We arrived in Phoenix on April the 18th, and drove to Mesa where we stayed overnight. On the evening of the 18th, I was checked out on N80511 at Classic Air Aviation. The Cessna is a 180HP 172M. I was worried about high density altitude, but the aircraft handled all situations easily. The most challenging was Cortez, where with density altitude of 8600 feet, and direct cross wind 10G20 made it a bit of a challenge. The N80511 has vortex generators, which lower its stall speed to 40 knots and that helps to get airborne quickly.
I executed each landing as a short field landing, and each takeoff as a short field takeoff. My recent commercial training helped a lot in executing safe operations near the airports.
On the 19th, we took off from KFFZ (Falcon field) and headed towards Sedona on a 45 minute flight. We were warned by Dave Spetch (A friend through Avare) that I should stay East of KFFZ for 20 miles to stay out of the B airspace of Phoenix in a rising terrain. The terrain rises from 1500 feet at KFFZ (Mesa) to 5000 feet at KSEZ (Sedona), but I had to climb to 7500.
From flat desert terrain of Phoenix area, we were in red stone rocks of Sedona in 45 minutes. KSEZ is on a mesa, and it feels like landing on an aircraft carrier. The wind dictated runway 21 and its an interesting approach to runway 21. Although it makes entry to the left pattern easier from the South East, the ledge at that end sinks the aircraft into the valley on final.
As taught by Roger (my commercial instructor), I aimed for the numbers on the runway, stayed at 65 knots (a little faster than recommended final speed), full flaps, and controlled the descent via power. When I sank (can feel the sinking as it is abrupt), I added full power so the aiming point stayed at the same reference point. Never there were any abrupt pitch or airspeed adjustments. Controlled the altitude with power.
We were greeted by John and Anne Wiley at the tie down. They had flown from Santa Barbara the previous night. From Sedona onwards, they were with us throughout the trip to Cortez. We stayed in touch using frequencies 123.45, and 122.75 when 123.45 was busy.
We drove to the town, where we bought some clothes, ate, and rested.
Sedona from the airport
Anne and Momina, Maheen
John and I, Maheen
Sedona can be busy on the road
Shopping area in Sedona
In an Indian Jewelery shop, I saw a postcard with a beautiful red rock called Cathedral Rock. I asked the shop keeper about its location, then drove to it.
Cathedral Rock in the background
Cathedral Rock
We were ready to fly to Flagstaff. From then onwards we were flying loose formation with Wileys. Anne was our travel agent, booking last minute hotels and rental cars, calling FBOs for tie down fees, checking fuel prices, and securing courtesy cars or rides. Last minute hotel reservations adds excitement to the trip. The aviation go/no-go was not only limited to weather / runways, it now included room availability, FBO closing time, and the quality of the town we are planning to go to.
Departing Sedona from runway 21, runway in bottom right
Towards Flagstaff from Sedona
Arriving in Flagstaff
We took off from Runway 21 in Sedona ahead of Wileys, and turned North to Flagstaff (KFLG). Flagstaff's pattern altitude is 8000 feet, and the density altitude was 9000 feet. The landing though was quite easy with calm winds.Its a short 15 minute flight from Sedona, and the terrain rises quickly. We were full throttle the entire way.
Holiday Inn at Flagstaff is remarkable in a sense that they have a courtesy shuttle to wherever you need to go. Just tip the driver, and he will be there to take you anywhere in the town at any time. Old town Flagstaff is a fun walk, and has some good food.
Desert North of Flagstaff
Lava or tar?
Terrain North of Flagstaff, flew around it
Cameron, start of Marble Canyon
The next morning we took off from Flasgstaff to our way to the Marble Canyon, and the Grand Canyon. This was going to be our longest flight of 3 hours. We had to fly around the Humphrey peak (13000) foot. We took the Western pass, while John flew to the East of it. From green Flagstaff, you end up in Desert of Tuba City within half an hour. The terrain in the desert is quite remarkable. The first signs of the Marble Canyon are at Cameron in Southwest of Tuba City. The Canyon starts like a river, and then gets deeper. The Marble Canyon joins the Grand Canyon. We decided to follow the Marble Canyon to the North of Grand Canyon, outside the 14500 area, and climb to 10500 feet so we could navigate counter clockwise over the Grand Canyon through the Dragon Corridor. Flights to the South should be at 10500, and to the North at 11500. The lower you are the better view it is, so it makes sense to circle counter clockwise. After passing the Dragon Corridor, we flew over KGCN (Grand Canyon Airport). We decided not to land at KGCN or visit the Grand Canyon via foot. KGCN is not a firendly airport with lots of traffic. We had been in flight for 2 hours now, and just after passing KGCN, Momina spilled out the omelette from her nose. We had the flight bags for this inevitable situation.
