bed here or there...

 

[Steve Pierce]

I gave him your cell George. He wants to see your neck of the woods.

 

[aktango58]

As a welder, I might have a day or two of work for him here at some point if he wants also...

how many of what size fishing rods is he bringing?

 

[brown bear]

Steve
Thanks for the link to his spot. I will enjoy watching him and wishing I was there!
Dave, I hope you have the time of your life !!
Doug

 

[Bugs66]

Cool, if he needs any assistance in Spokane, let me know. Can get mogas for him if he needs it.

 

[12Geezer2]

He sure knows how to keep a steady coarse !!!! GO DAVE !!!

 

[brown bear]

Looks like he's called it a day in Ft Morgan Co.
Doug

 

[okmike]

We met Dave at Reklaw (camped next to him) and at Pierces while he was working there. Have fun Dave

 

[Dave Barras]

Thanks for all the well wishes, and yes it was steady going (with much bouncing around) all afternoon. A good headwind for the second half of the day. There was a line of weather when I arrived here in Fort Morgan and was raining before I could unload the plane. I'm gonna sleep good tonite.

 

[Iflylower]

I remember Dave when he was in Graham. He has the really pretty military experimental cub.

Good travels. Trip of a lifetime. Will watch.

Cal

 

[Steve Pierce]

Julie made Lee his own welding hat and Dave taught him to weld.

 

[cubdriver2]

I taught my son Jake the basics of stick welding when he was about 10 and told him to practice when he got a chance. I hadn't been in my shop for a few weeks and when I finally got there everything made out of steel was welded to every other peice of steel. Safety caps that fit on oxy tank were welded to the drill press vise that were welded to a 15" steel rim ...etc. It was like some kinda Rube Goldberg sculpture. But his welds looked pretty good. Everybody thought I was nuts but I got him a nice Victor touch set and tanks for his 19 birthday. Get your kid a big pile of scrap steel.

Glenn

PS. Also teach him to preflight the welding area of gas cans and anything else that's going to blow up.

 

[Steve Pierce]

Looks like the weather is VFR to Rock Springs.

 

[aktango58]

hug the mts. by Salt lake. Upslope wind from west will give you a big push (if you go that way)!

See you when you get here!

 

[Dave Barras]

Stopped for the nite in Rock Springs, 27020gst30 and was beating the hell out of me. Should be 5 to 10 in the morning.

 

[jprax]

Sounds like this should be a one way trip for you Dave! I'm sure welders are in demand.
If you need anything in Valdez my cell is 907-831-0058
Joe Prax

 

[8GCBC]

Wx post cast.



Click on above BMP (20-APR, NOAA Flight Path Tool). Just a little Wx/wind re-cap of your day. Nice Job.

-- 8GCBC, major wanabe

 

[Dave Barras]

George, looking forward to gettin there. Oh the mountains, I tried hugging, staying away, and going high, but no matter what it was still rough today!!!
Sure hope the (head)wind lays down.
Thanks Joe, look forward meeting you.
I should of had my prop balanced when I had the chance. Hours of flying makes you notice things a little more.
Now for a bite to eat

 

[brown bear]

Dave
No matter how or when I went I hit head winds on that part of the trip. but I always found tail winds a few weeks later on the way home!
Have fun and fly safe
We are haveing fun watching your spot
Doug

 

[8GCBC]

You are on the edge of the famous Colorado High Pressure (Clockwise Rotation). Good old Rocky Mountain Trades! Get out early tommrrow!

Click this picture (it is safe):

 

[BradleyG]

Dave,

I call it "Wind" oming! Been there lots of times. Hang out at Rock Springs and leave early.

Jerry

 

[BradleyG]

Also. Remember. It is better to cruise climb. Ie.....hug the ridge, catch the up draft, 20-30 miles before you need to be higher. When ever you try to climb a Cub on power alone, it will slow down. Use the updrafts on the ridge lines to climb.

Just mt 2cents

 

[Amy]

Have fun, be safe! Always enjoy living these adventures vicariously.

 

[Bonanza32GF]

Met Dave at Rock Springs as he taxied in about 1:30 PM. After he decided to pack it in I took him to a motel in town that will have him back at the airport around 6:00 for a calm start on the day. Cub is loaded for everything including BEAR.

 

[Torch]

Is he stopping in Fairbanks?

 

[Dave Barras]

Bonanza32GF,David thanks for your assistance today, it made my day meeting and talking with a fellow .org'er.
Torch I'm looking forward to seeing much of Alaska, including Fairbanks.

 

[RanchPilot]

Dave, I'm 38 north of RKS in Farson. Hoping to be flying by 6:30 tomorrow morning, but not sure when I'll get out (cows and kids to feed, etc.). If you are coming north out of RKS, switch over to 122.5 and try to raise me. I know you don't have time to stop for coffee, but I'd be happy to give you the aerial escort up past Pinedale if that's where you're headed.

Whether we connect in the air or not, I'm following your adventure on SPOT and rooting for you all the way. Here's to tailwinds on your trip and many great memories for you.

Sorry you came through on one of the few days a year we have wind here in Wyoming.;-)

 

[Steve Pierce]

Looks like dave is fixing to get into some pretty country.

 

[Mush]

Is he headed for the "Trench" after he visits Wup? I'm enjoying watching his track. I'm hoping to make trip soon.