Day 7 - Wednesday June 23 -- First IFR, First O2, First Snow-Covered Mountains

 Day 7 -  Montana to Washington and Oregon

We planned to fly this trip VFR but we were ready to file IFR, if needed.  We had some concerns about the cloud layer from Montana to Washington today so we called a weather briefer.  We reached Cheryl, who was wonderful.  She reassured us that there was just a lot of moisture in the air and nothing serious.  We knew the mountains were high and did not want to become sandwiched between a mountain top and clouds which might come down so we filed IFR.  Most of the way was VFR and we could see very well.  However, I did get about 45 minutes of actual IFR.  I'm fascinated with the clouds.  Here are some of the views we had on this leg.

                                    This is the first time we had to use O2.  We were at 12,000'.

                                           This is the first time we saw snow-covered mountains.

                                                KPUW --  Pullman - Moscow Airport, WA

                                    Work was being done on the runways but not much else.

This fuel pump was confusing.  They also had pumps for three kinds of fuel -- supreme unleaded, 100LL, and Jet-A.  

            

The view as we left Pullman.  The hills were a vibrant yellow and looked like velvet.  Wonder what that plant is?

                                                                    Columbia River

When we arrived at Baker City, OR, we knew there was a woman's touch.  Jenny, the FBO owner, made everything visually welcoming.

We just can't say enough kind comments about Baker Aircraft FBO.  This is the place to go if you visit Oregon.  The people were kind and friendly, they took care of us and were johnny on the spot to fuel us.  They loaned us a courtesy car for our overnight stay and the FBO is decorated in a fun and inviting way. 

                                                

                                                    Claudette is with Wynnae, a flight instructor.

Unfortunately, we did not get pictures but BKE is a base for forestry flights to look for  forest fires and also to capture animals and do research on their migration habits and why some are dying in large numbers.

Oh no!!  What could this be?

                                            Jose and Sam, mechanics extraordinaires, to the rescue.

                                        Myra and Sam exploring the cause of the black streak.

                MOJO is prissy and has special needs.  Thankfully, Sam allowed me to help.

Powder Puff Derby pilots who had to know how to work on planes have nothing on me.  LOL

                                        Sam has a successful look that nothing serious was found.

                                                THANK YOU, Sam for giving us piece of mind.

THANK YOU to everyone at Baker City.  You are awesome!!   We loved your FBO, the people, the decorations, your kindness....