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quarksire liked a video
(6 days ago)
In the remote Utah backcountry is an airstrip named "Hidden Splendo...
more
In the remote Utah backcountry is an airstrip named "Hidden Splendor." How could anyone resist a spot with a name like that? Before our trip we reviewed the entry in the Utah Backcountry Pilots Online Guide.
"This airstrip is usually in good condition, smooth and dry. It is still one of Utah's most hazardous airstrips. Both ends of the airstrip terminate at a cliff edge so landing either too short or too long would likely be fatal. Parts of the airstrip are also narrow with drop-offs off the edge of the runway. There is rising terrain in every direction. It is a narrow canyon to the southeast. The terrain to the North West looks gentle but rises at a deceptive rate."
Our friend and guide, Mike Marker suggested we use the standard approach -- through a winding narrow canyon to the runway threshold. Sounded like fun.
On our first pass we stayed above the canyon walls to test the winds. It was dead calm. A canyon run should be no problem today. I followed above Paul and watched him land then returned to the entrance for my approach and landing.
The landing field was crossed by two deep gullies that were filled in for the runway. If you strayed off either edge, you were toast. High canyon walls pressed in on three sides, giving little room to maneuver. I understood why GA pilots preferred the canyon run over a downwind, base and final pattern below the rim. But the maneuverability and short take off and landing capability of our trikes made it easy for us. I touched down at midfield and parked next to Paul's trike in a sheltered spot at the north end of the runway. We ate lunch on the small hill next to the windsock. This was yet another fantastic camping spot, but we had one more airstrip to fly to today, Mexican Mountain.
We took off and headed north through the approach canyon and turned north. Hidden Splendor is located at the southern end of the San Rafael Reef. Mexican Mountain is at the other end, 45 miles to the north. Paul pulled ahead of me and out of sight as I wandered around on our flight north. Although I had the coordinates for Mexican Mountain loaded into my GPS, I really didn't know where it was. I only knew it was next to a mountain and a river. The only river I could see was the Green, in a wide flat basin to the right,
but my GPS pointed into the rough country west of the San Rafael Reef.
I passed over a small stream cutting through the San Rafael Reef. Could this be the river? Then where was the mountain? The stream emerged from a jagged dark crevice cut through black rock, seeming to descend into hell itself. The crevice eventually led to a butte encircled by the river. This must be Mexican Mountain. Far ahead, I saw the strobes on Paul's trike going around a corner. When the airstrip finally came in view, Paul's trike was on ground at the center of the runway with Mike's S-18 and another plane parked in the trees. After circling around to let Paul clear the runway, I landed between the cottonwood trees which gave you the impression of flying through a slot. Mike had met another pilot, Griff, at Canyonlands Airport and had invited him along. The four of us took a short hike over to view a series of mysterious petroglyphs, the best I have ever seen. As it grew dark, we relaxed around the campfire for dinner. This was one of my best flying days ever.
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In the remote Utah backcountry is an airstrip named "Hidden Splendo...
more
In the remote Utah backcountry is an airstrip named "Hidden Splendor." How could anyone resist a spot with a name like that? Before our trip we reviewed the entry in the Utah Backcountry Pilots Online Guide.
"This airstrip is usually in good condition, smooth and dry. It is still one of Utah's most hazardous airstrips. Both ends of the airstrip terminate at a cliff edge so landing either too short or too long would likely be fatal. Parts of the airstrip are also narrow with drop-offs off the edge of the runway. There is rising terrain in every direction. It is a narrow canyon to the southeast. The terrain to the North West looks gentle but rises at a deceptive rate."
Our friend and guide, Mike Marker suggested we use the standard approach -- through a winding narrow canyon to the runway threshold. Sounded like fun.
On our first pass we stayed above the canyon walls to test the winds. It was dead calm. A canyon run should be no problem today. I followed above Paul and watched him land then returned to the entrance for my approach and landing.
