In late March of 2024 we were treated to what could arguably be called the perfect weather for an outing in a general aviation airplane.  The plane we fly isn’t icing equipped but it didn’t matter on this trip, it wasn’t until the fourth day that we saw our first cloud in the sky. 

Even when the weather was mostly perfect for our trip there was one twist:  The ‘go no go’ call comes into decision making for every flight and when a client came calling in Pacific City, we wanted to answer.  Initially the plan was to fly to KPFC and its small 1860x60 runway, but a lack of a weather observation, and a report of brisk winds a bit to the north had us opting to drive.  With buildings close to the runway it’s not really a place to mess around with strong winds and we wanted to make sure we met our promise to meet our client there for a scheduled showing appointment.  We still got a bit of an aviation fix though!  We were able to look at a duplex positioned just behind the airplane transient parking ramp that has a strong aviation theme.  Even though it doesn’t have a hangar, the proximity to the ramp does make it a good find for a pilot wanting to spend time in the area.  

We drove back to Portland and proceeded to head for the town of Joseph, Oregon.  Joseph took about 2 hours and we started our descent over the northern flank of the Eagle Cap Wilderness.  Before we headed into Jospeh we did a quick lap over the Minam River Valley and took an overhead look of Minam River Lodge, a place that has been on our bucket list for several years now.  As aviation folk, its one of those special places with a tie to aviation, and one quick glance at their website (https://www.minam-lodge.com/) will also explain why as foodies we are even more interested in spending time there.  Minam Lodge wasn’t open yet, but the flyover was beautiful. The scenery is pretty amazing!  The Eagle Cap is a spectacular mountain range with peaks approaching 10,000 feet rising from the floor below at just over 4,000.  

KJSY is a really nice airport.  The runway is 5,202 x 60 feet with a number of tie down spots at the south end.  There are two courtesy cars available, they just ask that you fill the tank when done.  Joseph is not far away, and in just a few minutes you’re on main street, which is a couple blocks of businesses, a few hotels, and several restaurants.  We stayed at a hotel called The Jennings Hotel  (https://www.jenningshotel.com/).  It calls itself the first crowdfunded hotel and each of its rooms are signed by a different designer.  Our room had a lower living space, including a table and fridge, a sofa and chairs, and a bathroom.  Up a ladder, there was a bed above.  The hotel had a few common areas, such as a community kitchen and a sauna.  

After a few work calls, we headed to dinner at the Stubborn Mule, which was pretty much what you’d expect in a mountain town.  It was a weekend, so there was actually a live act in the adjoining room.  We had good old western bar food!  I had a delicious burger that was HUGE by any stretch of the imagination, complete with mushrooms and cheese.  Elizabeth had a Reuben, ok so maybe not good old western food on that one, but also huge.  In fact, she had a half order, and it was every bit as big as any reuben found in most restaurants and then some.  This meal meant a re-calculation of weight and balance….Safety is no Accident!

The next morning, bright and early, we were off to Boise to meet up with a good friend to catch up and see their restaurant, Stardust! (https://stardustboise.com/)  For the write up on this, make sure you check the specific blog post.  Most importantly, for a scratch made meal make sure you stop by when you’re in Boise!

After a few hours of catch up, which was not enough, we had to head to the next stop, McCall Idaho!  Before we departed we grabbed some fuel from Jackson at KBOI and headed north for the short flight. The country was beautiful on the way and KMYL was welcoming with its 6,101x70 foot runway.  The weather was perfect for our arrival and after putting the Cessna to bed we met up with family and headed to the Shore Lodge (https://shorelodge.com/).  The Shore Lodge is absolutely a place to check out.  It’s rates aren’t the cheapest, but the rooms feel more like a nice apartment than a typical hotel room.  There are 3 restaurants and a coffee shop providing lots of good eats and there are a plethora of options in town.  

One of our outings, of course included checking out an airstrip in the area.  Donald K Coski airport is a 2,500x125 foot grass strip, so since there was snow on the ground no one was practicing aviation. It did look like a pretty little strip.  There may have been a couple homes with access in the middle of the complex but the access was private, or snow made the roads impassible. 

After two days of great weather to explore in McCall, it was time to go home.  While there was now a bit of clouds in the sky, it still was perfect for a day of GA flying.  Getting into Portland required a bit of help from the PDX TRACON since we picked up an IFR clearance to get started on an RNAV approach back into home base.  Even though we needed the IFR work to get in, the weather was still being helpful, since it was warm enough that there was no icing, a situation sometimes a little hard to come by in the pacific northwest in early spring.  

For the pilots….A early spring GA trip in the pacific northwest… What more could you ask for?  Be proficient, fly safe, and keep the shiny side up!  

For those adventurers, get out there and be local tourists!  

Cheers, 

Wings NW Real Estate