2003 260se fly-in

[kwmoore]

Our last two fly-ins were held in early May at Sedona. It's a fine location with good but not too busy airport facilities, in a beautiful setting, an interesting town with plenty of things for non-pilot family members to do while we hard-cores fly, hang out, and talk airplanes.

Nonetheless I would like to solicit ideas for a different venue for the next fly in. Currently I'm leaning towards early fall of next year, and somewhere in Idaho or Montana as a destination, but other suggestions will be agreeably entertained. Thus I would like to solicit your ideas for sites. Reflecting on our past successful events, I think a good site would be:

In the midst of beautiful scenery, but not too challenging for those who may not be so experienced in the mountains.

Paved or very good quality turf. Not super-busy but should have fuel available on the field or nearby. The kind of airport where one can hang out on the ramp and talk airplanes without getting in the way of operations or making security types wake up screaming in the middle of the night.

Climate and/or time of year when it is extremely unlikely for airplanes parked on the ramp to get "hailed to a pulp."

Nice but not extravagant accomodations on-airport or very close by. Camping perhaps available.

Availability of other activities (hiking/fishing/horseback riding? sightseeing? shopping? other?) for family members who may not thrive on hanging out and talking airplanes all day.

So far I have received suggestions of McCall (ID) and Coeur d'Alene (ID). I will certainly consult the "Fly Idaho" and "Fly the Big Sky" publications, but if any of you have suggestions I would be delighted to hear them. :p

[jkkniese]

Having just spent the Labor Day weekwend down in the Alpine, Fort Davis, Marfa area, I would like to recommend it for the gathering next fall. The weather is ideal; generally dry (but occasionally a rain shower), temperatures range from around 55 in the morning highs of 85 in the afternoon.
The 3 cities mentioned are on the North end of the Big Bend area of Texas. There is more to do there than you can do in a week. But it is a good place to kick back and relax. Ground transportation will be necessary. Alpine was having its annual Hot-Air Balloon Bash (several Power Parachutes and ultra-lights were on hand, also). Marfa was having its Fall Festival. There is a Glider Operation in Marfa. The field Ele. at both Marfa and Alpine is around 4500'. Marfa has camping (primitive) on the airport and rent cars available. Marfa, Alpine and Fort Davis have lodging and food available. On down in the Big Bend, Lajitas and Terlingua are interesting, have lots of history and many things to do. There is an airport close to Lajitas. Mc Donalds Observatory is near Fort Davis. Also, historic Ft. Davis (home of the Buffalo Soldier) has had lots of restoration and is very interesting.
There is lots of wide open spaces and wild game (antelope, mule deer, elk and wild turkey to name a few).
It may not equal Sedona or Monument Valley and probably not to Idaho or Montana, but it is rugged and beautiful and far away from the bright lights of the big city!
I will try and get a few of the pictures that I took over Labor Day posted on the Photo Page.
In the meantime, you can check out the area by going to:
www.alpinetexas.com. This site has extensive information about the area, plus links to Marfa, Fort Davis, the BIG BEND, Marathon, Presidio and Ojinaga, Mexico.

James