Matti Dad and I

I'd wanted to get over to Tillamook and the museum with dad since last summer, but the weather never worked out for us on a day we could go flying. Fortunately Sunday was a beautiful day from the start.

As we arrived at Twin Oaks, I wondered if the three and a half hours I'd scheduled would be enough. Surprisingly on such a nice day, I was the only reservation of the day for 4KU, so Betty said not to worry and take it for as long as we need. Great!

We departed and turned west, remaining at pattern altitude for the first 5mi to remain below the only string of clouds along our flight path. Clear of the clouds we climbed to our cruising altitude of 4500ft, taking us over the Coast Range.

Entering the pattern for runway 13 at Tillamook (TMK) at 1100ft (1000ft AGL) from the east requires either a fairly rapid descent after passing the final ridgelines, or a more gradual descent circling descent east of the pattern. To I'm sure the dismay of my passengers ears, I go for the rapid descent. It's quicker, and seems easier to scan for traffic.

An added bonus of Tillamook is the smell of cows while in the pattern. Not a "good" smell, but one that brings feelings of countryside and open space.

Our visit to the museum was enjoyable, as was lunch in the "Air Base Cafe". The size of the hanger always makes you pause. It would have been something to see when full of K class blimps many years ago.

We taxied out to runway 19 and became a little concerned seeing model rockets being launched as we took the runway, but managed to avoid being shot down, making a straight out departure to the southwest.

After crossing the coastline just south of Cape Lookout, we turned north, passing over Three Arch Rocks and Seal Rock, Cape Meares Lighthouse, several fishing boats, and even a broaching whale. Unfortunately we were not able to get a good picture of the whale, but I was amazing how well you could see it from above, even after it dove below the surface.

After we passed Nehalem Bay, and the town of Manzanita, we turned east towards home.

Matti then proved that he is his sister's brother, falling asleep on the return trip, apparently comforted by the turbulence over the Coast Range.

Three generations of boys, a Cessna 172, clear skies, a good day.

The photos from top to bottom:
Entering left base for runway 13 and the Museum in the distance
4KU parked at the museum - Note the size of the doors in comparison to Dad and Matti
Cape Lookout
Arch Rocks and Seal Rock
Nehalem Bay Airport and Nehalem Bay State Park