Oregon: John Day, Joseph, in the Maule and Beechcraft.

[Mountain Doctor]

It was a perfect weekend here this weekend.

Although I got to ride my motorcycle all 3 days my flying was more interesting so I thought I'd share:-)



Mt Hood at sunset over the Columbia River. This was coming home from Joseph, Oregon in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. We were in the Maule.



Downtown Joseph. A beautiful mountain town partially surrounded by snowcapped 8,000 foot plus mountians.



The sunset last night while I was flying Monte's Beechcraft home from John Day, Oregon. 180 MPH airplane really rocks. The fact that the landing light failed in pitch black darkness when I was on final approach for Richland was not appreciated though. It worked out fine though, I flew it like a glossy water seaplane landing.



Mt Hood yesterday from the Beech. This was the south approach, the prior pic was from the east.



Bill and Monte with his Beech on the ramp in John Day. VERY highly recommended destination.

[MAU MAU]

Great pictures!

I think you are going to get spoiled in that Beechcraft Rocket.

[Mountain Doctor]

Indeed I am!

It burns some fuel but it gets there fast. It's also easier to fly such a stable craft with it's higher wing loading. The gear makes a great speed brake when it's time to come down also. It really takes a set in a turn, trims out straight, and carries a load.

Of course it lacks the coolness of a Maule (although it has its own), and although it gets up and down well for a fast airplane, it's short/soft field performance is lacking. Everything is a tradeoff.

PLUS, if (when) the shit hits the fan, the motor quits, or a landing is forced for some reason (weather, in flight emergency) I'd want to be in the Maule 1,000 times out of 1,000.