It was an enjoyable afternoon at the pub for the Xmas lunch. Thanks to Rob Barron for suggesting the function and thanks to James,for organizing it.Great turnout.

Len

Christmas lunch at the Big Ridge/PUFA

What a great turnout for lunch today. It was nice to have so many of our group together. Shades of years gone by when a Christmas get together was expected and a normal part of our group activity. I for one hope that todays event is the first of many.

Some of you may know that there is a movement to re-instate PUFA, the Pacific Ultralight Flying Association. There are many changes proposed by Transport Canada which will involve the Ultralight community and without representation our points of view will go unheard. We as a group need representation. Fred Glasbergen spoke for us in Ottawa as the Pacific Ultralight Flying Association in favour of Passenger Carrying when the Eastern group UPAC was fervently against it. Fred has volunteered his time and expertise to be a spokesperson for the West Coast pilot community but needs your support so that we can speak as a group. Robbie Barron has volunteered to be part of the executive and I hope you will give both Rob and Fred your full support. Comments please.

James.

Xmas Lunch at the Big Ridge

Hi group,

Following up on the last post, I have reserved space at the Big Ridge Brewing Co on 152nd st for noon next Sunday. I need to know how many are coming to make sure everyone has a seat. Please call or email me.  All are welcome.

James.

Xmas get together

Hi there Group,

Some of our group have been suggesting a Pre-Christmas get together which I think is a great idea. I have taken it upon myself to organise a lunch for next Sunday, venue to be chosen and is up for suggestion. I need to know how many of us will be available so that I can reserve space if necessary. Everyone is welcome, the more the merrier, dutch treat of course. Please let me know if you would like to join us either by comment on the blog or my personal email

James.

Winter above the Coquahalla Hwy

THE BIG SILENCE what if

Just an audio recording from Pilot workshop .com    click here to listen here is noise

new Title pix.

The new title picture is Fred's SeaRey at Seachelt lake 4500ft ASL. it was send in by Fred on Jan 18 2008

Fly with the eagles

The eagles are back. It is the time of year for the eagle migration to their feeding grounds at the Harrison and Chehalis river estuaries. Numbers of birds are usually around the 200-300 mark but this year a record 1500-2000 birds are expected so you guys flying the valley need to be on the lookout.

James.

A poll

1.What kinds of improvements or maintenance are you planning on doing over the winter?

2. How does everyone feel about doing a Christmas dinner somewhere  (restraunt, pub?)

Graval bar in Fraser River ecological reserve?

Subject: Gravel bars Fraser River near Chilliwack - conservation area

Sieg,

I thought you might be interested in this. Bob Barron and myself were playing around on the gravel bars today and ended up landing on one with a nice smooth sandy area. I've seen aircraft in there many times. I think you and your friend with the 172 may even have landed in there on occasion.

In any case we landed there today, and there was a 180 already there with several people already walking around enjoying the day.  As we walked over to say hello we were approached by a couple of parks bc volunteer wardens asking if we knew that the island was an ecological reserve?  Of course we didn't. It isn't marked on the aviation chart. I pulled out my laptop and we checked the Parks BC website and the map they provide doesn't even clearly indicate the area as ecological reserve. It is however a reserve and apparently we aren't welcome there with our aircraft.

Anyway, here is the link to the Parks BC page with the info and a google earth pic of the area in question. Fortunately it's the only ecological reserve in the area, all other gravel bars appear to be fair game.

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/eco_reserve/fraseriv_er.html

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/eco_reserve/fraseriv_er/fraser.pdf

How we could have known about this I haven't a clue. If you feel inclined you can pass the word...or not, up to you.

Best,

Ian J

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