Marble Canyon starts
Marble Canyon gets deeper
Marble Canyon joins Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon
Crossing Grand Canyon from Dragon Corridor
Back to Marble Canyon
Marble Canyon gets red
N66111 John flying in formation over Marble Canyon
River bend in Marble Canyon
This is not Horseshoe Bend
Close to L41 (Marble Canyon airport)
I had removed the restraining screw from the pilot side window of the aircraft so the window fully opened. I took several pictures of the Northern part of the Marble Canyon while Momina was sick with the window fully open. The kids were in the back seat, and they figured out that the best way to negotiate wind blasts from open windows was by keeping their faces under their jackets. Although they do not appreciate flying, when I turned to check on them, I saw them peeking through the windows at the most bizarre and striking terrain under them.
Protection from the "hurricane" winds of the open window
We had booked the Marble Canyon Lodge for our stay at the Marble Canyon airport. The approach to L41 (Marble Canyon airport) was quite eventful. Momina had just recovered, but was not eager to take pictures, so I was taking all the pictures. I was distracted and incorrectly read the pattern altitude to be a thousand foot higher than it should be. I circled to check the wind cone, found the winds to be favorable for runway 21, and joined the pattern. John was much behind me, and I was the only person in the pattern. On final, I realized my mistake, and did a go around 500 feet above the surface.
Finding wind sock at Marble Canyon airport
Marble Canyon airport
I came back for the approach with correct pattern altitude. Just like Sedona, on approach to runway 21, you sink because a deep canyon North of runway 21 on final has down drafts. Added full power at the feeling of sinking and was able to land like a short field. The short field approach helps quite a bit in negotiating these tricky landings. And whenever in doubt, I am never hesitant to go around.
The lodge at Marble Canyon airport was not as comfy and clean as advertised in Google Reviews. After a short stay at the airport, we decided to abandon our rooms there, and flew to Page. There is a pass North East of L41 for flight to KPGA (Page). If you take the pass, you will not have to climb in circles. Although in windy conditions, flying low over the passes is a recipe for some very bumpy rides (from my experience later on in the trip).
KPGA, wastness and color
Page is now my favorite small town. We stayed here for two days. The two most interesting places in Page are the Antelope Canyon, and the Horseshoe bend. The food here is as cheap and as good at it gets.
First we attempted the Lower Antelope Canyon. Its on a short 5 mile drive from the town near the smoke stacks. The entry fee is $28 for adults, and $20 for kids. We tipped our guide $4 for an even bill of $100 for four of us. Its every penny worth. My tips... Stay in the back, and let the crowds move ahead of you. Visit at 10 am for 11 am tour, so when you are in the middle, its noon time, and the sun is shining through. This makes photography easier. Set ISO 400, shutter at 50, and daylight settings. Do not use the flash. We were told only mono pods are allowed, but we saw people carrying tripods. Chances are that if you stay in the back, you will be thought of as part of the photography group and will be allowed to take the pictures with no other people in the frame. The guides are very helpful so please tip them. I think the Lower Antelope Canyon beats the Yellowstone's Morning Glory pool in our list of most scenic places.
Kids having fun while we wait for our turn at Antelope Canyon
Lower Antelope Canyon entrance
Goes down 120 feet through stairs
Nature at its best
Deep down
With flash
More colors
There is no blue here, but lighter shades of red appear blue
Moi
The Antelope Canyon exit. From top it looks like there is not much here
At the exit of the Canyon, our guide showed the children how to make quick pottery.
I am confident of my observation that every house in Page has an angry vicious dog, trying to get out of its pen, and pounce on you, so walks beyond the main street is not recommended.
The Horseshoe bend is another marvellous place in the Page area. This is a small hike from the parking area of the Horseshoe bend. The walls at the Horseshoe bend drop vertically 1000 feet below to the river. Standing at the very end of the ledges is dangerous. You need a wide angle lens here to take the picture of the whole bend. We visited at sunset, although we were of the opinion that the sunrise would be more spectacular. Or we didn't know the light setting to snap the sunset so that both the Sun and the bend are visible in the picture. Tripod is recommended at Sunset.
Cactus on the Horseshoe bend trail
Horseshoe bend
Scales of the bend
Super woman
The next day we were greeted to some gusty winds, and forecast of medium turbulence hazard at noon. But we stuck to our plans to fly to the Monument Valley (where How the West Was Won was filmed). Planes do not break apart in medium turbulence? and at worst we will slow down if the bumps are extreme. We took off from Page when the winds were calm at around 10 AM. I circled the Horseshoe bend, then flew over the Dam at Lake Powell. I followed Lake Powell to the East. The terrain became rough and started rising quickly. As it is not a good idea to fly over rough terrain with no emergency landing spot, John discovered a green patch, and a pass through the terrain to negotiate the way to the Monument Valley. John got there first. I followed. The winds were howling and wings needed levelling constantly. Then we encountered the forecast turbulence. At first we felt some minor jolts and then a sudden boom that threw the things around. My Avare tablet hit the cockpit top then fell on my lap. Momina started yelling. I checked on the kids and found them giggling. I asked "Are you OK kids?" and Maheen replied "That was so much fun!". Zain nodded. I calmed down Momina but she was not happy.
