Yesterday, the flight from Anchorage to Sand Point, then on to Cold Bay was uneventful. Once we got to Cold Bay we were put in "hurry up and wait mode". We waited in the terminal for about 3 hours before we finally got the go ahead for the flight to False Pass. We tried to fly here yesterday and got all the way to the strait but had to turn around to due poor visibility as the fog was down to the deck. Listening to the AWOS on the way, I heard it report the visibility in False Pass at 6 miles, then within the 15 minute flight the visibility steadily dropped to 5 miles, 3.5 miles, 1.5 miles than finally, 0.5 miles. Inevitably, I hear the pilot say, "ya, we're heading back". 10 minutes later we were on the ground in Cold Bay, again.
Then this morning I get the call, "we're gona try for False Pass here soon". About half hour later, we get all loaded and ascend out of Cold Bay. I should have taken a photo cause there's no way to express the slight fear I had when all I could see was white. The fog was thick but I was assured it was "nice" in False Pass. I like flying in small planes, but I cant help but feel a little nervous when I can't see more than 5 ft ahead of me. At least I know the route we're taking has no sudden mountains to slam into. Once we got to the Pass it cleared up, but we weren't out of the woods just yet. The wind was most certainly picking up. The pilot says, "make sure your seat-belt is tight, we're gona make...an interesting approach". "interesting". indeed. The plane makes a few sudden 10 ft drops because of the drafts coming over the mountains. My stomach ends up in my throat 3 times. At least we can see the village and the runway. My knuckles turn white as I grab the "oh shit" handle on the right. I quickly wonder if I will accidentally pull it off the retainer bolts. The approach was interesting all right. We head perpendicular to the runway and I wonder when the pilot will start making the turn straighten out. Just as the thoughts turn to "oh shit" he makes one last quick adjustment as we're about 10ft off the ground and "swoosh"! we turn and land all at once. That certainly got my heart rate up.
I'm now settled in False Pass for the next 4 weeks. There's hardly any snow on the ground and the weather is fair for the moment. I'm very pleased to have internet and satellite TV in the house I'm staying in. Looking forward to taking the Rhino for a cruise later with camera in hand.
Here's the link for the FAA weather cams for False Pass, Alaska.
http://avcams.faa.gov/viewsite.php?bookmark=70QBZOAR
