BACFest 2015 Recap post your story here

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Unclerap

Headed to Andromeda
From the President:

We just finished BACfest 2015, and it's one for the record books, several records in fact. The biggest in attendance (82), most aircraft (33), 4 foreign registered aircraft in the mix. Every meal, venue, cruise, transport, event came off flawlessly by Denis Weiser and the DBQ team. Dubuque is a great location, in fact Charlotte and I plan to visit again sometime. Thanks to all who participated, and especially to the volunteers, and sponsors.

Everyone be safe on your trips home.

Rap McBurney
President
 
Jim,Val, Matt, Sandra, Tommy, Kathryn, and Denis would like to thank everyone for coming to Dubuque and making the event a success. One thing left, tell us when you are home safe. If it take a few days, keep us posted. Fly safe and have fun!
 
Well, for us it was short but sweet and now as we are ready to head out, bittersweet to say goodbye for a year to so many friends. That being said hopefully being in Texas we can make a few more fly-ins and/or otherwise find a way to see more of you before 2016 in Missouri.
-=-
Mark

P.S. Thanks to Marty for donating the big prize - with 1000 miles to go with two cats in the car I might use the O2 - only question is for us or the cats.
 
Branson, Missouri....date to be determined.
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Fantastic Event that BACfest 2015! Made it home scud running all the way from Dubuque to Springfield, MO... I was never able to get above 2000' for this VFR pilot. But I had a great flight...

Safe travels for the rest of you and I look forward to seeing you all in Branson, Missouri for BACfest 2016!
 
Made it to KBKX
Brookings, SD
South Dakota State Univ.
now heading to Flying Cloud with Andrew
 
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Thanks for a great BACFest! JP and I took off early this morning, easily climbed out through the smooth clouds and cruised to Ohio where we met my brother and (eventually) Alan White for lunch. Our second leg included lots of headwinds, 11,000 feet over West Virginia mountains and an interesting ILS into Richmond VA. Given the storms still tearing up Virginia Beach this is close enough for me!
 
What a great trip! I had to challenge myself to stretch past my comfort zone more than once but found it extremely rewarding. Wonderful interesting people. We were talking on the way home. I said " kinda like a motorcycle club,.but add 10 points to the IQs." She said, "20."
The trip home for a VFR only pilot like a series of "third and one" situations where we were always on the edge of picking a place to land and wait for better ceilings. But didn't need it; home safe and glad we went. Thanks to ebedtime who worked so hard to make it work.
David
81N
Custom III
Founding Member
 
Did the safe thing and rented a car. Home is only 115nm from KDBQ and my home airport ceiling was hanging between 1000 and 1200 all day. Of course when we got home it was at 1600. I'll go pick the Sundowner up tomorrow or Tuesday...
 
Thanks to Denis and all his crew for a fantastic BACFest 2015. We left DBQ at 2:23 p.m. CDT and landed in McCook, NE at 5:40 p.m. Had to stay about 1,500-2,500 agl from DBQ to DesMoines, but the visibility was much greater than 10 miles. After DSM the sky opened up. We stayed fairly low at 4,500 msl to get the best tail wind. It is a let down to leave so many good people and friends, but we look forwards, God willing, to seeing all of you and more back next year at Branson.
 
When the base hit 1800 we got out, 100 miles at 2000 under the base and around a few tall towers (thank you charts) and getting bounced a bit. But with tailwinds we did that 100 miles at 120 knots and 48 minutes faster than Thursday when we did it into headwinds getting in to DBQ. Once the overcast cleared we hit 4500, smooth air and made it all the way to Norfolk, Nebraska (KOFK, boyhood home of Johnny Carson!) where the next squall line started, but that's tomorrow's problem. Fuel is $4.15 here, people are nice and field is great. Filled up (fuel and food) and will see what the weather holds for tomorrow. Still 5.2 hours to go.

Thanks to Dennis and group for the great BAC Fest! Thanks to Rap and the RD's/board for all they did to set us up for this great event.

It was great making even more new good friends, so everybody get to Branson next year!
 
All I can say (well ... of course I will say more) is .... WOW. The efforts of the DBQ team were amazing! And sooooo many newest bestest friends now to get to know better.

My story (travels after back from BAC ... the wonderful adventure continues): Got to the Jet Center with others about 6:45 am. I will be ready when the forecast (2400 ft) comes alive at the airport!

Then saw the ceilings get LOWER and .... waiting for my personal minimum of 1600 agl for heading south. Lots of free coffee and multiple visits with many BAC members (and seeing those IFR guys depart ..... aawwww). Airplane packed and pre-flighted (photo - - going for the "most stuff in a Sundowner" trophy).

Dave pops into the room about noon, excited! "Nelson - - your 1600 just came on the radio!" Determined not to rush for the moment, I saunter out to the plane, re=shuffle a few items, head back to the head for coffee compliance issues, and complete my pre-start checklist. Still good to go! Taxi, run=up, told to cut in front of another mouse (again!) at the runup pad, take the active, and off the ground at 12:37 pm (ok - - - 1737Z) and activate my flight plan. KRAP is no longer in our BACtoBAC schedule due to the weather matching the name. And getting worse if going west.

Head almost due south to avoid that IFR area and hit (KIRK) for the first stop, minding the soft mist of a ceiling that is sticking around 1100 to 1400 agl. Good visibility under and feeling comfortable. Beautiful countryside views. After fueling at Kirksville, check weather and press on straight west.

About an hour later, the forecast and reported conditions become ..... true!! Sky lightens, ceiling goes up, and about 90 minutes later I have the vents wide open to counter the sunshine in the cockpit. Wow! Bypassed my alternate (KEVU) and head into KPHG for fuel. Sweet! Getting to the cabins in CO is definitely off the table for today due to departure time, but hoping to overnight in the clear and tackle the rockies in the morning.

So, it's KPHG for a final fueling, then on to Colby, Kansas (KCBK) were Foreflight sez there are lots of hotels. Arrive perfectly (50 minutes before sunset), call the airport manager and get the key location for the crew car. Very nice. But didn't head to town before taking that beautiful sunset photo of me and my Sundowner here at Colby.

And the suggested hotel here in town (Mark, the airport manager) has a 24 hour hot tub! Life is good.

Hoping to open up the cabin for visitors tomorrow. ALL ARE WELCOME TO STAY. Fly into KANK anytime between now and Friday and I will have the shuttle running and a room for you. Marty and Greg - - - still hoping to have you two come and stay! Good luck with your flights.

Be safe,
Nelson
- - - battling laptop - - - photos to follow
 
photos attempt ... worked!

(1) - no tail weight needed!!

(2) - DBQ about noon

(3) - Colby, Kansas - - my overnight this evening
 

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14 hrs in the FlatButt Express, but Charlotte and I are safe at home. Many thanks for best BF ever. Great job everyone.

Rap
 
Rap - - what an effort! It was GREAT to see both of you.

ALL - - ANOTHER DETAIL ON MY COLORADO CABINS - - no cell phone or internet. So use my land line if you need to chat.

AMEN RIVER HOUSE - - - 719-530-0603
(or a message on my cell phone will eventually be heard)

Nelson Amen
 
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