Trip to Alaska Floats & Skis (Don Lee)

[piperrocks2013]

I got a surprise from my lady when I found out last month she bought me a ticket from Saskatoon Saskatchewan to Anchorage Alaska to go visit and do some additional tail wheel training that was required for me to get full hull insurance. For the love of me I couldn't find anyone competent in my neck of the woods. Anyhow I have been friends with Don for a few years and it was time for me to pay him a visit. Got to Anchorage on August 6 and departed for Talkeetna early morning August 7. I arrived at the lodge around 11am and got settled in. Once I was settled in Don himself took me to the airport where I would meet John my instructor for my Bush course/ tailwheel check ride. John took me flying into the Denial mountains where I would learn more about reading winds, clouds etc etc. afterwards he threw me into the fire and got me to land in Talkeetna little runway inside the town afterwards we headed home. Did very that day. Next day we continued landing on several gravel strips less then 1200' and as wide as the gear accomplishing a few circuits so I would get comfortable. Afterwards we did some gravel bar landings, two highway landings following a landing in the Thundra!! Afterwards I was checked out for what I needed. The next day Don taken me up himself as I requested wanted to see his shelter he built on a glacier. Gabby also asked if she could come. What learning curve to land on wheels on a glacier! Anyhow got to check out his cabin. After all that flying I got to go for a ride in Breezy!! For next couple days I helped Don with the planes and did some advanced float flying with the 180hp Constant Speed. Disappointed as Don told me. Not the performer to be expected. Heavy Controls, climb and takeoff run wasn't much better if at all. Just the cruise was improved by 20 mph on floats. After the whole week took a flight in a tri-Pacer back to Anchorage. I sit here in Seattle waiting for my next plane to Vancouver - Saskatoon. When I get home all post some pictures of my new bird.

Hooe everyone is having fun

Jared

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