One of my many pet peeves is thread hijacking, so I'm starting a new one.
N2868C wrote:
cessna170bdriver wrote:Tom,
Since you're in the area, how about resurrecting the old Kentucky Dam fly-in? That one was a no-miss when I was based in Tullahoma. We got 170's from everywhere between Georgia, Texas and Michigan for that one. (I WILL be back in God's Country someday... )
Miles
Hey Miles!!
Kentucky Dam is just 10 miles north of me. Pass on a little info to me and I would be glad to try to resurrect it. That is one of the most under utilized facilities around. As you probably know, there is a nice lodge with lots of accommodations and pretty good food. just 1 1/2 miles up the road. In fact, the wife and I will fly over there, on occasion, and walk to the lodge for their breakfast, even though they offer pick-up service. Let me know what time of year it was held and whether there were airplane campers in the crowd. The only negative may be fuel. There were talking about doing away with fuel, but then, Murray (CEY) is just 20 miles South of there, and I can probably talk Johnny over there into providing us with a little discount. That's close enough to me that I could haul over a few things, like coolers and BBQ grills. I guess all of that took place before my time.
I like the idea!
Tom
Tom,
The Kentucky Dam 170 fly-in was always in early September, either Labor Day weekend or the weekend after, I don't remember which. It would probably be a good idea to separate it from Petit Jean by at least a month, if not more. Back then, there was also a 170 fly-in at Gastons in October, and many of the same folks made both. I don't recall any year I attended that there were less than a dozen 170s. Many times there were airplanes tied down in the grass off of the paved ramp. Dale Faux was hosting when I first started attending in 1982, but Fred Appel and Don Kuhlenschmidt and their wives took over after Dale moved to Florida. I believe Fred has passed away, but you may be able to find contact info for Don (Evansville, IN) in the directory.
I don't think there was much to putting it on other than reserving rooms at the lodge. There may have been folks who camped, but I don't remember any specificially. We usually walked from the airport to the lodge, but there was generally someone who drove in to provide transportation for those who didn't or couldn't walk. There was one year we couldn't get the lodge, but we were able to get into a Best Western or similar within walking distance of the airport. One of the most fun years, Don and Fred arranged for us to rent a couple of boats, and we crossed the lake to a secluded picnic area on the east side of Kentucky Lake (The Land Between the Lakes). On departure day, those who weren't in a hurry to get home usually hopped over to Lake Barkely for breakfast. I believe Barkley provided a courtesy van between the airport and the lodge.
I was based in Tullahoma, TN at the time and usually flew the round trip without refueling. Currently, airnav.com doesn't show fuel being available at Kentucky Dam, but does show 13 airports with 100LL within 50nm.
Miles
Miles
“I envy no man that knows more than myself, but pity them that know less.”
— Thomas Browne
Thanks Miles. I understand the post move, and it was probably a good idea. I'll take a run over to the Dam in the next few days and check it out. Like you say, room accommodations will probably be the biggest hurdle. I will also put a little effort into contacting one of the old hosts, at least to understand why it was dropped.
I know of a terrific breakfast flyout. You just follow that lake South, for about 40 miles and it is on your left. Best breakfast in Kentucky!! Called Southernair Rest. and is located at the West end of the runway at M93, Houston County Airport (3,000' hard surface) just across the boarder into TN. He put on a buffet breakfast for us pilots two weeks ago. It was fantastic and the cost was $5, including the drink!
N2868C wrote:Thanks Miles. I understand the post move, and it was probably a good idea. I'll take a run over to the Dam in the next few days and check it out. Like you say, room accommodations will probably be the biggest hurdle. I will also put a little effort into contacting one of the old hosts, at least to understand why it was dropped.
I know of a terrific breakfast flyout. You just follow that lake South, for about 40 miles and it is on your left. Best breakfast in Kentucky!! Called Southernair Rest. and is located at the West end of the runway at M93, Houston County Airport (3,000' hard surface) just across the boarder into TN. He put on a buffet breakfast for us pilots two weeks ago. It was fantastic and the cost was $5, including the drink!
I'll post more when I know more.
Tom
Tom, it was most likely dropped due to the hosts getting too old, and not being able to find someone to take over. Don is about 85 years old, and not getting around like he used to.
Your breakfast flyout sounds like a great deal. That's cheaper than Barkley was 25 years ago!
Miles
Miles
“I envy no man that knows more than myself, but pity them that know less.”
— Thomas Browne
Okay!!
I took a ride over to Kentucky Dam today to check it out. First, the group planning manager wasn't there, so I need to go back Monday, but I did get a little info. They are very accommodating. You can dry camp at the airport with your airplane. They have two shower and jon facilities, one for men and the other for the girls. They are both very neat and clean. Telephone and weather service computer are also available, plus, a small indoor lounging area. I saw only one outdoor electrical outlet available, and it would have to be shared with the pop machine. The fuel farm appeared dry and deserted.
The parks areas in Kentucky are generally very well manicured. Not the case here right now and it is due to the leftovers from the severe ice storm that devastated this area a couple of months ago. There is still lots of downed wood that needs removed, before adequate mowing can be restored. I'm sure that will all take place, long before September. They also have very nice rooms at the lodge, various sized cabins, and a full hookup camp ground just a couple of miles away.
My thoughts are to ask about room availability for the first two weekends in September. I thought that some folks may want to come in Friday afternoon and some Saturday morning. It sure would be nice if I had any idea on our needs. I was planning to ask them for a block of ten rooms, considering that this is our first year back, and that we would have a few camping types.