The landing field was crossed by two deep gullies that were filled in for the runway. If you strayed off either edge, you were toast. High canyon walls pressed in on three sides, giving little room to maneuver. I understood why GA pilots preferred the canyon run over a downwind, base and final pattern below the rim. But the maneuverability and short take off and landing capability of our trikes made it easy for us. I touched down at midfield and parked next to Paul's trike in a sheltered spot at the north end of the runway. We ate lunch on the small hill next to the windsock. This was yet another fantastic camping spot, but we had one more airstrip to fly to today, Mexican Mountain.
We took off and headed north through the approach canyon and turned north. Hidden Splendor is located at the southern end of the San Rafael Reef. Mexican Mountain is at the other end, 45 miles to the north. Paul pulled ahead of me and out of sight as I wandered around on our flight north. Although I had the coordinates for Mexican Mountain loaded into my GPS, I really didn't know where it was. I only knew it was next to a mountain and a river. The only river I could see was the Green, in a wide flat basin to the right,
but my GPS pointed into the rough country west of the San Rafael Reef.
I passed over a small stream cutting through the San Rafael Reef. Could this be the river? Then where was the mountain? The stream emerged from a jagged dark crevice cut through black rock, seeming to descend into hell itself. The crevice eventually led to a butte encircled by the river. This must be Mexican Mountain. Far ahead, I saw the strobes on Paul's trike going around a corner. When the airstrip finally came in view, Paul's trike was on ground at the center of the runway with Mike's S-18 and another plane parked in the trees. After circling around to let Paul clear the runway, I landed between the cottonwood trees which gave you the impression of flying through a slot. Mike had met another pilot, Griff, at Canyonlands Airport and had invited him along. The four of us took a short hike over to view a series of mysterious petroglyphs, the best I have ever seen. As it grew dark, we relaxed around the campfire for dinner. This was one of my best flying days ever.
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quarksire liked a video
(6 days ago)
Hi guys, REALLY REALLY sorry bout the late upload, ive been really busy ...
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Hi guys, REALLY REALLY sorry bout the late upload, ive been really busy trying to clean my pc, fix it and 100 other things. This is the whole video of Crusty Demons of dirt 15 Blood Sweat & fears" ive just had to split it up into 5 parts because of youtubes 15min video time limit.
Ive been away for a while because google messed with all my accounts and i lost this one :(
but im back now and ready to go :)
Please feel more that happy to rate, comment and subscribe to me. I would really appreciate it.
Please also feel more than happy to go to my channel, leave a comment, and just watch some vids and hang around, send me a message if you want, weather you want more BMX, FMX, Monster trucks...etc.
Im going to be uploading TONS of BMX videos they r just going to be a bit slow. Im trying to work on some Drag racing clips and Montser Truck clips.
Im really hoping i can start up this account and hopefully form a partnership with youtube. I havent been totally focused on this account for a while but now im here its all good.
ENJOY URESELF!!!!!!! have fun
AND HAPPY EASTER
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Find out what's happening on Sundance Channel - http://www.sundan...
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Find out what's happening on Sundance Channel - http://www.sundan...
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Valentin'es Day LoveFest:
Love is pure
Love is comforting
Love is quiet
Love is loud
Love is awkward
Love is threesomes
Love is blunt
Love is gay
Love is innuendo
Love is naked
Love is footsies
Love is commitment
Love is digital
Love is kinky
Love is passionate
This Valentine's Day, love is what you make of it. Four nights of lovable films to fall for beginning February 11th at 10P on Sundance Channel.
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Have a Happy Holiday Season~
Sincerely,
John
many thanks for Your Comment on my Channel. The Ride withe the Trike Xcitor from www.Fresh-Breeze.de is verry Hammer. MY Tours go in Central Germany, from Cologne-Bonn to Koblent, River Rhein an Königswinter, top Landscape.
Have Fun and evry Time happy landings!
Gio
Do continue your awesome FLIGHT Mystery Journey with all of us.
I shall be with you, from Spirit.
Namaste.