By Leanne Tawoda
The Arizona Pilots Association has done an incredible job saving and rehabilitating Grapevine Airstrip (88AZ). Located on the south shore of Roosevelt Lake, the approach to runway 17 is beautiful. It gives the boaters on the lake a close-up view of many different aircraft as they land on the fantastic asphalt runway. At 3,800 feet long, this allows most aircraft to check it out.
I am here to invite those interested to enjoy the backcountry flying, camping, and great camaraderie. On the third Saturday of the month from October to April, Grapevine has a hosted weekend fly in and camping. Although not everyone is able to come in on Friday, there are a few of us that wouldn’t miss it. I am glad to tell the Friday crowd that the restaurant in Roosevelt is open again and under new management.
On Saturday, there are plenty of members and non-members that fly in and love to talk planes, airstrips, and other exciting adventures! I want to encourage everyone to come out and join us. Watch out for Mike Andresen, there is always something to clean up or work on, and the Grapevine airstrip is maintained only though donations and volunteer help.
Also, why not stay overnight? The weekend host(s) will provide the dinner’s main meal and the sides are brought by the other campers. This results in a fantastic, scrumptious, heavenly, yummy, luscious, divine, tasty, mouth-watering meal with beautiful scenery and wonderful sunsets. In September, Jupiter was rising over the eastern mountain range, competing with Venus in the western sky.
There will be some additions to the weekend. Coming this year, we will have corn hole competitions and other fun activities. Also, how good are you at making a paper airplane? Will it fly? How well will it fly? Won’t you come and join us? Want to be a host? I’ve had many other suggestions, but I would love to hear from you, too.