Pole to pole! part 5
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 1:59 pmPart 4 is here.
'Lo all! Here we go again!
Ahh; the folks at BFU really know how to entertain friends; especially when their guests have decades of flying stories to tell; like Ed does. The BFU lads kept us up into the wee hours talking about flying; and trading stories of adventure and danger in the wilds.
(I was quite happy to share as well - the original pole-pole flight was big news among blue-collar flying types.
)
After a huge breakfast laid out by BFU Brooks' superb staff; Ed and I climbed back into YYZ. Our destination: Hank's Outpost; the northern paradise getaway.
But first; a quick stop at Bettles to refuel - apparently that's the one service Brooks doesn't provide.
Morning at BFU Brooks.
Takeoff from Brooks; heading for Bettles.
A quick stop to gas up at Bettles.
Takeoff from Bettles - a very nice little airport; I recommend it as a stopover. 
The flight from Bettles to Hanks was long. Looooooooong!
And boring. Ed flew for much of the flight; retracing routes he flew five decades ago. Once near Whitehorse, and back in my old stomping grounds; I took over. Overflying BFU BC; we continued on down the fijords and over the mountains to Hanks - some of the most scenic terrain on Earth. Fuel was becoming a concern - we touched down with less than 15% in the tanks; but that made for an easy landing at Hanks' short strip, at least.
The gorgeous scenery of northern BC.
On approach to Hank's. Visibility not much of a problem. Still low; but I know the area well.
Touchdown at Hank's, scaring the daylights out of a family of ducks.
Down and safe; Ed and I checked into Mira's Bed and Breakfast; then headed for the Pot o' Gold for some much-needed fortification. We plan on staying here for the weekend. The flight hasn't been particularly stressful so far; but in a place like Hank's Outpost it's easy to find a need to relax.
Here's a track of our journey so far:
'Lo all! Here we go again!
Ahh; the folks at BFU really know how to entertain friends; especially when their guests have decades of flying stories to tell; like Ed does. The BFU lads kept us up into the wee hours talking about flying; and trading stories of adventure and danger in the wilds.
(I was quite happy to share as well - the original pole-pole flight was big news among blue-collar flying types.
)After a huge breakfast laid out by BFU Brooks' superb staff; Ed and I climbed back into YYZ. Our destination: Hank's Outpost; the northern paradise getaway.
But first; a quick stop at Bettles to refuel - apparently that's the one service Brooks doesn't provide.
Morning at BFU Brooks. Takeoff from Brooks; heading for Bettles. A quick stop to gas up at Bettles. Takeoff from Bettles - a very nice little airport; I recommend it as a stopover. The flight from Bettles to Hanks was long. Looooooooong!
And boring. Ed flew for much of the flight; retracing routes he flew five decades ago. Once near Whitehorse, and back in my old stomping grounds; I took over. Overflying BFU BC; we continued on down the fijords and over the mountains to Hanks - some of the most scenic terrain on Earth. Fuel was becoming a concern - we touched down with less than 15% in the tanks; but that made for an easy landing at Hanks' short strip, at least. The gorgeous scenery of northern BC. On approach to Hank's. Visibility not much of a problem. Still low; but I know the area well. Touchdown at Hank's, scaring the daylights out of a family of ducks.Down and safe; Ed and I checked into Mira's Bed and Breakfast; then headed for the Pot o' Gold for some much-needed fortification. We plan on staying here for the weekend. The flight hasn't been particularly stressful so far; but in a place like Hank's Outpost it's easy to find a need to relax.
Here's a track of our journey so far: