10-19-2013, 10:27 PM | #1 |
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Southeastern Washington desert
Posts: 14,761
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Flight report. HUGE volcanos and beautiful beaches
Monte and I celebrated the beautiful Fall weather today. We took his airplane today, a Beechcraft Bonanza, to Seaside, Oregon, over the spine of the Washington Cascade Mountains. Today we got to see some of God's work up close and personal. I flew within 500 feet of Mt. Adams, did a tight turn around the caldera of Mt. St. Helens, and got GREAT views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Hood, and Mt. Baker. 5 volcanos.
We landed at Seaside, Oregon. Monte did that one and it was beautiful. We walked into town to hit the beach, get lunch (fish tacos. Yummy) and share an elephant ear (a deep fried sugary pastry. Yummy). We shopped a little, talked with people, and then headed back home. I took that leg, and saw speeds of 215 MPH with a slight tailwind. Monte's plane hauls arse. I had an uncannily smooth landing (Thank's God ;-) and called it a day. A great day. Heading east. Mt. Adams behind Mt. St. Helens. Nice little strip. All dorked out but happy. Brother Monte. The runway. Heading for the caldera! Mt. Rainier. Happy pilots. Monte reading the checklist. The Beechcraft. Mt. Adams. Hope you all enjoyed:-)
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10-20-2013, 09:19 AM | #2 |
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Idaho
Posts: 25,054
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I have climbed to the summits of Mount Saint Helens (post eruption), and Mount Adams. However, I hung up my crampons when Mount Rainier tried to kill me. Thanks for posting the great photos, Doc.
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Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894 |
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10-20-2013, 12:39 PM | #3 |
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Southeastern Washington desert
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I couldn't believe just how big and beautiful these mountains are! I have seen them so many times, but I don't recall having fly flown over or around them before when it was quite so perfectly clear and calm I can enjoy it so much. And yes, brother spud, I thought of you being on top of these. I have been offered an opportunity to climb Mount Adams next year, and I am seriously considering it.
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10-20-2013, 01:28 PM | #4 |
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Idaho
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You will need to rent, borrow, or purchase the right gear to be safe. You will need crampons, climbing boots, an ice ax, et cetera. If you get the right gear, do it.
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Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894 |
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10-20-2013, 10:54 PM | #5 |
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Cumming, GA
Posts: 303
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Incredible! Thank's for taking the pictures for us terrestrials!
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10-21-2013, 05:35 PM | #6 |
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sardis, BC, Canada
Posts: 25,977
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What a beautiful sight that must have been! We've driven to St. Helens, and it's stunning on the ground. Any aerial pics of Baker?
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10-21-2013, 06:31 PM | #7 |
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Southeastern Washington desert
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10-21-2013, 07:28 PM | #8 |
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Australia
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Thanks Doc! Beautiful pictures of the mountains. You are blessed to have big mountains like that. Great plane too. You should definitely get one of the action cams and record the experience if you decide to climb it.
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10-21-2013, 07:39 PM | #9 |
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Southeastern Washington desert
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That would help the rescuers figure out how I died ;-)
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10-22-2013, 12:13 PM | #10 |
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sardis, BC, Canada
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Thanks, Doc. I was hoping to see the proximity of the Ranger station at the top vs. the peak, but I can't spot it. We occasionally drive to the top and then hike the trails with Cooper the shop dog. A beautiful sight / site from any angle.
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10-22-2013, 12:18 PM | #11 |
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You can drive to the top of that?!?!
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10-22-2013, 12:18 PM | #12 |
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May wanna look at Google-Earth.
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10-22-2013, 12:22 PM | #13 |
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Location: Sardis, BC, Canada
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Next time you're in the area, we could certainly make the journey.
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10-22-2013, 12:37 PM | #14 |
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Location: Southeastern Washington desert
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That would be amazing. How high is Baker? Looks big outside the plane's window I can tell you that.
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10-22-2013, 08:02 PM | #15 |
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sardis, BC, Canada
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10,781 ft. It's a beautiful drive. Mrs.Weldangrind and her friend have done the trip recently, and they report awesome patty melts at Graham's Restaurant, which is en route. I also know of a pub that was originally a Church, known as the Holy Smoke Tavern. Sounds like we need a field trip.
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Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer |
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