Daughter, Dogs and Desert

A Spring Break 2004

Flying Trip to Southern California

3/26/04

After a fun winter of IMC flying, I was looking forward to a warm trip to Southern California Desert.  After much planning, I decided on a low key spot called Havasu Landing, CA  which is on the other side of the lake from Havasu City , AZ.   The airport was a dirt strip about 5 minutes away and they provided transportation.  The strip is called Chemehuevi Valley Airport.   The weather is typically in the 80’s this time of year.

Jennifer and her Dog, Susie, decided to join me and my dog, Tyler , for some sun and fun.  So early Saturday morning, we headed for the Hillsboro Airport. 

It’s been a cold and wet winter here in Oregon , so I was looking for a little warm weather and some kick back time.  I was a little uncomfortable as the forecast for the desert was in the low 100’s.  This was more typical of late April, early May.  Oh Well!

We loaded all the camping gear into the plane.  We did pack light, but we had bulk.  Time for the dogs and people to board and get settled.  With my IFR flight plan filed, we were ready to start the Daughter, Dogs and Desert flying trip.  The weather in route was cloudy in Oregon , mostly sunny in Northern California and sunny in Southern California .  Our route took us over Medford , Redding and down the Western side of the Sierras to Palmdale and then East over Palm Springs and the desert.

Our first stop was PVF, Placerville , Ca.  We had 15-20 Knot head winds, so it took us 4 hours to get to PVF vs a no wind flight time of 3:30.  PVF is a small GA airport with good gas prices.  The dogs were very happy to get out of the plane.  Susie is a very good plane dog.  Tyler is OK once he’s in the plane, but doesn’t like the noise.

Placerville Airport

Winds favored Rwy 23.  The airport is on a ridge with steep slopes both sides.  The landing about 4 hours with some up drafts was OK.  It took us about 30 minutes to refuel and walk around.  Next leg was IFR (I didn’t need it) to Chemehuevi Valley Airport , 49X, via the Palmdale VOR.

Jennifer was in the back sit to get some shoots of the dogs in flight. 

Havasu Landing Resort on Lake Havasu

Since the Chemehuevi Valley Airport has no approaches, it’s a VFR only airport.  So once I was within 20 miles, I cancelled my IFR flight plan and went VFR.  Above is the Havasu Landing Resort.  It’s a mixed use resort with mobile homes, lots of RV’s and tent camping. 

Chemehuevi Valley Airport

The winds continued to be in our face, so flight time was a long 3.9 hours, which made for a very long flying day.  The best way to describe the Chemehuevi Valley Airport is a dirt strip in the middle of the desert.  The temperature was almost 100 degrees and the updrafts were very strong.  I set up for a downwind for Rwy 34.  Getting down was a challenge.  I had no power and full flaps before the plane finally settled into a descent.  Another OK landing. 

On the ground, ready for a few days in the sun. 

Our camp site.  10 yards from the lake and a very nice shape tree.  It’s over 100 degrees now and our energy level is low.  Time to hit the water and cool off.

Susie is a water dog.  She will fetch anything that’s thrown into the water.  The water is a great place to be in this HOT weather.  After cooling off in the water, we decided to venture out.  The resort runs a boat that takes you to Havasu City on the other side of the lake.  So with dogs in toe, we headed to the boat for a cool refreshing ride.

A man and his dog.

From the air, a shot of Havasu City , AZ.

I didn’t realize the Havasu City was a happening Spring Break place. 

Havasu City is now the home of the London Bridge .  Yes, they moved it, stone by stone from the UK to the middle of the desert in the 70’s.

The 100+ degrees weather finally got to us after 3 days and we headed north to some cooler weather.  We decided to head to Columbia (O22), CA which is in the Sierra foothills.

Our route home.

Susie is checking out the Sierra Mountains as we get ready to cross them.

We traveled up the eastern side of the Sierra’s and crossed over to the western side at Mono Lake .

Columbia Airport

The flight from Chemehuevi Valley to Columbia , O22, was about 3.5 hours.  It was a smooth flight and the wind was light but in our face.  The winds favored Rwy 34.  Soon we were on the ground.  The Columbia Airport is a small and has a nice campground.

Here’s a map of the airport.  You can see the Fly-in Park campground which is where we stayed.

The weather is much better; in the low 80’s and clear skies.  Yes we are in California .

It’s nice to have the plane right next to the campground.  Once we set up camp, I spent 2 hours working on the plane; cleaning, organizing, and getting the plane ready for the coming flight.

A woman and her dog.

Walking in the town of Columbia .

Susie is getting ready to fly home.  She’s a very happy camper.

The flight home was quick.  The flight from Columbia to Redding was 2 hours in very smooth VFR weather.  Redding to Hillsboro was only 2.5 hours as had a tail wind of over 25 Knots.  The weather was rainy in Oregon , so IFR and 12,000 ft were in order.  The ride was mostly smooth with some little chop over Southern Oregon . 

Hillsboro Airport

The cloud cover over HIO was 4000 feet, so I took the visual approach to Rwy 31.  Landing at your home field is always great.  One of my best landings of the trip.