Today I got up early. Alarm was set for 5:40am though I was already awake, took a quick shower, grabbed some coffee, then drove out to the hangar. Fueled up the airplane, did a quick pre-flight, then it was time to go. I flew the plane direct over Horseshoe Bend, then stayed in the canyon following Highway 55, then followed Banks-Lowman Road into Garden Valley. Lots of radio chatter from people on their way up to Big Creek.

As I rounded the corner into Garden Valley, I was dissapointed… lots of fog on the ground and I thought the airstrip may be fogged in for a while since it is close to the river. Fortunately, a mile later the fog was gone and I could make out the strip in the distance.

After an uneventful approach it was time for my first non-hard surface landing. What this means is I have never landed on grass/dirt strips. Garden Valley is somewhat of a beginner backcountry strip, but even still there is no chance for a go-around (or “let’s try this again”) unless you have a lot more horsepower than I am packing under the cowl. Fortunately everything went as expected and it was no big deal. I got out and tied down the Tri-Pacer and patted her on the nose. I think it looks at home here in the mountains and a nice grass strip.

I then met an experienced backcountry pilot, Wayne, and his wife Linda. My Aunt Gloria gave me his contact info a few weeks ago and through our coversations I was invited to tag along on their way up to Big Creek for a breakfast fly-in which of course I could not pass up. Wayne gave me a quick tour of the Garden Valley facilities, then it was off in his beautiful polished Cessna 180 to Big Creek for breakfast.

We followed various canyons, flying over numerous high mountain lakes, passing still-snow-covered peaks a few hundred yards off the right wing. About 55 minutes later we were landing at Big Creek and parked among about 20 other planes that were already there.

A handsome Cessna 195. You don’t see many of these around.

After meeting a bunch of people and drinking some coffee, we grabbed some breakfast and ate outdoors where the lodge once stood The lodge unfortunately burned down in 2008 and there is an effort underway to raise enough funding to build a new lodge. I can see why as it is an amazing spot. Another 20+ planes circled and landed in search of breakfast as we were finishing our meal.

After breakfast and visiting, it was time to head out. We slowly headed back to the airplane and took off, enjoying the scenery all way back to Garden Valley.

I realized it is weird to photograph under a mirror-like polished wing. This was a small mountain lake we passed by.

And finally we made it back to Garden Valley where I found the Tripacer waiting patiently for me, and we set off for the hangar. A great way to start the day!

On Friday, the last day of May, Scott made the journey to pick up the newest member of our family, N7053B. Five Three Bravo is a 1956 Piper Tri-Pacer, serial # 4307 out of nearly 8000 produced between 1950 and the early 1960’s. Considered nearly bullet-proof, the 150 horsepower Lycoming O-320 engine still powers many new airplanes today.

Anyone else see the smile?

Some would question why one would desire a 57 year-old airplane. These flying antiques are the only high-wing, tricycle gear that Piper made, and are surprisingly modern and capable in some respects, besting the performance of the super-common Cessna 172 that is still in production. They were built at a time when paved runways were uncommon and thus have stout landing gear, and a back seat that comes out easily making them a great choice for Idaho flying and camping. Short-coupled and resembling a tripod, they are not much in the looks department — often nicknamed “The Flying Milkstool”, but they are charming in that “so ugly only a mother (or father) could love” sort of way.

So Scott left Friday afternoon in a one-way rental car to make the 8-hour drive to the airplane. Woke up Saturday morning to meet the owner, get a quick checkout flight from an instructor, then fuel up and head for home.

So welcome to our new family member, Five Three Bravo!

Dry lake beds somewhere west of Burns, OR

All smiles on the flight home.

Last weekend our new flooring had arrived so it was time to get busy installing it. We put down about 400 square feet in the living room and hallway, and have about 200 square feet to go since we decided we will do the master bedroom as well. Just for fun I set a camera up on the wall to snap a picture every minute to make this time lapse video. We’ll be glad when we’re done!