We left Bremerton National Airport early in the morning for the second left of our flying mini-vacation. Originally we had planned to take the ferry from Bremerton to Seattle for a day in the city, but decided at the last minute to continue on our journey. The weather was just too nice not to get back up in the air.
We followed the Columbia River west with the snow capped
Olympic range to our right. The west coast of Washington State is a long strand of sandy beach. The airport at
Ocean Shores is a perfect landing spot. It's slightly above sea level with clear approaches on both ends. The only caution is frequent crosswinds coming off the nearby waters.
Wayne took the honours and landed. The
Ocean Shores Airport runway is 2700' long and I'm a bit rusty right now. It's always nice to have his extra experience on board. There's no weather information available so we got the ASOS (
Automated Surface Observing Systems) from nearby
Bowerman Airport at Hoquiam. As we got closer, we got a report from a departing twin, wind calm and CAVU (ceiling and visibility unlimited).
There's a lounge and restroom available on the field that was built about five years ago with a combination of donations, city funding and state grants. To get to town it's about a thirty minute walk. But be careful, there are no sidewalks. There's a local taxi, or if you stay at the
Shilo Inn like we did, a courtesy van. We even had a local stop and offer us a ride, but it was such a nice day we decided to walk.
Once you get across the narrow peninsula from the bay to the ocean you will be greeted with crashing surf and the cries of gulls. There are dunes to explore, shells to gather, kites to watch (or get one of your own to fly), horses or scooters to ride, or just relax in the sunshine. Ocean Shores is a perfect winter or summer flying destination. -- Margy
We left Bremerton National Airport early in the morning for the second left of our flying mini-vacation. Originally we had planned to take the ferry from Bremerton to Seattle for a day in the city, but decided at the last minute to continue on our journey. The weather was just too nice not to get back up in the air.
We followed the Columbia River west with the snow capped Olympic range to our right. The west coast of Washington State is a long strand of sandy beach. The airport at Ocean Shores is a perfect landing spot. It's slightly above sea level with clear approaches on both ends. The only caution is frequent crosswinds coming off the nearby waters.
Wayne took the honours and landed. The Ocean Shores Airport runway is 2700' long and I'm a bit rusty right now. It's always nice to have his extra experience on board. There's no weather information available so we got the ASOS (Automated Surface Observing Systems) from nearby Bowerman Airport at Hoquiam. As we got closer, we got a report from a departing twin, wind calm and CAVU (ceiling and visibility unlimited).
There's a lounge and restroom available on the field that was built about five years ago with a combination of donations, city funding and state grants. To get to town it's about a thirty minute walk. But be careful, there are no sidewalks. There's a local taxi, or if you stay at the Shilo Inn like we did, a courtesy van. We even had a local stop and offer us a ride, but it was such a nice day we decided to walk.
Once you get across the narrow peninsula from the bay to the ocean you will be greeted with crashing surf and the cries of gulls. There are dunes to explore, shells to gather, kites to watch (or get one of your own to fly), horses or scooters to ride, or just relax in the sunshine. Ocean Shores is a perfect winter or summer flying destination. -- Margy
What a great trip you made! It is so neat that you can fly and see so many places in such a short time. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMany many years ago I got to stay at Ocean Shores for a few months. My husband at that time and his buddy and father had a job there. We dug and canned lots and lots of razor clams. I bet it has changed a lot since then.Oh!! My!! I just figured out that was 48 years ago.
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