Vargas Island Trip

Well fellow pacific pilots and followers, we had a gorgeous day for our trip to the west coast of Vancouver Island.  The weather was beyond perfection for flying, not a ripple in the sky.

We started out departing King George Air Park at 0900, and headed north towards Port Moody where we turned westbound to follow Burrard Inlet, transiting through the beautiful downtown harbour.   Following the Sunshine Coast we made our way over Texada Island over to the tip of Denman Island where we turned north again to follow the east coast of Vancouver Island to make our way to Courtenay.  

After fueling up in Courtenay (No Mogas) we took off again and headed west.  Our route took us past the Comox Glacier enroute to Nootka Island.  

Entering Nootka sound the sheer beauty of the west coast opened up to us.  Flying past the light house on the southern tip of Nootka Island we made our way to the west side of the island to find the beach where the stream for Crawfish Lake meets the mighty Pacific Ocean.  

Landing on an ultra smooth sandy beach is an adventure only a few privileged pilots will ever experience.  

We secured the airplanes we wandered over to the outflow stream from Crawfish Lake and admired the pure beauty of our surroundings.

After we had our fill of beauty bliss, we took off again and made our way to Vargas Island.    En route we saw a Humpback whale take a few deep breaths then dive with its mighty tail in the air.  

Next we saw a ton of Sea Lions enjoying the sun on the beach.  

After following the shore line we arrived at Vargas Island where to our great pleasure, Bob Barron, Sharron and Daryl Toorenburgh were already there enjoying all the beach has to offer.  After doing a flyby to check out the best landing spot we touched down and taxied up to say hello.  

Departing Vargas, it was off to Tofino/Long Beach Airport for lunch.  A big thank you to Len who didn't tell Ian and I exactly where the restaurant was. After wondering where the heck Len went, we called his cell phone to find out the Big Kahuna Restaurant is located at the North West corner of the airport!  

After fueling up the airplanes and our bodies we headed home.  

Ian and I followed Highway 4 to Port Alberni, while Len flew around the Southern Tip of Vancouver Island. Two hours later we were safely home back at King George Air park.  

I must bow my head to my co-pilot Rob, who was able to endure 5.7 hours in the back seat of my Titan Tornado!  

Job well done everyone, and I look forward to our next adventure.

Fly Safe,

David

Humpback Whales and Sea Lions on the flight from Nootka Island to Vargas Island.

Sunday on Vargas Island

Hello Pacific Pilots,

It looks like a great weekend comming up for an adventure.

Vargas update: looks like the trend has been fog until 11:00, so I propose traveling up to Courtany, have a break, fuel you body and plane.  Check the fog situatuon over at Vargas at that time, if it has cleared up we go, if not we pick another destination (skys the limit).

If you plan on joining the adventure, we will depart King George at 0900.  Those departing from other airports, we will meet at up at Courtany.

Please invite anyone you think might enjoy the flight.  We are not an exclusive club, all are welcome.

Any one looking for a copilot or travel companion,  please email me at dcbianchi12@gmail.com and we will find you a mate to join you.

Hope to see you all out there. Remember, Safety first.

HAPPY FLYING!

David

September local flying

September means most of the snowpack has melted away.  If you've ever thought to find the "Nazi Gold" bomber up behind Widgeon Lake, now is the time as it is completely free of the snow that usually covers it most the year.  This picture is from the north side looking south, about 5000'. Crash is circled in red.

Had a look at possible sandbars on the upper Pitt River, with the thought of getting close to the hot springs up there.  Didn't really see anything friendly, some bars between the first bridge and the lake, have a look for yourself.

For reasons unknown, the embedded youtube videos don't appear on a mobile device.  I'll add the URL link below them as a "just in case"

upper Pitt River sandbars

From there I whipped over to Stave Lake and had a look at their bars.  Ended up landing on the airstrip.  It's OK, all the loggers and pipelayers are gone for now.

Stave River sandbars and landing

And finally just the takeoff from Stave Lake.

Stave Lake takeoff

Hope you enjoy the armchair flying and it motivates you out into your plane.  The best flying in the world is in your backyard.

PS.  If any of you genuine gravel bar guys see a promising land-able bar in the video's, let us know.

Aviiation News Journal Sept/Oct 2014 issue via Magzter

http://www.magzter.com/CA/ER_AVIATION_AND_NUTRITION_LTD./Aviation_News_Journal_Magazine/Flying_&_Aviation/#

Homathko Base (Logging) Camp and Stuart Island

Untitled Album  Photos with captions (Click On "Untitled Album"...it will take you there! :) ).

Now take ANJ with you...ANYWHERE...ANYTIME!

Re-Posting: Day Flight into Vargas Island : Picnic on the Beach! August 31st!

Dear Pacific Pilots and friends...(and see response from Guido the "Great Explorer" below the plan):

Some of you are familiar with this little gem of a flying adventure...Wx depending and TIDE depending.

Some of us have NOT been to Vargas,  and so want to make sure SUMMER is captured with this little day trip flying adventure.

We are planning for Sunday August 31st...all depending on TIDE and Weather (Low Tide 10:35).

Bring your own food and Thermos of Coffee/Tea/Water...and let's go PLAY:

Aiming to have a large gathering. David Bianchi and I are spearheading this one.

Let us know your thoughts and attendance...it be FUN to land on the beach...(Experienced pilots only!).

From Guido the Great (my respect to his input and flying experience):

Great idea.  I've had enquiries from some pilots that want to try this but would be more comfortable in a group.

1. Check Tofino weather, especially webcams.  Sometimes it is foggy for a few hours in the morning.

2. Land in the damp sand - shows as grey in your photo.

3.  Once landed, don't go taxiing up into the dry soft stuff.

4.  Don't forget to look for whales in the water.

5.  Park warning not to bring dogs - lots of wolves around.

6.  I think low tide is around 10 or 11 those days, so should be ok.

Alert Bay Visit

Recently visited Alert Bay. Flew up with IZIM who found a convenient campsite beside the airstrip.
They disappeared for Tofino in the morning but we explored the island. Great place to visit, easy walk to Town where we stayed at the Seine Boat Inn. Took just over two hours return via Powell River as it is almost direct.