I know that the Thorp T18 fly-in is early Oct and they usually have about 15 or so. I know that a local group has a pancake breakfast at the airport several times each year. In fact, they are having one on May 30.
If anyone has any thoughts are would like to make a tentative commitment, please chime in. Otherwise, I will post more after my Monday chat with the group planning manager. By the way, in case you are interested, the identifier is "M34".
Before the Kentucky Dam thing, we used to go to Rough River Dam State park. I think we switched when they would not provide just one night lodging....had to be Friday and Sat night. After that, Fred and Don ramrodded the fly-in every year at KY Dam. We went to some of the Rough River fly-ins when we lived in Naperville, Il and after we moved to Atlanta. Then made several of the Ky Dam fly-ins. Always had a great time and was usually good participation if the weather cooperated. Either one is good, KY has some great State Parks.
I visited with the parks group sales coordinator today. Either Ky Dam, or Rough River would have the same policies and prices. I know both parks quite well. The advantage of the Dam is that it is closer to other points of interest, restaurants, and of course, my house. The biggest advantage of Rough River is the Airport and Lodge, are co-located on the same property, rather than being a mile and half down the road. Given a choice though, I would probably choose Rough River, but either work for me as well, although, I would not be able to provide ground transportation, nor picnic supplies at Rough River. I'd fly into that as well. Also, I need to verify that they have showers at the airport for campers.
The first weekend in September was mentioned. I really don't think that you want to do that, for several reasons. First, it's a holiday weekend, when many folks have family commitments and second, is cost! The room rate goes up to $110/night. Weekend, other than holidays, from Aug 19 thru Oct 31, the rate is $90/night. The best deal is Nov 1 thru March 31, when the rate is only $60/night. Typically, November is gorgeous in KY.
They will block rooms for us, and still have quite a few openings. She did tell me that they have a large golfing group at the dam on the second weekend in Sept. and they have another group that, basically, fills the lodge on the first weekend in Nov. Most everything else is pretty open right now. If Rough River sounds better, I'll check it out.
The only other caveat is if you have to cancel. The have a 7 day minimum cancellation policy, or you forfeit one nights fee.
Chime in with your thoughts on dates and your choice of parks. We probably need to nail something down within the next few weeks.
Dward wrote:Rough River is a very nice facility. If it has a short coming it would be places to eat. Unless you have transportation the lodge is about it.
You're right about that, but the Lodge's food service is better than average. And really, how many meals are we talking about? At the earliest, I see folks coming in on Friday afternoon. So, we need a dinner at the Lodge, and probably a breakfast on Saturday. We'll probably bring along something simple for a Saturday lunch at the airport. Hopefully, we can put together a simple cookout at the airport for Saturday night. Most folks fly out on Sunday morning and, if you want something other than the Lodge offering, there are some pretty nice breakfast spots within reach. Your choice!
It sounds good to me. My oldest has soccer every Saturday but I could either come for the morning or evening depending on game time. One thing to consider though is the date. I think the sport aviation weekend is usually the first(?) weekend in September. It would be kind of cool to do your flyin in conjunction with this one like the swift guys used to do. The down side is the lodge was usually booked up a year in advance. This may not be a problem anymore because this flyin is not as well attended as it used to be.
I called Berry Bannon. He's the guy who puts together the Sports Aviation event at Rough River every September. As you said, they are experiencing reduced interest and are looking for more attendance. For the past few years, they have added the Glass Star group to this event. I asked about adding the 170 group and he was excited to hear that we might join.
They have moved the week to Sept 12, 13, and 14, for this year. The good news is that the room rates will be lower, since it is not a holiday weekend. The bad news is that it is the week before the Lee Bottom event.
It's really a no brainer! Everything is already set up for us. All that you have to do is to call the lodge to reserve accommodations, or just show up and camp. At this time, there are plenty of rooms available. As I mentioned before, the camping rate is 8.50/ nite. Check out the Sports Aviation web site if you need detail info, but basically they have meals planned for both Fri and Sat nights. They charge a $2 flight line pass fee and they have a meeting room reserved that we are welcome to use. Berry stated that they have remodeled the shower facilities at the airport and that they are quite nice.
We're all invited. Just be certain that, if you stay at the lodge, that you let them know that you are part of the Sports Aviation Event. This has to be the easiest start-up 170 event ever. Post your interests and hopefully we can have a reasonable showing. Basically, Berry stated that if you just wanted to attend for the day, or to camp, all you need to do is to show up. However, he would like to have some idea of the planned dinner attendees.
A few Numbers from Berry:
The original Sports Aviation Group will number about 30 airplanes and 50/60 people.
The Glass Star Group will should about 15 airplanes and about 25 people.
If we add 15 or so 170's and 25 or 30 people, that would put the total attendees at around 100. They have dinner meals planned to accommodate 120, so we are good to go!
I suggest you provide "links" and "contact numbers" to this message.
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention. An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
gahorn wrote:I suggest you provide "links" and "contact numbers" to this message.
Thanks for the suggestion. Not sure how to add a real link, but we'll give it a try.
All contact info, dates, activities, services, and highlights can be found here:
Thanks Keith!
It looks like Berry updated the web site and, in fact, left the Sept 18-20 dates. I have been trying to call him, but he must be out of town. So, I called Rough River Lodge and verified that yes, in fact, Sept 18-20 is the correct weekend for this fly-in, and they still have a few rooms left, if anyone is interested. We plan to go, but just for the day on Saturday, Sept 19. Maybe we will get to see a few of the 170 folks there also.
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