NOTE: 1/24/13 This has been postponed due to weather.

Off to Palm Springs, CA – Jan. 26-27, 2013

Now that winter has finally arrived in the southwest, we’re going to avoid travel to destinations where the weather might be iffy. A couple of our Carlsbad pilots mentioned the possibility of going to Palms Springs, CA. It’s already on our list of possible Weekend Getaway destinations. And, it’s an easy flight of about 240 nm. So, set aside the weekend of January 26-27. 

Update on 1/16/2013:

Our next Weekend Getaway excursion is an overnight (probably!) to Palm Springs, CA (KPSP) on Jan. 26-27.  Why do I say probably?  Because, you can fly back in the afternoon/evening if you want.  However, you won't be able to have any margaritas (yup, margaritas again) at the Blue Coyote with the rest of us.  Here's our itinerary:

Arrive:  Saturday, 1/26 by 9:30 AM MST (1630Z).  Flying from Chandler, my home 'drome, one possible route would be KCHD BXK BLH SHADI KPSP.  That's 238 nm., about 1.5 hrs. (no winds) in my plane.

FBO @ destination:  Atlantic Aviation; fuel =  $7.75 - weekend discount = $7.00 .  I'm waiting for a call from the manager regarding a further discount.  (Yes, fuel is pretty pricey!)  I believe that they'll waive the "facility fee".  But, there may be a $20/night tie-down charge.  Hopefully, I can get them to waive that as well.

Ground transportation:  Van rental from Go Rentals.  I've reserved an 8-pax. van in my name; $125.99/day to be split among the occupants.  (If that seems expensive, remember this is Palm Springs...)

Breakfast:  None.  I suggest eating prior to departure.

Lunch:  Either of 2 places at the top of the tram .  There is a cafeteria-style place as well as a more formal restaurant (Peaks Restaurant).  Of course, the meal prices vary accordingly.  We can decide when we reach the top.

Activities:  A variety of stuff...

• Tram ride (www.pstramway.com):  10 min. ride from 2643' MSL to 8516' MSL; tickets:  adults $23.95, seniors (62+) $21.95, & kids (3-12) $16.95.  Depending upon our group size, I may be able to get a discount.  (However, that usually requires 20+ people.)  Bring warm jacket, hat, and possibly gloves...and a camera!  Duration:  TBD
• Art Museum (www.psmuseum.org):  Contemporary, modern, Mesoamerican, Native American, photography, & architecture/design.  Entrance:  $12.50/person.  However, we'll stop at the Palm Springs Visitors Center and pick up free passes for everyone.  Duration:  1-2 hrs.
• Aviation Museum (www.palmspringsairmuseum.org):  Collection of flyable WW II aircraft and memorabilia, located at the airport near our FBO.  Entrance:  adults (18-65) $15.00, seniors (65+) $13.00 .  Duration:  1.5+ hrs.
• The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens (www.livingdesert.org):  Combination desert walk and zoo - extensive facility ~25 min. drive from town.  Tickets:  adults $17.25, seniors (62+) $15.75, & kids (3-12) $8.75 .  Duration:  4-8 hrs.
• Forever Marilyn by Seward:  Come on -- we're tourists!  Get you photo taken next to a 26 ft. tall statue of Marilyn Monroe, located in downtown Palm Springs.

There are a zillion other things to do in Palm Springs.  But, we'll be there for only about a day... 

Depart (optional):  Late afternoon before dinner?  We'll figure out how to get you to the airport...

Dinner:  Blue Coyote Bar & Grill  (www.bluecoyotegrill.com)  Depending upon our group size, we may need reservations.  And, this is for Saturday night!  So, I'll go ahead and reserve some tables and adjust the headcount as necessary. 

Overnight:  Best Western  at 1633 S. Palm Canyon Dr.  Book your room on-line for ~$104.49/night (inc. breakfast).  It's about 4 mi. from the airport, a 10-min. drive.  This appears to be a reasonable compromise between price and quality.  Of course, YMMV.  Again, this is Saturday night -- book soon!  

Depart:   Mid-morning after a  leisurely breakfast.  For something a little more scrumptious that what the hotel has to offer, we could eat at Sherman's Deli & Bakery, about a 4-min. drive away from the hotel.  We can decide after seeing what the hotel has to offer.  If you feel the need to bolt at 0700, better find some like-minded folks to share a ride to the airport.  

 Note:  My friend and fellow pilot Kevin Sandler provided much of the above information.  However, obfuscation and errors are all mine!  

If you’re interested in joining us, please send me an email.   (To minimize last-minute phone calls, etc., early responses would be appreciated!)  If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact me:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (480)776-9358.

As is the case on all of our Weekend Getaway Flights, you are PIC and responsible for all aspects of flight planning, including (but not limited to) weather, routing, and aircraft performance.  The go/no-go decision is entirely yours!  As volunteer trip leader, I’ve selected a destination and will arrange a few details like transportation and possible restaurant (or lodging) reservations that do not involve money.

An aside…  Remember that APA events like this are tax-deductible!  And, membership is only $25/year!  So, if you have a pilot friend who would also like to join us, have him/her become a member prior to the trip.  They would save more than their membership fee on the very first flight!

Blue skies & tailwinds,

Craig

Craig Albright, Secretary

Arizona Pilots Association

480-776-9358 (cell)