New Years Day Flight – As the Props Turns - around the Lions!

I have a great view of  the North Shore mountains and The Lions (also known as the Twin Sisters) when taking my lunch walk at work.  Every time I look at them I think “one day I’m going fly around them”.    Today I did!  While I flew, Darrell took some amazing pictures.

But first I’ll start at the beginning of the day… New Years day… we look out the window and see nothing but white. Fog everywhere.  I don’t give up, I log on, to Ian’s King George web-cam and yes, the airport was clear!   (Thank you Ian!  Your cam is amazing.)

We made the plan to fly The Lions last night, so I was really excited to get going.  Breakfast, the Chevron for fuel, fuel in, gear in, inspection… oops, a bolt is missing from the right side wheel pant.  Found a spare in the trailer and got that on.  Last check of cowling and fuel caps… one cap looks off and a closer inspection found it not completely tight.  After much fiddling we finally got it closed using a wrench.  Why is it so hard to close, when yesterday it was fine?  Hmmm. 

Wheels up and we’re off to Delta Heritage Park for their New Year’s Day Open House.  Visited with friends and enjoyed great snacks and coffee.  “Thank you DHP!”

A Flight Services call for a wind report, and James as our ‘Reliable Buddy on the ground’ with our planned route, we were off.  Straight across Burnaby to the North Shore, Van Tml wouldn’t give us clearance, so we stayed under 1200 until we reached Van Harbour.

Then the climb began.  Not a puff of wind, not a cloud in the sky. 

The Lions

And then the mountains…. Wanting to approach from the West, we flew over Cypress ski hill, which was packed with skiers.

Looking North

Over the Inlet we climbed to 6000 ft and turned East

approaching from the West

 right about here ... we are both in total awe. 

The East Lion

A slow decent to the East

along the edge of the fog,

the hi rises near Coquitlam Centre

and over the Port Mann bridge, back home to King George

This flight was a dream come true, with no wind and clear blue skies. (fog on the ground doesn't count :o)

Happy New Year everyone!

From Darrell & Sharon

C-IZIM