Not Quite Bend and Sunriver...

Nearly a month ago, i had reserved a plane for the entire day. Our plan was to join the Mulino chapter of OPA for a fly-out to Bend for brunch. Audrey, Heatherle, and I would then fly south to Sunriver, returning in the evening.
Unfortunately, as Sunday approached, the weather forecast became more April showers than May flowers. But, if the weather didn't look especially promising for a trip over the Cascades, it was at least forecast to be sufficient for any number of destinations in the valley or Columbia Gorge.


Up early Sunday to pack up and get a weather briefing. Still looked like Bend would be possible by either going south before crossing the Cascades, or via the Columbia Gorge and The Dalles before turning south.

A few sprinkles began as I was pulling an assortment of airplanes out of the hanger to reach 4KU, then rain while prepping the plane, proving the effectiveness of a high wing as shelter.

After landing at a quiet Mulino airport, we intertained ourselves with an assortment of aviation magazine past issues, waiting to see who else would show.

Our small group ended up making the trek across the field for lunch at a local Mulino diner. 

Before leaving, we made a plan to fly over toward Troutdale (TTD) to enter the Columbia Gorge, then up to The Dalles (DLS).

Once airborne we could see that the ceilings were lower than forecast, and visibility had also decreased, so east of Oregon City, we decided to head back to Twin Oaks knowing the terrain from here would avoid the need to climb any higher.


While still VFR, it was probably the worst ceiling and visibility conditions I've flown, so I was happy with the decisions made, and to be back at Twin Oaks. It was kind of sad to leave a plane that I had for the entire day with only an hour of flight time though.



Audrey was not the least bit worried...