Flying never to forget (part 2)

Continuing catch up for April 22nd 2018I left Damien, Mark, Michael, Frank and Henry behind, on a high. Following Damien’s advice, I made Shiprock my first goal, just over 120 miles to the north west. During the almost two hour flight, there were many strange looking and fascinating natural geographical land features. Obvious dry river beds could be seen carved into the surface.

Dry river beds are also fun to fly in!

Many formations are caused by water and wind erosion, with others caused through volcanic processes. Many of the ‘carvings’ are below the high flat plains of the area. The plains exist at around 6500ft above sea level. Most features are hidden below the distant horizon and are not noticeable until much closer. One area overflown is known as the “Bisti Badlands”. The ‘features’ within this area are 200ft > 400ft below the height of the surrounding plains. The area was once a river delta that lay west of the shore of an ancient sea. These ‘badlands’ are little traveled and relatively unknown compared to others, due partially to it’s remoteness. Much of the area is only accessible by foot and is not visible from the main NM371 highway which runs closest to the area.

time to have some fun

I wonder what they were thinking?

One hour forty eight minutes after leaving Cabezon Peak, pushed by a slight tailwind, the BZIM was touching down at Shiprock airfield.Landing at Shiprock was simply for an photo opportunity and to add a log book entry.  There was no wind and it was hot. Much more pleasant in the air, so within minutes of landing the BZIM was airborne again heading towards the infamous throat of a volcano, known as Shiprock. Rising 1,583 feet above the high desert plain, it’s peak is 7,177 feet above sea level.

Shiprock

After a few orbits of Shiprock, a heading was set towards Bluff airfield. Landing again was only to add an entry into the logbook, this time not even stopping for a photo. After Bluff, routing next was towards the famous Monument Valley. I wasn’t quite ready for what I saw next. Again, the flatness to the surrounding area hides the change of view, until it was suddenly right in front and below. The San Juan river twists and turns, advancing forward whilst carving an ever deepening canyon. Quickly the river is 1000ft below the surrounding area.

San Juan river gorging an impressive canyon

Monument Valley in the distance

towards Monument Valley

Monument Valley airport was an ideal stopping point, to grab a bite to eat and refuel  from the gas station just across the road from the airport. With three portable tanks fill ups and two fuel transfers, it was two and a half hours later before the BZIM was airborne again.Flying conditions, were still perfect as the BZIM got airborne just before 3pm. The wind had increased a little, but this wasn’t of concern. Being aware of the wind direction in flight (thanks to the MGL Discovery Lite), its possible to make an educated guess where any rotor or turbulence may be encountered. This allowed for these areas to be avoided with ease. Only when entering a canyon, was the occasional jolt felt.

The final flight of the day would take me to Marble Canyon around an hour and a half away. Routing would follow the spectacular Colorado river as it meandered into Lake Powell.  I had been warned to expect stunning views, as ever 😉

Words can’t describe the sense of awe, nor the feeling of being so lucky to be experiencing these sights. Flying in an open cockpit weight-shift microlight added a degree of freedom and connection that is unique!

Overflying Page Municipal Airport

Glen Canyon Dam

The final stages of the last flight of the day provided a stunning approach to Marble Canyon airport. Again, Marble Canyon was  chosen due to the proximity of a gas station opposite providing unleaded gasoline.

Today was an almost a perfect day. Meeting everyone from Double Eagle airport NM, perfect flying weather, some amazing photos, videos and memories. Nothing would ever bring me down from the joy I was feeling as I landed at Marble Canyon….

Marble Canyon airport is located exactly where it says. Within a canyon. Following the cable brake, I found I had no mobile phone reception therefore no internet connection. Quickly booking a room at the hotel across the road from the airfield, I learned they had no wifi access. They did have a single PC available in the reception area, for all guests to use. The BZIM was completely unloaded to gain access to the whole brake cable. I fully expected to be stranded for a few days, so moved everything from the BZIM to the hotel room. Over the next few days, I could sort through the items I had been carrying, whilst waiting on parts for the brakes.

An email was hastily sent to P&M aviation in the UK, describing my predicament. I requested a new cable be sent out to me from the UK. With it being the middle of the night in the UK, I would have to wait til the next day for any reply. With the hotel reception area closing at 9pm, a final check of the messages sent out on Facebook. I noted some comments questioning whether I needed brakes.

After all they were only (for) slowing me down!

towards Monument Valley