Every September the biggest canard fly in is held at Rough River, Kentucky. It is an airport on a national park in Falls of Rough. There is a lodge, nice cabins, a lake and, most importantly, a ramp filled with EZ's, Cozies, and Velocities.
We had wanted to go for years, as many of our good flying friends are regulars, but one thing or another always prevented us from going. This year, however, the weather was perfect and we had no conflict so we were able to make it. We were extremely glad we did.
We went down from Friday through Sunday. We caught up with a bunch of friends we normally only see at Oshkosh and made a bunch of great new friends. We hung out, looked at airplanes, went out to dinner, watched fly by's and even did some fly by's and formation flying ourselves.
Here are a few pictures to give you the idea of what it's like.
We decided to stop a few miles short of Rough River for a fuel stop as there is no fuel and no services there. We decided on Lebanon Springfield Airport .
We aren't used to this kind of friendly service or reasonable prices. Our airport, KMQS, is run by Signature. Fuel is $6.25 a gallon and there are fees for everything.
The man at the desk at the FBO ran out to the self serve pump with cold bottles of free water. He then pumped the fuel for us. He apologized because he had just raised the price to $3.70 a gallon - almost half price compared to what we were used to. We then went into the spotless FBO and were given free fresh cookies. I HIGHLY recommend this place as a stop.
It is just a short hop from our fuel stop to Rough River. We look down and see lots and lots of canards already parked on the ramp.
Our friends Brett and Elizabeth Ferrell are already there and hear us call in on the radio. Brett got a great video of our approach and landing. Meanwhile, Nancy got a brief video of our landing from our perspective.
After landing, we are met by Brett and Elizabeth - in matching Oshkosh purchased Velocity shirts no less. We unload the plane, drop our stuff at our cabin and head to the lodge for lunch.
All matchy with the Ferrells
Two folding bikes, two bags and groceries. The Velocity hauls a ton.
After lunch, it's time to head over to the ramp to hang out with airplanes and pilots. It is very sunny and very warm. We had a great time talking to everyone and checking out their planes.
Nancy with Victor Fox, built by the Ferrells
Good shot of the Fox and ramp full of canards
Rene' Dugas' Velocity XL
Nancy in the shade by our plane. Our folding bikes were great.
Camp N929X
A very early model Velocity with original split canopy.
Rene's door is at exactly the wrong height for me. Ouch! Over and over.
Rene' and Nancy
Brooke, Nancy, Rene' and Brett watching fly by's.
Nancy and Rene as an Eracer taxies by.
Rene' Dugas and his Velocity
Rene', Brett and Brook
The Ferrells show their winglets as we tuck the plane in at the end of the day.
After tucking in the planes, we head back to our nice air conditioned cabins for showers and a change of clothes. After a nice dinner, we gather in the Ferrell's cabin for drinks, stories and to celebrate Brett's birthday.
Rene' has found his happy place
Nancy with Brett and Brook
Rene' shows his winglet pose.
....which inspires a group winglet pose.
Rene' assembles his snack with surgical precision. See? Just so.
Brett is presented with his birthday cake and is somewhat enthusiastic.
Toward the end of the night I almost got a face full of praying mantis. the thing landed on my glass just as I was about to take a sip. We shared a toast and I set him free outside.
After some discussion, Rene', Tim and I decided to do some formation fly by's in our Velocities. We spent a good bit of time briefing it. Rene' is a CFI and Tim is also very experienced. I figured that I could at least hold position for simple passes after 300 hours in my Velocity.
Me with Rene'
Reiff with Tim, Rene and me as we brief the flight.
Brett and Reiff will join us to take the photos and video.
After the flight, we taxied back in for some pictures and rest. I was very happy to have been able to take part in this. I really appreciate the instruction from Rene' and Tim and look forward to doing better next time. Still, I am satisfied with how this first try worked out.
Tim taxies in with his speed brake deployed.
Here comes Doc Rene'.
Reiff and I taxi in last.
Tim Nelson and Brett Ferrell. Note Tim's clam shell door.
After parking the planes, we head over to the lodge for lunch, then back to the ramp for more airplane time. The weekend is going by really quickly and we plan to take off for home tomorrow morning.
Elizabeth with Tim Dave
Brett and Elizabeth at lunch
Checking out the pool. Next time I bring a bathing suit. It's hot out.
Rene' in his canard pose.
Hanging by the plane.
Dave Adams. The hardest working man in canard aviation.
As Saturday afternoon drew to a close, we covered the plane, hopped on the bikes and headed back to the cabin to clean up, then went out to dinner at a nice restaurant on the far side of the runway. It was a really fun and enjoyable day with our friends, doing our favorite thing, playing with airplanes.
Nancy and Rene' head out.
Brett, Elizabeth and Rene' head to their car.
Canard parking at sunset as I ride home on my clown bike.
Nancy and Elizabeth point out the catchy name of the restaurant.
Lots of menu jokes about being located at the dam.
Nancy approves.
Bacon wrapped pork!
A nice little steak and Texas toast with fried mushrooms.
Reiff was very specific when ordering his triple bacon BLT
All too soon it was Sunday morning and time to pack up. Elizabeth and Nancy made us all a nice breakfast. There is no explanation for Rene's breakfast.
After breakfast, I bike up to the airport to get the dew off the plane and do my preflight. The sun is just coming up, it's not hot yet and it's just gorgeous out.
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