June 2, 2021 - Day Twelve, Flight One
Big Creek Airport, Idaho

Everybody decided to go to nearby Big Creek airport (U60) for breakfast.  It is 15 miles northeast from Johnson Creek as the crow flies.  But the crow better be able to fly pretty high because there are some big mountains in the way.

We got an early start.  I followed Erich in his 182 which was very helpful.  We flew through the valleys.
   
Weaving through the mountains.
   
However, because it was so early in the morning, some mountain were in dark shadows.  I knew they were there, but couldn't see them very well.
   
Plus, there was the sun to contend with.
   

But I made it to Big Creek Airport, elevation 5,743 feet, without incident after a short, but exhilerating flight.  This 3,550 grass strip is low in the center and slopes uphill in both directions: north and south.  You typically land to the south and touch down halfway down the runway just before it slopes uphill.  The hill makes stopping easy.  The lodge/restaurant is at the top of the hill on the south end.

Here, Erich, myself and a Kitfox pilot are parked at the south end of Big Creek.
   
Looking north.
   
Making the short walk to the lodge/restaurant.  There are no roads to this place;  all people and supplies are brought in by air.
   
Yay, Big Creek Lodge.
   
Left to right:  the Idaho pilot who gave us the gouge on mountain flying, Erich, Bob the Kitfox pilot and myself.   This is after a hearty breakfast at the lodge.
   

All the other planes/pilots at Johnson Creek showed up soon after we did.  Look at all those planes!  This remote mountain airstrip in Idaho is busier than my home field Essex Skypark!

Takeoffs are to the north -- taking advantage of the downhill run.
   
 
   
Bob -- an airline pilot -- was going to be flying his Kitfox to multiple Idaho mountain strips today.
   
Assessing the takeoff at Big Creek.
   
I took off, then circled back to get some shots of Big Creek Airport from the air.
 
Here, I'm heading south.
   
Looking down at the Big Creek Lodge and south end of the airport.
   
Close-up.
   
 
   
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