Up in the air at Horseshoe bend
More Horseshoe
Dam at Lake Powell
Lake Powell, going East
Close to Monument Valley
Lone surviving family of the erosion huddled together
Monument Valley was visible through dust bowls. The wind was blowing the dust hundreds of feet up from the valley floor.
We decided to circle the Monument Valley counter clockwise. I was staying at 7500 feet, 80 knots, and a few thousand feet above the Monument valley floor. The turbulence continued, but nothing as severe as the bone shattering boom earlier. However complicating the matter was up and down drafts during the circling. On the downwind of the buttes, the Cessna was sinking or almost staying level with full power, and on the upwind, it was climbing with power idle. I decided to leave the valley after two circles as I saw tears in Momina's eyes (due to fear). Landing at the monument valley airport was not an option as the winds were not favoring the runway there.
Arriving in the Monument Valley
Circling counter clockwise at 7500 feet MSL
Updrafts take you high
Downdrafts bring you down
One last circle
Contrasts are unbeiveable
Departing East
Goodbye to the wastness of the Monument Valley
Before we took off from Page, we reviewed several airports for destination in the gusty winds and found Cortez, CO (KCEZ) to be the best option (favoring the decision was $3 tie down fee, availability of rooms, and places to see). We headed to KCEZ from the Monument Valley. It was bumpy all along and we flew around the Sleeping Ute Mountain to KCEZ for approach on runway 21. The ASOS reported density altitude of 8600 feet and head wind of 10G20. It was an easy landing. Short field approach with speed a little above recommended to compensate for gusts. The runway at KCEZ is 7000 feet long so I cannot take pride in that landing.
At Cortez
Disney planes
High terrain to the West
Mesa Verde is an hour drive from Cortez. We drove to the Indian villages built in the rocky mesa. The rangers at the park were extremely helpful. They gave the kids all the information about the village history. No entry fee here.
Safe adobe
Soot patterns
No this is not supporting the rock's weight
Inside a chamber in the village
They say its all original and no repairs made since discovered
A dozen villages in this valley / Mesa Verde
One of the biggest village we saw
The gusty winds continued the next day. We extended our stay at the hotel in Cortez, hoping to stay for one more day, as the bumpy rides from the last day had scared my passengers. Then I broke my GPS tablet with Avare. John and Anne decided to leave for Durango, and we were on our own. I decided to continue onwards to Pason, AZ. I was at the KCEZ ready to take off when the winds picked up again. 10G16 direct cross wind, 8000 feet density altitude. Another short field takeoff at the 7000 foot runway, and I was up and climbing before any gust could hit (am I lucky?) although I was prepared for it with full aileron into the wind.
It was turbulent but not as much as the previous day. We headed to the Shiprock. Shiprock is what inspired me to plan this trip. It appeared in the Visual Approach picutre of the AOPA magazine. It was quite turbulent near Shiprock as the rock sticks out 2200 feet from the surface, nearly vertical, and probably disrupts the winds for some nasty turbulence. We decided not to circle it, and moved on towards Pason (KPAN).
Shiprock (NM)
Sticks out of the desert floor half mile up
Colors of the Shiprock
Neverending story?
The terrain rose again, and I had to zig-zag around the rising but interesting terrain to find a couple of passes to the desert ahead. The turbulence had died down, but we had strong head wind.
We flew past another planned destination point called the Meteor Crater. Its a big hole in the desert from a Meteor Strike.
Half formed arches near Chinle
Buttes
Terrain near Chinley
Terrain near Winslow
Disease of the desert?
White cliffs
Meteor crater is deep and big
After the Meteor crater, the terrain towards Pason rose sharply, and I found a pass to the valley where Pason lies 5 miles ahead, 3000 feet down. Big mistake that I flew 500 feet above the pass (lazy not to climb so close to the destination). Another boom, and things thrown around just after passing the pass. And Momina got nervous again. Then another jolt as we passed the second ridge, and then strong downdrafts. I added full power and stopped the descent. Then as we just turned final, smooth air, direct head wind, and a smooth landing. On the ground Momina declared that it was as rough as the previous day especially near Pason. However, she flattered me by declaring me the pilot that makes consistent good landings.
Sky crane at KPAN
Need to say its big?
Whats in the Belly?
Ray at KPAN
Ray (the airport Manager) at KPAN is the nicest airport manager we ever met. He helped us get a rental car, and drove me to a air park next to the airport to show me some houses with airplanes parked in them. The road signs read "Stop sign not for aircrafts" :).
We stayed in Pason for a night. The winds died down the next day. We took off from Pason, and landed at Mesa Falcon Field in the morning, then drove to Scottsdale for a relaxing day. We were quite tired from the trip, yet came back fully satisfied that we saw almost everything of what we had planned to see. It was a visit we will will remember for the rest of our lives.
Last day: Train ride at http://www.therailroadpark.com/ (McCormick Stillman Railroad Park)
