RivetBangers.com

As soon as I decided to build my RV, I had the vision of it on a smooth green grass runway. We've got a dirt strip(8U9) 6nm away which a few folks fly over and get ice cream...I drive not wanting to chip up my plane. I couldn't take it anymore when Stephen and Melissa said they were going to Cavanaugh Bay (66S) in Northern Idaho, it was high on my list for destinations which look RV friendly, So I invited Kris and Myself along.

The plan was to get off work Friday finish loading up and head out for the 260nm flight. The weather had other ideas. The ceilings and visibility were adequate, the high winds(35 gusting to 40) coming from the west over the Continental Divide were not. Kris is a bluebird day flyer and this trip was to be enjoyable. We waited hoping things would settle down as the evening came. No joy, We cancelled. But left the plane loaded.

Next morning we had to wait for the kennel to open. Managed to get launched around 0840. Foreflight called for high winds again, but we had clear skies and could go high to keep out of the rough stuff. looks like it'll be 1.8hrs.

Route 8U8-KTHM-ID75-45ID-66S The jog at 45ID is to keep from dropping in over the top of the rocks.


Forecast was correct 35kts on the nose at 10500. here's looking north at the Mission Mtns. 45 minutes done and pretty smooth


As we neared KTHM, I dropped to 6500 to get out of the headwinds but we had constant choppy turb. We would have sucked it up, except we still had 30kts headwind. Back up in the smooth air here's looking out Kris's side near Noxon is Bull Lake and Ross Creek Cedars.


North shore of Lake Pend Oreille (pronounced Pond o ray)


Looking south over Lake Pend Oreille approaching Sandpoint

Scott S recorded my landing Saturday morning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia2ZFz69BAo

It's a smooth RV friendly manicured strip.


The line up of friends. 3 RV-7's and a Bonanza. also another camper in a C-185


Lunch pic


another lunch pic


Landing party judges


Stuffed from the nice lunch overlooking Priest Lake we had 2 choices...Nap or Lounge.


In our hurry to get there, I skipped going to Mountie Moose, best donuts in Montana. Apparently, this didn't sit well with the Washington folks. just kidding they had to get back to Arlington area.

Scott and Kimala lifting off


Stephen and Melissa heading home

Fully recovered from too much lunch we strolled around the airport. There is 3 courtesy cars, camping sites with picnic tables and chairs to borrow, stacks of firewood, a bunkhouse if needed, hot showers, flush toilets, refrigerator with ice, free coffee every morning. this place is perfect. you can come in real light and not suffer for anything. Excellent food place about 400yds from our tent.

oh my...look what we found during our stroll, a stray Huckleberry sundae


Looking down RY33, about midfield... we landed and took off on RY15.


Pulled her out to snap a pic in the setting sun. and reposition on some tiedowns. Yep, you don't even need tie downs unless it gets busy.


cellphone pic of Cub returning from an evening scoot around the area


Beautiful evening to share with friends.


To top off the night, we stayed up too late sitting around the fire with the 185 folks had going. Nice people from Spokane

This far north it gets light about 0410. Sunrise is 0445 or something like that. I tried to go back to sleep, but really only tossed and turned until I figured I would wake Kris up. Time to get up and seize the day.

cool sight crawling out of the tent. Looked like a frosty mug.


Misty fog as the sun heats the area.


I liked this pic of our camp.


Morning Dew


The morning dew was perfect for cleaning bugs off the wings and the windscreen. It was looking so good my Bonanza friend decided he better wipe his down too.

The spousal units thought soaking up the morning sun was the best plan for the day.


Some weather was moving in at the homedrome, so we packed up and left around 1100.
Chop below 7500, bases at 9500, tailwinds up high. So up we go, I think we were at 11500 here, SE bound over the Clark Fork River. Weaving between puffy stuff. Shortly, everything lifted with the rising terrain and we went to 13500.


Ground speed as 185 to 227kts average was probably 200kts.


Quick trip home, but arrived to some squirrely winds. Pure luck and a big rudder kept me on the runway in spite of my poor crosswind correction. worst landing ever.

Bri,

THAT is what an RV is for!

Sounds like a great trip!

Can't wait for mine to be done! I will certainly be coming out to visit you!

CJ

Me too, Brian! That looks like a fabulous place, and within reach for us, too, for an overnighter like that. Can't wait to get mine finished so I can join you guys on these outings. Thanks for posting all the beautiful pics

That's why I make these posts. I remember seeing travel pics when I was building. they were like a double shot of espresso.

The last couple summers I took longer trips and ate up my airplane budget doing stuff for me (Kris and I didn't have the same days off). This year my work schedule is more in align with hers and the plan is MORE short trips with each other.

She's a great co-pilot in my life, even though we just started flying a few years ago

Great write up Brian. Glad you both can enjoy your RV We still have that extra room even though we downsized.

Great trip Brian. Thanks for sharing the story and great pictures. The motivation you provide is priceless!