Beautiful calm day at Stehekin

[TomD]

Beautiful day and Stehekin just opened and was mowed. Love that place.

I like to land through "the slot" when possible to avoid having to drop over big firs and hemlocks on the straight in approach. Only downside is if there are critters on the runway the go around is later; therefore, carrying a bit more speed buys a little insurance.

https://vimeo.com/338144461/b8350f66c5

TD

[andy]

Very nice! Reminds me a bit of Big Creek Idaho but greener.

[Mountain Doctor]

Great approach!

How was the surface?

Looks like it's smoother than when I was there.

It beat up up 7" Trigear wheels pretty significantly...

[TomD]

Hi Bill !

Strip was really smooth on the South end. As per usual the North end has bare spots with rocks. I departed on the left side of the runway to keep out of the loose stuff.

Since the runway is uphill to the North, it is my preferred direction unless the wind is high enough from the South to overcome the downhill. I think in all the times I have landed there I have landed downhill only once. In addition the bare spots with rocks are on the North end pretty much where you would want to touch down.

Landing to the North in a brisk tailwind is "exciting" and I would avoid it. In fact landing at Stehekin in really windy conditions is "exciting" no matter which direction you land.

[Mountain Doctor]

I've only gone there in light winds.

The approach from my home airport has me flying in the canyon over the lake for 30 miles with sharp gigantic towering snow capped mountains on either side of the fijord.

Quite a beautiful ride but poor options if there is an issue.

This is not a subtle airstrip to visit but I'll go back soon I hope.

Thanks for the Pirep!