* * * CANCELED - This Weekend Getaway will be Rescheduled * * *

Death Valley, CA -- April 27th

I know, it has been ages since our last Weekend Getaway!  And, since I'm a little late organizing this one, I thought that we'd do a 1-day trip rather than something longer.  So, let's head for Death Valley before it gets hot!  The airport is Furnace Creek (L06), the lowest airport in the nation at -210' MSL.  Remember Death Valley and 20 Mule Team Borax?  Ronald Regan used to appear in the syndicated, 30 min. TV series.  As a kid, I didn't realized that the show was actually sponsored by the Pacific Coast Borax Company (founded in 1927) and was trying to motivate tourism to the area.

Arrive:  Saturday, 4/27 by 10:00 a.m. (1700Z).  Flying from Chandler (KCHD), I plan to go more or less direct (323 nm.) and fly through Alert Area A-231 (north of Luke AFB) as well as the Gladden and Bagdad MOAs.  Even though it's Saturday and everything will probably be "cold", be sure and contact Luke Approach before transitioning the SATR.

FBO @ destination:  There isn't one!  Furnace Creek is a nontowered strip just west of the Furnace Creek Inn and has no services.  (If you need fuel, Lake Havasu, Needles, Laughlin/Bullhead City and Jean (just SW of McCarran) are along the way.)  There are no tiedowns; I suggest bringing chocks.

Ground transportation:  Walk or shuttle.  There used to be a phone at the strip that connected to the resort.  However, I that's been inop for quite awhile.  However, if we call (760)786-2345 using a cell phone, the Inn will send a van down to the strip and pick us up.  It's about 0.75 mi. from the ramp area to the resort.  And, the resort is uphill.  Last time I was there, we took the van to the resort and got a little exercise walking back the plane in the afternoon.

Lunch:  There are a couple of restaurants at the resort.  I don't expect that we'll need advance reservations.  We'll just eat somewhere that looks interesting.

Activities:  Walk around the grounds of the resort.  There are actually two establishments on the property near the airport:  the Inn and the Ranch.  I'm a little confused about which is where.  However, I know that there's a Borax mining museum, a visitor's center, and some gardens.  There's also a heated swimming pool if anyone is so inclined as well as horseback riding.  And, there's a golf course, as well.

Depart:  Mid afternoon?  In my plane, the flight is about 2 hrs.  And, I expect to leave in time to land at Chandler before nightfall.    

If you’re interested in joining us, please contact me:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or480-776-9358.  Or, simply sign-up via our APA website!  As the planning unfolds, I’ll provide additional details.

Small caveat…  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 collecting money.

Looking ahead to May:  Canyon de Chelley National Park near Chinle, AZ

This will be an overnight in Chinle, AZ (E91).  It's a relatively short flight, only 203 nm. from Chandler.  This is a place that I haven't visited, and between then and now, I'll do some investigation.  If you're familiar with the park and what's available, feel free to contact me!